Experiment. Envision. Empower. Create.
The Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design being developed by Shenandoah University will offer students an immersive hands-on education in diverse studio art. In the College of Arts and Sciences, we believe that art is a powerful catalyst for personal growth, cultural enrichment and community engagement. This dynamic B.A. program is expected to empower and support students as they explore a full spectrum of artistic expression through multiple media and actively engage with our local and global communities.
Students will customize their education through varied pathways, including Graphic Art and Digital Design or Pre-Art Therapy, and with a wide range of elective courses, which will ensure they receive a well-rounded education in theory and skill application that aligns with their artistic interests and career goals.
IMy experience in the art program has been nothing but great to me, and having Professor Abi Gómez as a leader has been nothing but smooth sailing. This opportunity means everything to me. Art has always been in my life and I use it as a way to channel myself and my feelings. I always hoped that art would lead me somewhere, and now that this opportunity is here, I’m taking full advantage of it. Over the next year and a half, I not only want to grow my skills but build myself as an artist and develop my own style, and hopefully lay the foundation for the art majors to come. – Andre Smith ’26
Learn More About This Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design will provide:
- Diverse Artistic Pathways to Support Any Student: Students will experience artistic education through a diverse range of artistic pathways. This program includes (but is not limited to) painting, digital art and design, and sculpture, as it nurtures the next generation of artists through art education. This program offers specialized tracks to help students excel in their chosen field while providing them with a diverse skill set in the arts so that they are prepared to enter the workforce or graduate school.
- Hands-On Community Engagement: This program will go beyond the studio and classroom to provide students with unique opportunities to engage with our community, and apply their artistic talents, skills and knowledge to create positive social and cultural impact. Through partnerships with local organizations and art initiatives, they (and those in the community) will discover the transformative power of art in real-world settings.
- Holistic Arts Education: In addition to honing technical skills in multiple media, the curriculum created will foster critical thinking, creativity and cultural awareness. Students will explore the historical, social and philosophical dimensions of art to better prepare themselves to enter the workforce and graduate school as socially conscious artists.
- Diverse Faculty: Students will learn from SU faculty and from specialized community artists who are successful in their fields and who are passionate advocates for the arts and art education. Their guidance and mentorship will help students gain breadth of knowledge in art and culture and develop both a broad skill set and network to grow the art community.
- Global and International Collaborative Opportunities: Through this program, learners will have the opportunity to collaborate with international partners on creative and artistic projects, including COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning), GVE (Global Virtual Exchange), GEL trips (Global Experiential Learning trips in the US and abroad), and other study abroad initiatives.
- Multiple Career Pathways: Whether students aspire to become professional artists, designers, educators or art administrators, this program will equip them with the skills and knowledge needed in a variety of creative careers.
Core Classes
Planned courses include:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 211 | Survey of Art History: Ancient to Modern | 2 |
| ART 214 | Investigations in Modern Art | 2 |
| ART 216 | American Art | 2 |
| ART 220 | Foundations of Art Design | 3 |
| ART 222 | Color Theory | |
| ART 230 | Intro to Drawing & Painting | 3 |
| ART 250 | Intro to Printmaking & Mixed Media | 3 |
| ART 260 | Intro to Sculpture & 3D Art | 3 |
| ART 270 | Intro to Digital Design Practice | 3 |
| ART 410 | Senior Studio Capstone | 3 |
| ART 425 | Art Internship | 3 |
| TOTAL | 30 |
Graphic Art and Digital Design Pathway
In addition to the core art and design courses (30 credits), students who select the planned Graphic Art and Digital Design pathway will take an additional 30 credits in courses like those listed below:
Art and Design
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 272 | Design Studio 1 | 3 |
| ART 295 | Topics | 3 |
| Take 2 classes from: ART 395 | Topics | 3 each |
| TOTAL | 12 |
Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (two-semester sequence)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
ARVR 105 |
Introduction to Immersive Technologies | 3 |
| ARVR 310 | Immersive Experience Design | 3 |
| OR | ||
| ARVR 205 | Graphic Design for Interfaces | 3 |
| ARVR 240 | 3D Modeling and Design | 3 |
| TOTAL | 6 |
Business
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BA 112 | Mind of the Entrepreneur | 3 |
| BA 393 | Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| TOTAL | 6 |
Media and Communication
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MCOM 220 | Introduction to Photography | 3 |
| MCOM 330 | Principles of Digital Design | 3 |
| TOTAL | 6 |
Pre-Art Therapy Pathway
In addition to the core art and design courses (30 credits), students who select the planned Pre-Art Therapy pathway take an additional 30 credits in courses like:
Art and Design
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 295 | Topics | 3 |
| Take 3 classes from: ART 395 | Topics | 3 each |
| TOTAL | 12 |
Psychology
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 222 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
| PSY 310 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
|
Choose one of the following: |
||
| PSY 317 | Psychology and Culture | 3 |
| PSY 321 | Infancy and Childhood | 3 |
| PSY 322 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| PSY 324 | The Adult Years and the Aging Process | 3 |
| TOTAL | 6 | |
Business
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BA 112 | Mind of the Entrepreneur | 3 |
| BA 393 | Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| TOTAL | 6 |
Meet The Faculty
Abigail Gómez, MFAArt and Design Minors
Studio Art Minor
The Studio Art Minor will offer students an immersive, hands-on education in studio art. This minor focuses on providing the foundational knowledge and skills needed to foster creativity and visual art expression. It is beneficial for students across disciplines, as it increases visual literacy and the ability to communicate ideas visually through multiple media such as (but not limited to) public art, painting and sculpture.
Classes
Students seeking a minor in Studio Art will complete 20 credits in three areas:
Art History
Choose one of the following:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 211 | Survey of Art History: Ancient to Modern | 2 |
| ART 214 | Investigations in Modern Art | 2 |
| ART 216 | American Art | 2 |
Studio Art
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 220 | Foundations of Art Design | 3 |
| Choose two of following: | ||
| ART 230 | Intro to Drawing & Painting | 3 |
| ART 250 | Intro to Printmaking & Mixed Media | 3 |
| ART 260 | Intro to Sculpture & 3D Art | 3 |
| ART 270 | Intro to Digital Design Practice | 3 |
| ART 295 | Topics | 3 |
Upper Division Art Courses
Choose three 300 or 400 level courses:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 395 | Topics | 3 |
| ART 410 | Senior Studio Capstone | 3 |
| ART 425 | Art Internship | 3 |
| ARVR 310 | Immersive Experience | 3 |
| MCOM 330 | Principles of Digital Design | 3 |
Graphic Art and Digital Design Minor
The Graphic Art and Digital Design Minor offers students an immersive, hands-on education in digital arts. This minor focuses on providing the foundational knowledge and skills needed to foster creativity and develop technical abilities. It is beneficial for students across disciplines, as it increases visual literacy and the ability to communicate ideas visually which are essential in today’s workforce and the digital world.
Classes
Students seeking a minor in Graphic Art and Digital Design will complete 20 credits in three areas:
Art Core
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 220 | Foundations of Art Design | 3 |
| ART 270 | Intro to Digital Design Practice | 3 |
| ART 272 | Design Studio | 3 |
Art History
Choose one of the following:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 211 | Survey of Art History: Ancient to Modern | 2 |
| ART 214 | Investigations in Modern Art | 2 |
| ART 216 | American Art | 2 |
Upper Division Art Courses
Choose three 300 or 400 level courses:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 395 | Topics | 3 |
| ART 410 | Senior Studio Capstone | 3 |
| ART 425 | Art Internship | 3 |
| ARVR 310 | Immersive Experience | 3 |
| MCOM 330 | Principles of Digital Design | 3 |