The Bachelors of Arts in Art and Design will offer students an immersive hands-on education in diverse studio art. In the College of Arts and Sciences at Shenandoah University, we believe that art is a powerful catalyst for personal growth, cultural enrichment and community engagement. This dynamic B.A. program is designed to empower and support students to explore a full spectrum of artistic expression through multiple media while they actively engage with our local and global communities. Students will customize their education through varied pathways (i.e. 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.

The Bachelors 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 not limited to) painting, digital art and design and sculpture while nurturing 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, apply their artistic talents, skills and knowledge to create positive social and cultural impact. Through partnerships with local organizations and art initiatives, they (and we 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 which will better prepare them 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 a broad skill set and network students to grow the art community.
• Multiple Career Pathways: Whether students aspire to become professional artists, designers, educators or art administrators, this program will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed in a variety of creative careers.