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Our program includes 2D, 3D, traditional, and contemporary work.

Studio Art Major

The studio art major at Bethany consists of foundational courses in drawing, art history, and design. Depending on your medium, you can choose to take more extensive courses in the areas of painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and graphic design.

Besides spending time in the studio and classroom, you will also learn from local, regional, and nationally known artists who display their work in the gallery and give art lectures. Students also have the opportunity to display their artwork in the student art show at the end of fall and spring semesters. Yearly trips to New York City and biannual trips to Italy are unique opportunities to see and learn about more famous pieces of art.

Our graduates are also expected to have critically examined the role of the artist in society, and considered the unique position and responsibilities of the Christian visual artist. Graduates will be well-prepared for jobs as professional photographers, graphic designers, and illustrators. Students may also choose to take additional courses and gain licensure in K-12 Art Education.

The Art Major at Bethany Lutheran College strives to produce graduates who...

  • exhibit excellent visual and verbal communication skills
  • show competence with all appropriate media and technologies
  • are able to examine visual problems with creativity and insight
  • are familiar with the professional practices in their chosen field of study
  • are able to produce work that is consistently original and meaningful.

Opportunities

Opportunities for the Art and Design graduate include:

  • Graduate studies
  • Advertising design
  • Cinematography
  • Computer animation
  • Freelance art
  • Graphic design
  • Illustration
  • Multimedia production
  • Photography
  • Videography
  • Web site design

 

Entry into the Major

During the freshman and sophomore years, each student is expected to complete the core curriculum. Entry into the major requires a minimum 3.0 GPA in all core studio courses and a 2.0 GPA in all art history courses. Students must submit a portfolio of work for review by the art department at the end of the sophomore year.

Students who seek state licensure for secondary level (grades K-12) teaching of art must first meet all requirements for "Entry into the Education Major" (see Education Major). These students are required to take all courses containing state standards in art (designated with an asterisk below) AND the courses listed under "State of Minnesota Licensure Visual Arts." Consult with the department chair for additional art course requirements for an art major with secondary level licensure preparation.

Lower Division Core Requirements

Freshman core - 18 total credits:

Core art history - three of the following:

Sophomore studio - minimum of 12 credits: The freshman studio core must be completed before second-tier studio courses (Drawing II, Painting II, etc.) may be taken. These may, however, be taken concurrently when necessary.

Upper Division Core Requirements

Upper division art history and criticism (8 credits) - Must include ARTS475 Senior Exhibition and either ARTS450 Art Theory and Criticism or [[ARTS452|Contemporary Issues]].

Area of Emphasis

The student is to choose one of three primary areas of emphasis: 2D, 3D, or Graphic Design. A minimum of 12 upper division credits is required for the major, with at least six credits completed within the area of emphasis.

2-Dimensional emphasis:

3-Dimensional emphasis:

Graphic Design emphasis:

Internship Opportunity

Students may apply through Career Services and the studio art department for the completion of a program of practical experiences. Typical internship opportunities may include graphic design, gallery management, and art education.

State of Minnesota Teaching Licensure in Visual Arts

In addition to the Studio Art major requirements students who seek state licensure for K-12 teaching of Visual Arts are required to take the courses listed above with an asterisk AND the following courses: