Art & Design

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Art & Design is designed to meet a variety of student needs through courses in art history, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Through the program's flexibility and rich variety, students are encouraged to develop their skills and broaden their knowledge in courses that can lead to graduate school or a variety of careers in the visual arts and graphic design. The degree is particularly well suited for those students interested in complementing an additional major and/or minor(s). Students interested in the Arts Management option must declare a B.A. in either the Studio or Graphic Design Option.

Studio Art Option

The Studio Art option introduces and fosters the individual development of seven major areas of study: art history, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Throughout introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses, a balance of theoretical and technical knowledge is emphasized. The Studio Art option is designed to enable each student to focus on one of these areas.

Graphic Design Option

Graphic designers transform communication concepts into visual language using images and typography. The Graphic Design option provides students with a foundation in the theory and practice of graphic design. Graduates from the Graphic Design option are prepared for design-related careers such as web design, advertising, illustration, publishing, animation, and more.

Arts Management Specialization

The Arts Management Specialization provides students with the skills necessary to provide quality leadership in the business aspects of arts organizations. Utilizing an interdisciplinary curricular approach, students gain a broad perspective, discipline-specific knowledge, and practical hands-on experience in arts management. Students interested in the Arts Management option must declare a B.A. in either the Studio or Graphic Design Option.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

While the Bachelor of Arts is a strong liberal arts degree that can accommodate a double major and one or more minors, students looking for a more professionally-oriented program or who have interest in graduate school in the visual arts should consider the Bachelor of Fine Arts program.

Art and Design Department Fellowships

The Art and Design Department offers five fellowships for outstanding junior and senior majors. The stipend is for one academic year and requires some service to the Art & Design Department on a weekly basis. The application process is conducted annually during the spring semester.

Use and Return of Student Artwork

Due to space limitations, student artwork left behind will be disposed of at the end of the semester in which it was completed (unless arrangements have been made between the individual instructor and the student).

Admissions Criteria

All students can be admitted directly into the Bachelor of Arts program in either the Studio Art or Graphic Design option by indicating their intention upon acceptance to Keene State College. Otherwise, students are asked to declare their major in Art & Design preferably by the first semester of the sophomore year to ensure timely completion of degree requirements.

Integrative Studies Requirements

40 credits minimum

Major Requirements

52 credits – Graphic Design Option
56 credits – Studio Art Option
Additional 28 credits - Arts Management Specialization

An Art & Design major (B.A. degree) must select one of the following options:

Electives

Select additional credits to reach a total of 120 credits for the degree.

It is recommended that students in the Studio Arts option take additional studio art courses at the 300- and 400-level as well as additional Art History courses.

Students in the Graphic Design option are encouraged to take additional 200- and 300-level Studio Art and Graphic Design courses.

Degree Requirements

120 credits
40 credits at the upper-level