Department of Art and Design

[1] Mission

The Department of Art and Design views educational achievement as both an individual and collective responsibility. Offering a variety of undergraduate programs in art and design, the department directs the educational progress of students toward quality research, creative practice, and public service.

Art and design transforms those who create and those who respond. The department uses the transformative value of art and design to connect members of the community, enhance and enrich lives, and make us more conscious of ourselves and others in the world.

To accomplish its mission, the Department of Art and Design has established the following goals:

• To challenge students with an intensive curriculum characterized by individualized instruction.
• To reward faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, scholarly and creative endeavors, and community service.
• To maintain facilities and resources that foster opportunities to experience the creation, exhibition, and study of visual arts and design.
• To provide opportunities for community involvement in visual art and design, to broaden public awareness of these practices.

[2] Degree Advancement Requirements

Successful advancement in an art and design degree program requires completion of the Sophomore Major Advancement Interview (SMAI), after which a program of study is created with an art and design faculty member. Students pursuing the BA in Art with an art history emphasis should see §3.3 below. Students pursuing the BA or BS in Interior Design should see §3.4 below.

For transfer students, a minimum of 15 semester hours in art must be taken at the university, including 12 hours of 3000-/4000-level courses. The department accepts courses taken at other accredited institutions; however, courses transferred are not guaranteed to satisfy the specific requirements of the department. In order to receive transfer course credit, transfer students must present a portfolio for faculty review.

Students pursuing the BFA in Studio Art or the BA in Art with an emphasis in fine art or art education are required to participate in a comprehensive review and an exhibit during the senior year.

[3] Baccalaureate Degrees

The following degrees are offered: (1) a BA in Art with an emphasis in fine art, art history, or art education; (2) a BA and BS in Interior Design; and (3) a BFA in Studio Art with an emphasis in ceramics, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture.

[3.1] Art Core Curriculum

Students pursuing the BFA in Studio Art or the BA in Art with an emphasis in fine art must complete the following 38 hours. (Students pursuing the BA in Art with an emphasis in art education go to §3.3.2 below; students pursuing the BA in Art with an emphasis in art history go to §3.3.3 below.)

[3.1.1] Art Core (18 hours)

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6 hours from:

Note 1

Note 2

[3.1.2] Area Studies (20 hours)

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Category A (3 hours):

Category B (3 hours):

Category C (3 hours):

Three (3) credit hours of an upper division technology-oriented art course.

Select one of the following technology-oriented electives:

Additional requirements (6 hours):

Portfolio Courses (2 hours—each course required):

Art History Course (3 hours):

Note: Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Art, see the following sections below:

[3.2] Bachelor of Fine Arts

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The degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) requires successful completion of 120 hours, whose required components include (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see UCA Core requirements and note that ART 2325, 2335, or 2336—required for Art majors and minors—fulfills the LD UCA Core requirement in Critical Analysis, Fine Arts/Humanities) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (again, see UCA Core requirements); (2) 83 hours of art and design courses in an approved BFA major in Studio Art and emphasis degree plan as described below; (3) and electives to bring total credit hours to 120. Art and design courses must follow a prerequisite structure. A minor is not required. This degree may require more than the normal eight semesters to complete.

Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Fine Art enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.

[3.2.1] BFA Major in Studio Art (83 hours)

Admission to the BFA in Studio Art requires an application as described in §3.2.3. After acceptance into the program, students must fulfill all components of the degree, which include the following:

• Art Core (18 hours) (see §3.1.1 above)
• Art Area Studies (20 hours) (see §3.1.2 above)
• Art History (6 additional hours of upper-division art history elective)
• BFA Required Courses (18 hours) (see §3.2.4 below)
• BFA Studio Emphasis (21 hours from one approved emphasis (see §3.2.4.1–§3.2.4.7 below)

[3.2.2] Pre-BFA Track

Students intending to apply for the BFA in Studio Art degree are strongly encouraged to enter the pre-BFA Studio Art track. No emphasis is declared in the pre-BFA track. Upon completion of the Sophomore Major Advancement Interview (SMAI), students with a 2.50 cumulative GPA and a 3.25 major GPA on a minimum of 24 hours of art may apply for entrance to the program. Transfer students, students changing majors, or students changing degree programs may not be required to start the program in the pre-BFA track, but must meet the requirements outlined in this paragraph.

[3.2.3] Acceptance to the BFA Program

Acceptance to the BFA degree program requires approval by the studio faculty of the BFA application which includes the application form declaring the emphasis being pursued, a typewritten statement, an unofficial copy of current UCA transcript, and at least 20 images of artwork. Normally, applications are submitted in the spring of the sophomore year, but applications may be submitted each fall and spring semester. Upon acceptance into the program, students will complete the BFA Required Courses (§3.2.4) and complete courses that fulfill an approved emphasis area.

[3.2.4] BFA Required Courses (18 hours required of all BFA emphases)

[3.2.4.1] Ceramics Emphasis (21 hours)

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Note: If one or more of the courses below have been taken as part of the Area Studies coursework under Category A, B, or C, select additional courses from the studio emphasis electives section.

Required:

Select one of the following electives:

[3.2.4.2] Graphic Design Emphasis (21 hours)

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Note: If one or more of the courses below have been taken as part of the Area Studies coursework under Category A, B, or C, select additional courses from the studio emphasis electives section.

Required:

Select one of the following electives:

Select two of the following electives:

[3.2.4.3] Painting Emphasis (21 hours)

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Note: If one or more of the courses below have been taken as part of the Area Studies coursework under Category A, B, or C, select additional courses from the studio emphasis electives selection.

Required:

Select one of the following electives:

Select one of the following electives:

[3.2.4.4] Photography Emphasis (21 hours)

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Note: If one or more of the courses below have been taken as part of the Area Studies coursework under Category A, B, or C, select additional courses from the studio emphasis electives section.

Required:

Select one of the following electives:

Select one of the following electives:

[3.2.4.5] Printmaking Emphasis (21 hours)

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Note: If one or more of the courses below have been taken as part of the Area Studies coursework under Category A, B, or C, select additional courses from the studio emphasis electives section.

Required:

Select one of the following electives:

Select one of the following electives:

[3.2.4.6] Sculpture Emphasis (21 hours)

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Note: If one or more of the courses below have been taken as part of the Area Studies coursework under Category A, B, or C, select additional courses from the studio emphasis electives section.

Select one of the following electives:

[3.2.4.7] Drawing and Illustration Emphasis (21 hours)

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Note: If one or more of the courses below have been taken as part of the Area Studies coursework under Category A, B, or C, select additional courses from the studio emphasis electives section.

Special Note: ART 3324 Advanced Life Drawing, ART 3326 Advanced Drawing Topics, and ART 4325 Experimental Drawing are required elsewhere in the BFA, however, ART 4325 Experimental Drawing is encouraged to be taken as soon as possible with prerequisites.

Select one:

Select one:

Select one:

[3.3] Bachelor of Arts in Art

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The BA in Art, with an emphasis in fine art, art education, or art history, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see UCA Core requirements and note that ART 2325, 2335, or 2336—required for Art majors and minors—fulfills the LD UCA Core requirement in Critical Analysis, Fine Arts/Humanities) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (again, see UCA Core requirements); (2) sophomore-level foreign-language course (see Related Course Requirement, below); (3) an approved degree program in art; and (4) a minor approved by the student’s minor advisor. A minor is not required for Bachelor of Arts students who complete requirements for teacher licensure.

Related Course Requirement: Students must complete a three-credit-hour foreign language course at the 2000-level or above as well as all course prerequisites. Students with prior experience in a language are strongly encouraged to take a placement exam before enrolling in their first course. See Placement and Credit by Examination in the School of Language and Literature section of this bulletin. Note: CSD 2303 Basic Sign Language, CSD 4303 Intermediate Sign Language, and transferred Guided/Extended Study (i.e., correspondence) courses will not be accepted in fulfillment of the foreign language requirement.

Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Art enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.

[3.3.1] Fine Arts Emphasis (48 hours)

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[3.3.1.1] Fine Arts Emphasis Requirements

Fine Arts emphasis students must complete the following:

• Art Core (18 hours) (see §3.1.1 above)
• Art Area Studies (20 hours) (see §3.1.2 above)
• Nine (9) hours of studio electives
  • Six (6) hours of upper-division Level II studio courses and
  • ART 4388 Advanced Studio or a third upper-division studio course in any studio area
• Capstone (1 hour): ART 4140 Portfolio III [UD UCA Core: Z]

[3.3.1.2] Upper-Division Studio Elective Courses

Level I

Level II

Level III

[3.3.2] Art Education Emphasis (45 hours)

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Students must complete the 38 hours of core and area studies (see §3.1 above); add 3 additional hours of 3000-level art history for a minimum of 12 art history hours, 3 hours studio at Level II, ART 4388 Advanced Studio or a third upper-division course in a studio area; and ART 4140 Portfolio III [UCA Core: Z]. A total of 45 hours of art is required, 21 hours of art education courses (see below), and 14 hours of professional education (see below). The emphasis prepares students for K-12 licensure in Arkansas public schools. Students seeking teacher licensure must complete current UCA College of Education and state requirements. This emphasis and licensure requirements may require more than the normal eight semesters to complete. A minor is not required.

Art Education Courses (21 hours)

Professional Education Courses (14 hours)

For information about teacher education Admission, Exit, and Retention Requirements, see the College of Education page in this bulletin.

[3.3.3] Art History Emphasis (45 hours)

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Students must complete 39 hours of art history courses (see below) and 6 hours of studio to total 45 hours in art history and art.

Major Studio Art Requirements (6 hours)

Art History Elective Requirements (39 hours)

Select 13 from the following Art History elective courses:

[3.4] Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design

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The degree of Bachelor of Arts, with a major in Interior Design, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) major requirements (60 hours) as indicated below; (3) related course requirements (15 hours); and (4) electives to bring total credit hours to 120. A minor is not required.

Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Interior Design enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.

Accreditation information: see §7 below.

[3.4.1] Major requirements (60 hours)

NOTE: Grade of “C” or better required in these courses.

[3.4.2] Related Course Requirements

Part 1: Foundations and Portfolio Assessment (9 hours)

Part 2: Creative Arts Focus (6 hours)

Required

Choose one from the following

Note 3

[3.5] Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

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The degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Interior Design, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) major requirements (60 hours); (3) related course requirements (9 hours); and (4) electives to bring total credit hours to 120. A minor is not required.

Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Interior Design enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.

Accreditation information: see §6 below.

[3.5.1] Major requirements (60 hours)

NOTE: Grade of “C” or better required in these courses.

[3.5.2] Related Course Requirements (9 hours)

Foundations and Portfolio Assessment

[4] Minors in Art

[4.1] Minor in Art (24 hours)

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[4.1.1] Option one – Art

Required Courses (15 hours)

Electives (9 hours)

[4.1.2] Option two – Art and Design

Required Courses (18 hours)

Electives (6 hours)

Note: Any of the 2000-level art history courses—ART 2325, 2335, or 2336—will, for the Art major or minor, fulfill the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Critical Inquiry, Fine Arts/Humanities (FA).

[4.2] Minor in Art History (22 hours)

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Students must complete 22 hours of art, 9 of which must be upper-division courses: ART 2325, 2335 [ACTS: ARTA2003], 2336 [ACTS: ARTA2103]; 4 hours studio art selected from ART 1220, ART 1230, ART 1290; 9 hours selected from ART 3V05 (variable credit), 3301, 3302, 3303, 3307, 3311, 3329, 3335, 3363, 3365, 3385, 3395, 4V02 (variable credit), and 4372. ART 2325, 2335 [ACTS: ARTA2003], and 2336 [ACTS: ARTA2103] must be completed prior to enrolling in upper-division art history courses.

Programs of study for art minors are subject to approval by the Department of Art and Design.

Note: Any of the 2000-level art history courses—ART 2325, 2335, or 2336—will, for the Art major or minor, fulfill the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Critical Inquiry, Fine Arts/Humanities (FA).

[5] Certificate of Proficiency in Historic Preservation (18 hours)

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The Certificate of Proficiency in Historic Preservation is housed in the Department of Art & Design and prepares students for careers in historic preservation, urban planning, document preservation, building technology, sustainable design, preservation planning, cultural heritage conservation, cultural resource management, public engagement, and heritage tourism. Historic preservation is an interdisciplinary field that is reflected in the intersection of courses from multiple fields of study related to cultural resources and the built environment.

Students who complete the certificate will be able to demonstrate mastery and integration of historic preservation knowledge by identifying preservation needs, skills, and techniques by applying specialized knowledge from coursework to a real-world historic preservation setting in their Internship experience. Through this certificate program, students will explore how the natural and built environments reflect the cultures in which they work and the social history of their clients.

The Certificate requires the completion of 18 hours of a coursework.

Required Courses (15 hours)

Elective Course (3 hours)
Choose one of the following:

[6] Honors in Art and Design

Students who major in Art or Design and who demonstrate exceptional ability may be invited to enter the Honors in the Major Program. For details, see Honors in the Major Program.

[7] Accreditation

The University of Central Arkansas is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Accreditation by NASAD includes the Art, Studio Art, and Interior Design programs.

The Interior Design program is also accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

[8] Course Links

Follow this link for ART – Studio Art course descriptions: course link.

Follow this link for ART – Art Education course descriptions: course link.

Follow this link for ART – Humanities and Art History course descriptions: course link.

Follow this link for IDSN – Interior Design course descriptions: course link.