The Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and Design allows students to explore an alternative and/or broader approach to Art & Design Studies. Taking advantage of this curriculum allows students to cross disciplines and techniques from the entire department. This degree requires fewer credit hours than the BFA degrees and allows for a more tailored educational experience. Students may investigate a broader range of interests or focus in one area at a slightly quicker pace.

Bachelor of Arts students take the full range of our foundation courses: Art History I and II, Beginning Drawing, 2-D Design, 3-D Design, and Photography. Except for BFA-specific capstone classes, and assuming that the appropriate prerequisites have been fulfilled, students may subsequently take courses in the eight major disciplines: Graphic Design, Illustration, Advertising Art Direction, Product Design, Fashion Design, Interior Architecture, Fine Arts, and Art History. BA students may also enjoy membership in Art and Design student organizations and may be invited to participate in student exhibitions and competitions, lecture series, and special offerings such as the Columbia Arts/Florence Summer program.

Bachelor of Arts graduates will be qualified for any number of careers within the fields of art and design and have the ability to pursue graduate study. Our recently created Careers Center will help students prepare a professional portfolio that will serve them well. Graphic design firms, advertising agencies, art galleries, and studio apprenticeships are only a few of the possible professional opportunities available to our graduates.

The Art and Design Department also offers a post-baccalaureate certificate of major, as well as a minor in Art History.

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