2018-2019 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Studio Art
The B.A. and B.S. programs emphasize breadth of experience over specialization in a single medium. Students complete a more diverse curriculum including coursework in two and three-dimensional disciplines.
Requirements for a Major in Studio Art
Art majors seeking a B.A. or B.S. degree must complete a minimum of 45 credits in art and design.
General Education
In the GVSU general education requirements, the Foundation section lists ART 101 - Introduction to Art as a choice. ART 101 is not required for the B.A. or B.S. in studio art. Some of the material in ART 101 will be duplicated in the required coursework. B.A. and B.S. majors in studio art are advised to take one of the other classes in the general education Arts category.
Foundations Courses and Review
After completing the Foundations program (ART 150, ART 151, ART 152, ART 155, and ART 157), all studio art and art education students are evaluated by the faculty during Foundations portfolio review for entrance into majors in the Department of Visual and Media Arts.
- ART 150 - Foundations: 2-D Design (3 credits)
- ART 151 - Foundations: 3-D Design (3 credits)
- ART 152 - Foundations: Color and Design (3 credits)
- ART 155 - Foundations: Introduction to Drawing I (3 credits)
- ART 157 - Foundations: Introduction to Drawing II (3 credits)
Other Requirements
Students seeking a major in studio art can earn either the B.A. or B.S. degree. Requirements include completion of the following:
1. Art history electives (credits: 9)
2. Two courses in different 2-D areas selected from the following list (credits: 6)
- ART 210 - Graphic Design I (3 credits)
- ART 257 - Life Drawing (3 credits)
- ART 260 - Introduction to Painting (3 credits)
- ART 265 - Introduction to Printmaking (3 credits)
- ART 280 - Special Topics in Art and Design (3 credits)
- ART 393 - Image Studio (3 credits)
3. Two courses in different 3-D areas selected from the following list (credits: 6)
- ART 245 - Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing (3 credits)
- ART 270 - Introduction to Sculpture (3 credits)
- ART 275 - Introduction to Ceramics (3 credits)
- ART 395 - Space Studio (3 credits)
4. Two studio courses at the 300 level or above (credits: 6)
5. ART 495
Completion of the art history requirements of the B.A. or B.S. program is a prerequisite for ART 495. Students register for a section taught by an art history professor.
B.A. Degree Requirements
Foreign language (third-semester proficiency in a foreign language).
B.S. Degree Requirements
Science (three courses):
- CIS 150 - Introduction to Computing (3 credits)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits)
One course from the following list:
- STA 216 - Intermediate Applied Statistics (3 credits) Credits: 3
- HST 290 - Research Methods in History (3 credits) Credits: 3
Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Studio Art
A general fine arts curriculum (check specific major requirements with your advisor) working toward a B.S. or B.A. degree.
First Year
- ART 150 - Foundations: 2-D Design (3 credits)
- ART 151 - Foundations: 3-D Design (3 credits)
- ART 152 - Foundations: Color and Design (3 credits)
- ART 155 - Foundations: Introduction to Drawing I (3 credits)
- ART 157 - Foundations: Introduction to Drawing II (3 credits)
- Five general education courses
Second Year
- Two courses from art history Credits: 6
- Four studio courses Credits: 12
- Four general education courses or electives
Third Year
- One course from art history Credits: 3
- Two studio courses Credits: 6
- Seven general education courses or electives
Fourth Year
- ART 495 - Issues in Art (Capstone) (3 credits)
- Nine general education courses or electives