Frequently Asked Questions
For Prospective Drawing/Painting Students

Many students go on to graduate studies and seek assistantships to defray costs. Others usually seek day jobs in art related situations (sign-shop) and pursue their own work in their free time or seek gallery representation. Their long-term goal is to sell their work in a gallery and live off sales of paintings. Many also pursue jobs as illustrators, teachers, portrait and mural painters.

YES! Students will take an introductory course in painting their first semester.

Students at the introductory level pay a share, which provides many items used by the students, such as canvas and gesso. After the 200 level class, all students are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. The university provides equipment items such as a chop saw, airbrushes, hand tools, etc.

Introductory classes at the one and two hundred level are from 20-25 students. Upper level may range from 8-15 students.

NO, beginning classes assume the student has no prior experience.

Students work primarily with acrylics, oils, and have a choice if working exclusively with one media.

What is the difference between a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Cinema and a Bachelor of Arts of Bachelor of Science?

The BFA is considered the professional studio degree, as it has more credits in the Drawing/Painting concentration and has more specific requirements in studio, such as Printmaking and Photography. The BFA also has more art history requirements and does not allow a minor. The BA and BS degrees provide students with the option to pursue a minor such as a major in Drawing/Painting and a minor in Music (20 credit hours). The BA also has a language requirement.

If you are accepted into the university you are able to pursue a degree within the school. However, you can present a portfolio to the professor in your studio area who will use your work to gauge whether you should receive an advanced placement credit (replaces course and credit hours) or a waiver (replaces course but not the credit hours) or at what studio level you would begin. This portfolio can be reviewed during a campus visit or with a faculty member during an office hour during the semester. Although there is no required portfolio review to enter the program, Art and Design majors must participate and complete two faculty reviews of their portfolios that are scheduled the twelfth week of each semester.

Students work with models and still-lifes at the lower levels. At the 300 level, students begin to explore their own personal interests as to imagery.