The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design offers three options that students can choose from within the major: an Art Option, an Art Education Option, and a Graphic Design Option.
BFA in Art and Design
The BFA in Art and Design offers three options that students can choose from within the major: a Graphic Design Option, an Art Option, or an Art Education option.
Learning Outcomes:
- Prepare students for professional careers relating to Art and Design and beyond incorporating problem solving, creative thinking, and peer discussion and review.
- Learn foundational Art and Design skills.
- Develop an historical framework of fields in Art through contemporary Art and Design History knowledge.
- Learn to work in multiple medias and become visual communicators.
- Approach projects through the integration of conceptual and practical aspects of Art and Design process with critical thinking and creative innovation.
- Cumulative Capstone experience allowing students to discuss contemporary issues, ideas, in a peer review environment.
- Develop Professional Development Skills (integrate social media, web design, and marketing to promote a vision).
Curriculum & Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| AR 1045 | Art Foundations 2D: Composition and Content | 4 |
| AR 1065 | Art Foundations 3D: Design and Meaning | 4 |
| AR 1075 | Art Foundations Drawing: Line and Language | 4 |
| AH 1150 | Art History Foundations: Prehistory to 1400 (GACO) | 4 |
| AH 1160 | Art History Foundations: 1400-1940 | 4 |
| AG 2100 | Design Software Basics (TECO) | 4 |
| General Education | ||
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Directions (choose from PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 | 4-8 | |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | 3-4 |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| Option Requirements | ||
| Complete one from the following required options: | 61-65 | |
Graphic Design | ||
Art | ||
Art Education | ||
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 16 credits because CTDI is waived for BFA.
The BFA in Art and Design offers three options that students can choose from within the major: Graphic Design Option, Art Education Option, or an Art Option.
Graphic Design Option of BFA
The Graphic Design Option includes a core of Foundation courses, Art History courses, Upper-Level Graphic Design Courses (Focus Area), an Integrated Projects course, and a cumulative Art and Design capstone course. The intent and focus of the Graphic Design option is to graduate students who demonstrate expertise as visual communicators. This option prepares students with a solid visual/educational experience by developing their capacity for critical thinking toward problem-solving, stimulating their creativity and imagination, and preparing them for a wide variety of jobs in graphic design.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option Requirements | ||
| AG 2300 | Typography | 4 |
| AG 3200 | Imagery | 4 |
| AG 3700 | PSU Student Design Company | 4 |
| AG 3450 | History of Graphic Design (WRCO) | 4 |
| AG 4200 | UX/UI: Digital Identity | 4 |
| AG 4400 | Brand Design | 4 |
| AG 3800 | Publication Design (QRCO) | 4 |
| AG 3750 | Digital Animation and Video | 4 |
| AR 4900 | Art and Design Capstone | 4 |
| PT 3200 | Photography: Darkroom | 4 |
| 3000/4000 level Art course | 4 | |
| Free Elective Credits | 21-23 | |
| Total Credits | 65-67 | |
Art Education Option of BFA
The BFA in Art and Design: Art Education option incudes a core of Foundation courses, Art History courses, Art Education courses, and Studio courses designed to help the Art Education candidate to develop a broad range of skills for their future classrooms. Additionally, multiple classroom observation opportunities will occur formally throughout each year and will culminate in a full semester teaching internship in a K-12 school (split into two opportunities, K- 8 and then 9-12.)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AE 2550 | Foundations of Art Education | 4 |
| AE 2660 | Planning and Pedagogy for a Diverse World (DICO) | 4 |
| AE 3550 | Methods and Materials | 4 |
| AE 3770 | Curriculum and Assessment | 4 |
| AE 4880 | Seminar in Art Education | 1 |
| AE 4990 | Art Education Internship in Teaching: K-12 | 12 |
| AH 3000 | Contemporary Art Since 1940 (GACO,WRCO) | 4 |
| AR 3015 | Painting | 4 |
| AR 3295 | Printmaking: Cut, Carve, Etch | 4 |
| AR 3060 | Multi-Media: Design for the Body (QRCO) | 4 |
| or AR 3160 | Multi-Media: Objects and Design (QRCO) | |
| AR 3220 | Multi-Media: Ceramic Concepts | 4 |
| or AR 3230 | Multi-Media: Ceramic Design | |
| AR 3940 | Advanced Studio | 4 |
| ED 2400 | Child and Youth Development in Context (WECO) | 4 |
| ED 2800 | Inclusive Education and Technology (TECO) | 4 |
| or SE 3090 | Introduction to Special Education: Middle and Secondary | |
| Free Elective Credits | 3-5 | |
| Total Credits | 64-66 | |
Art Option of BFA
The Art Option has two tracks: Art Focus and Pre-Art Therapy Focus. Both focus areas include a core of Foundation courses, Art History courses, Upper-Level Art Courses, and a cumulative Art and Design capstone course. Within the Art Focus students can select from a variety of Art courses in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art History, and Art Education to build their own degree based on student interest to prepare them for a variety of careers within the Arts, such as education, design, professional artist, and museum work. Within the Pre-Art Therapy Focus students take courses from the Art Focus plus Psychology courses to prepare students for entrance requirements in a master’s degree art therapy graduate school program; certification at the Master's level is required to practice Art Therapy.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option Requirements | ||
| AH 3000 | Contemporary Art Since 1940 (GACO,WRCO) | 4 |
| AR 3940 | Advanced Studio | 4 |
| AR 4900 | Art and Design Capstone | 4 |
| Focus Area - Create your own focus by selecting from any of the courses listed below or follow the Pre-Art Therapy Focus; one QRCO course required: | 27 | |
Art Focus | ||
AR 3015 | Painting | |
AR 3125 | Painting: Process Exploration | |
AR 3060 | Multi-Media: Design for the Body (QRCO) | |
AR 3160 | Multi-Media: Objects and Design (QRCO) | |
AR 3220 | Multi-Media: Ceramic Concepts | |
AR 3230 | Multi-Media: Ceramic Design | |
AR 3295 | Printmaking: Cut, Carve, Etch | |
AR 3325 | Printmaking: Silkscreen and Alternative Processes | |
AR 3905 | Practicum | |
AR 3575 | Art and Sustainability | |
AR 4700 | Special Topics in Studio Art: | |
AR 4910 | Independent Study in Studio Art | |
AG 2300 | Typography | |
AG 3200 | Imagery | |
AG 3450 | History of Graphic Design (WRCO) | |
AG 3700 | PSU Student Design Company | |
AG 3750 | Digital Animation and Video | |
AG 3800 | Publication Design (QRCO) | |
AG 4200 | UX/UI: Digital Identity | |
AE 2550 | Foundations of Art Education | |
PT 3200 | Photography: Darkroom | |
PT 3400 | Photography: Digital | |
AE 2660 | Planning and Pedagogy for a Diverse World (DICO) | |
AE 3550 | Methods and Materials | |
AE 3770 | Curriculum and Assessment | |
AH 3735 | Gender, Representation, and the Visual Arts (DICO) | |
TH 2500 | Stagecraft Fundamentals (QRCO) | |
TH 2600 | Fundamentals of Costume Construction | |
Pre-Art Therapy Focus | ||
Select 4 course from the following: Ceramics, Printmaking, Painting, Multi-Media, AE Methods and Materials (courses listed above). In addition, take the following Psychology courses: | ||
PS 2015 | Introduction to General Psychology | |
PS 2055 | Life-Span Developmental Psychology | |
PS 3325 | Abnormal Psychology | |
PS 3115 | Research Methods and Statistics I (QRCO,TECO) | |
| Free Elective Credits | 15-24 | |
| Option Total Credits | 62-65 | |
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years. For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester. Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).
Required Option in this Major:
Graphic Design
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
| Year One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| AR 1045 | Art Foundations 2D: Composition and Content | 4 |
| AR 1065 | Art Foundations 3D: Design and Meaning | 4 |
| AR 1075 | Art Foundations Drawing: Line and Language | 4 |
| AG 2100 | Design Software Basics (TECO) | 4 |
| AH 1150 | Art History Foundations: Prehistory to 1400 (GACO) | 4 |
| Credits | 31-32 | |
| Year Two | ||
| AH 1160 | Art History Foundations: 1400-1940 | 4 |
| AG 2300 | Typography | 4 |
| AG 3200 | Imagery | 4 |
| AG 3450 | History of Graphic Design (WRCO) | 4 |
| AG 3700 | PSU Student Design Company | 4 |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | 3-4 |
| Credits | 26-28 | |
| Year Three | ||
| AG 3800 | Publication Design (QRCO) | 4 |
| AG 4200 | UX/UI: Digital Identity | 4 |
| AG 3750 | Digital Animation and Video | 4 |
| Directions (choose from PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 | 16 | |
| Credits | 28 | |
| Year Four | ||
| AG 4400 | Brand Design | 4 |
| AR 4900 | Art and Design Capstone | 4 |
| AR/PT Upper Level Art or Photography I | 3-4 | |
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 3-4 |
| Electives | 16-18 | |
| Credits | 30-34 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 16 credits because CTDI is waived for BFA Art & Design.
Art
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
| Year One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| AR 1045 | Art Foundations 2D: Composition and Content | 4 |
| AR 1065 | Art Foundations 3D: Design and Meaning | 4 |
| AR 1075 | Art Foundations Drawing: Line and Language | 4 |
| AH 1160 | Art History Foundations: 1400-1940 | 4 |
| AH 1150 | Art History Foundations: Prehistory to 1400 (GACO) | 4 |
| Credits | 31-32 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Focus Area Course Selection | 16 | |
| AG 2100 | Design Software Basics (TECO) | 4 |
| Complete one QRCO: | 4 | |
AR 3060 |
Multi-Media: Design for the Body (QRCO) | |
AR 3160 |
Multi-Media: Objects and Design (QRCO) | |
AG 3800 |
Publication Design (QRCO) | |
| WECO | Wellness Connection | 3-4 |
| DICO | Diversity Connection | 3-4 |
| Credits | 30-32 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Focus Area Course Selection | 9-12 | |
| AH 3000 | Contemporary Art Since 1940 (GACO,WRCO) | 4 |
| Directions (choose from PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 | 16 | |
| Credits | 29-32 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Focus Area Course Selection | 4-6 | |
| AR 4900 | Art and Design Capstone | 4 |
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 3-4 |
| Electives | 15 | |
| Credits | 26-29 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 16 credits because CTDI is waived for BFA Art & Design.
Art Education
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
| Year One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| AR 1045 | Art Foundations 2D: Composition and Content | 4 |
| AR 1065 | Art Foundations 3D: Design and Meaning | 4 |
| AR 1075 | Art Foundations Drawing: Line and Language | 4 |
| AH 1150 | Art History Foundations: Prehistory to 1400 (GACO) | 4 |
| AE 2550 | Foundations of Art Education | 4 |
| Credits | 31-32 | |
| Year Two | ||
| AE 2660 | Planning and Pedagogy for a Diverse World (DICO) | 4 |
| AG 2100 | Design Software Basics (TECO) | 4 |
| Choose at least two: Ceramics/Sculpture/Print/Paint/QRCO | 8-16 | |
| ED 2400 | Child and Youth Development in Context (WECO) | 4 |
| AH 1160 | Art History Foundations: 1400-1940 | 4 |
| Credits | 24-32 | |
| Year Three | ||
| AE 3550 | Methods and Materials | 4 |
| AE 3770 | Curriculum and Assessment | 4 |
| AH 3000 | Contemporary Art Since 1940 (GACO,WRCO) | 4 |
| Directions (choose from PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 | 16 | |
| ED 2800 or SE 3090 |
Inclusive Education and Technology (TECO) or Introduction to Special Education: Middle and Secondary |
4 |
| Credits | 32 | |
| Year Four | ||
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 3-4 |
| AE 4990 | Art Education Internship in Teaching: K-12 | 12 |
| AE 4880 | Seminar in Art Education | 1 |
| AR 3940 | Advanced Studio | 4 |
| Electives | 3-5 | |
| Credits | 23-26 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Directions should total 16 because CDTI is waived for BFA Art & Design.
Learning Outcomes for the BFA in Art and Design, Graphic Design Option:
- Learn foundational art and design skills.
- Students are able to demonstrate expertise as visual communicators.
- Students are able to approach design problems through the integration of conceptual and practical aspects of the design process with critical acumen and creative innovation.
- Students develop projects through a combination and balance of both: a) skills developed toward conceptual analyzation, and b) skills in technical proficiency with digital software media.
- Students are able to engage in sustained research necessary to develop comprehensive corporate identity projects involving logo applications, packaging design, promotional and sales displays, publications, market analysis, client need analysis, comparison of competitors in the market, and target audience analysis.
Learning Outcomes for the BFA in Art and Design, Art Option:
- Prepare students for professional careers relating to Art and Design and beyond incorporating problem solving, creative thinking, and peer discussion and review
- Learn foundational art skills
- Develop an historical framework of fields in Art through contemporary Art History knowledge
- Learn to work in multiple medias with potential to choose focus area
- Cumulative Capstone that brings together students to discuss contemporary issues, ideas, in a peer review environment
- Develop Professional Development Skills (Integrate social media, web design, and marketing to promote a vision)
- Provide arts, pedagogical, curriculum, and assessment leadership and implement best practices in teaching, planning, and pedagogy in contemporary art education settings in a comprehensive art curriculum.
- Analyze the developmental learning needs of students and class communities and address these needs in planning and pedagogical practice.
- Participate in the school community, build on constructive criticism and self-reflection, advocate for arts education, develop team and community relationships, and work with curriculum and assessment at the program, school, district, and national levels.
- Develop confidence, a distinct teaching voice, professional identity as an artist-educator and the active engagement in lifelong learning and ongoing professional development in the arts and education.
- Demonstrate knowledge and ability in foundational to advanced studio processes, new media, tools, materials and safety, western and non-western art history, aesthetic theory, art criticism, the role of the arts in society and the development of a portfolio of personal artwork and recognition of exhibition/presentation opportunities.
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IDEA Ambassador Spotlight
Daniela Duque ’26
Daniela Duque, an art-psychology major, has been with the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Center since her first days on campus. “I fell in love with the center’s mission and vision from the moment I walked into that building for the first time!” she says. “What compelled me the most about the idea of working at the center was the opportunity to learn from, help out, and connect with different marginalized communities on campus.”
As a queer person of color, diversity to Daniela means the acknowledgment and acceptance of people's different backgrounds, physical/mental/emotional well-being, and lifestyles. Some of Daniela’s favorite things to do within her free time is to listen to music, read and write, make art, and hang out with friends.
Daniela claims the best part of being an IDEA Ambassador is helping create outreach programs, events, and meaningful relationships with people, both on and outside of the campus community.
If you ever were to find her in a movie, you’d find Daniela in Moonrise Kingdom.
Our IDEA Ambassadors work hard to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and access across our campus and beyond.
Visit the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access site for more information
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