Develop and Strengthen Your Skills, Exhibit Work and Help Manage an Art Gallery
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art
Whatever medium of self-expression you choose, College of Saint Mary’s bachelor's degree in art will help you hone your skills and understand the value of the various media in which artists work. Whether you prefer painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking or any of our other options, you will practice your craft daily.
You will also have the opportunity to participate with the renowned Hillmer Art Gallery — our professional exhibit space. In the gallery, you’ll experience the works of distinguished artists and get the chance to share some of your own work. We also offer a unique gallery management minor with a business background that prepares you to work in a gallery, museum or arts organization.
Students will learn and create in the new state-of-the-art Hollis and Helen Baright Art Studio, opening in 2023. The 1,700 square feet space features vast creating spaces, a kiln, studio space with cleaning sinks and more modern features.
Required Courses in Your Major
Art History
This class provides a survey of the development of the visual arts from the Pre-historic period to the 15th century and in the early 20th century.
Color and Design
You’ll have a basic introduction to the elements and principles of visual expression both for designing and developing an understanding of art.
Basic Drawing
This course is designed to expand your conceptual range and capacity for critical and personal vision. Basic problems are designed to experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques.
Beginning Painting
You’ll experience an introduction to basic techniques of painting with acrylic with an emphasis on representational subject matter, primarily landscapes and still life.
Ceramics
You’ll learn techniques in hand-building, wheel throwing, glazing and decoration with an emphasis on functional and aesthetic design.
Printmaking
You’ll explore the study of materials and techniques involved in the fundamental processes of silk-screening and relief printmaking.
Jewelry
In this course, you’ll learn techniques of metal work adapted to three-dimensional design. Cutting, soldering and casting techniques are explored as you work with silver, bronze and copper metals.
Sculpture
You’ll be exposed to an exploration of different materials, such as wood, clay, plaster and plastics. Emphasis is placed on learning various casting techniques and use of tools.
Photography
This course provides you with an introduction to basic concepts, processes and techniques of black and white photography including camera use, exposure, darkroom procedures and lighting and its controlled application.
Senior Thesis
In this directed study in a major area, you will have the opportunity to culminate with an art exhibit on campus.
Electives
You will also need one Art elective (three credit hours).
Art Internship
The internship is an actual work experience in an art organization, giving students a working knowledge of art practices outside of the classroom. The internship will enhance classroom learning with practical experience.
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
You need 128 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor of art degree in art. 36 credit hours comprise required art courses, 18 credit hours in a minor of your choice and completion of the English and mathematics competence requirements.
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application and transcripts.
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Academic Description
Develop and Strengthen Your Skills, Exhibit Work and Help Manage an Art Gallery
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art
Whatever medium of self-expression you choose, College of Saint Mary’s bachelor's degree in art will help you hone your skills and understand the value of the various media in which artists work. Whether you prefer painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking or any of our other options, you will practice your craft daily.
You will also have the opportunity to participate with the renowned Hillmer Art Gallery — our professional exhibit space. In the gallery, you’ll experience the works of distinguished artists and get the chance to share some of your own work. We also offer a unique gallery management minor with a business background that prepares you to work in a gallery, museum or arts organization.
Students will learn and create in the new state-of-the-art Hollis and Helen Baright Art Studio, opening in 2023. The 1,700 square feet space features vast creating spaces, a kiln, studio space with cleaning sinks and more modern features.
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Admissions Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application and transcripts.
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Curriculum
Required Courses in Your Major
Art History
This class provides a survey of the development of the visual arts from the Pre-historic period to the 15th century and in the early 20th century.
Color and Design
You’ll have a basic introduction to the elements and principles of visual expression both for designing and developing an understanding of art.
Basic Drawing
This course is designed to expand your conceptual range and capacity for critical and personal vision. Basic problems are designed to experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques.
Beginning Painting
You’ll experience an introduction to basic techniques of painting with acrylic with an emphasis on representational subject matter, primarily landscapes and still life.
Ceramics
You’ll learn techniques in hand-building, wheel throwing, glazing and decoration with an emphasis on functional and aesthetic design.
Printmaking
You’ll explore the study of materials and techniques involved in the fundamental processes of silk-screening and relief printmaking.
Jewelry
In this course, you’ll learn techniques of metal work adapted to three-dimensional design. Cutting, soldering and casting techniques are explored as you work with silver, bronze and copper metals.
Sculpture
You’ll be exposed to an exploration of different materials, such as wood, clay, plaster and plastics. Emphasis is placed on learning various casting techniques and use of tools.
Photography
This course provides you with an introduction to basic concepts, processes and techniques of black and white photography including camera use, exposure, darkroom procedures and lighting and its controlled application.
Senior Thesis
In this directed study in a major area, you will have the opportunity to culminate with an art exhibit on campus.
Electives
You will also need one Art elective (three credit hours).
Art Internship
The internship is an actual work experience in an art organization, giving students a working knowledge of art practices outside of the classroom. The internship will enhance classroom learning with practical experience.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
You need 128 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor of art degree in art. 36 credit hours comprise required art courses, 18 credit hours in a minor of your choice and completion of the English and mathematics competence requirements.
