Bachelor of Arts in Art

The Department of Art offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts in art. Students enjoy wide-ranging instruction in fine arts, graphic design and art history, receiving the technical skill, critical perspective and historical background to pursue careers in art and arts-related fields as well as graduate study in art. The visual arts provide a means for educating the mind to focus on nonverbal comprehension, sensate-based awareness and personal feelings that are imbued with meaning, but not easily articulated. The visual arts are a manifestation of the creative mind, influencing and influenced by prevailing social issues and reflecting the energy of contemporary society. They provide the student with opportunities to apprehend the nature of creativity by mastering a particular medium. The Art Department’s role as an SU department is to guide students through a wide range of creative possibilities open to exploration. The department’s mission is to assist students in developing clarity and strength in their artwork and to give energy and expression to their insights, unifying talent and discipline with ideas, feelings and perceptions. The art curriculum is enhanced by various exhibitions and related programs sponsored by the Salisbury University Galleries, and a show featuring works by graduating artists is held each semester. The department has an “open studio” policy, allowing students access to specially equipped facilities even when class is not in session to complete assignments and pursue independent work. Students must complete 52 credit hours in art, at least 20 of which must be at the 300/400 level. Of these 52 hours, 36 hours are required core courses, and 16 hours must be taken in one of the following approved tracks: visual communications, two-dimensional studio, three-dimensional studio or art history. Note that students in the three-dimensional studio tracks have somewhat different core requirements, as listed below. All art courses must be completed with a C or better. Additionally, students must take at least 20 hours of their free electives outside the Art Department (one course must be upper division), including six to eight hours of a foreign language. Students may provide evidence of proficiency to satisfy the language requirement. Select 16 credits in one of the tracks listed below, excluding core courses. Visual Communications B.A. Track Two-Dimensional Studio B.A. Track Art History B.A. Track Three-Dimensional Studio B.A. Track