Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Art major at Xavier University offers concentrations in art history, art education, ceramics, drawing, fiber arts, graphic design, painting, pre-art therapy, photography, print making, and sculpture. The program provides students with access to private studio space and more than 100 arts and theatre organizations in Cincinnati.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Art major includes a mix of studio art courses, art history, and other liberal arts courses. Students can choose from a variety of concentrations, including:

• Art Education
• Art History
• Ceramics
• Drawing
• Fiber Arts
• Graphic Design
• Painting
• Photography
• Pre-Art Therapy
• Printmaking
• Sculpture

Degree Options

The Art major offers two degree options:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): This degree is designed for students who aspire to become professional artists or pursue further studies in art, such as an MFA. The BFA program is more intensive, requiring a higher number of credit hours dedicated specifically to art courses.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA): This degree provides a broader liberal arts education with a focus on art. It is suitable for students who want to combine art studies with other disciplines or who plan to pursue careers in fields related to art but not necessarily as practicing artists.

Course Sequence

The sample course sequence for the Art major includes:

• First Year:
  • Fall:
    • Art 100: Seminar
    • Art 101: 2D Design
    • Art 102: DRAWING
    • Core 100 or Theology 111
    • Second Language I
    • English 101 or English 115
    • Core 101: GOA
  • Spring:
    • Art 105: 3D Design
    • Art Studio elective (100 level)
    • Historical Perspective
    • Core 100 or Theology 111
    • Second Language II
    • Core 102: GOA
• Sophomore:
  • Fall:
    • Art Studio elective (100 level)
    • Art Studio elective (100 level)
    • Art 270: History of Art I
    • English 205
    • Philosophy 100
  • Spring:
    • Art Elective
    • Art Concentration Elective
    • Art 271: History of Art II
    • Philosophy 200 Philosophical Perspectives
    • Theology 200+ Theological Perspectives
• Junior:
  • Fall:
    • Art 441: Junior Seminar
    • Art Concentration Elective
    • History of Art Elective
    • Oral Communications Flag
    • Natural Science Elective
  • Spring:
    • Art Concentration Elective
    • Mathematical Perspectives Elective
    • DCR Flag Elective
    • Social Science Elective
    • Humanities Elective
• Senior:
  • Fall:
    • Art concentration Elective
    • E/RS Flag
    • Quantitative Reasoning Flag
    • Writing Intensive Flag
    • General Elective
  • Spring:
    • Art 490: Senior Concentration
    • Scientific Perspectives Elective
    • General Elective
    • General Elective
    • Core 499

Outcomes

98% of Xavier students, including those in the art major, are working, volunteering, or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2023). Alumni employers include:

• Cincinnati Art Museum
• Boy Scouts of America
• Public Communications Inc.
• American Greetings
• Georgia-Pacific
• Geraci Fine Jewelry Inc.
• LPK: Global Brand Design & Innovation Agency

Sample Courses

• 2D Design (ARTS 101): An introduction to art and design within a two-dimensional context.
• Drawing I (ARTS 102): An introductory studio course focusing on the interpretation of form based on observation from life.
• 3D Design (ARTS 105): A studio course introducing the elements and principles of three-dimensional design.

Clubs

• Xavier Art Society: A club for art students to visit exhibits, organize group art programs, and exhibit their art in numerous locations.
• Xavier Coalition of Black Revolutionary Artists (X-COBRA): A Black-centered organization that encourages and focuses primarily on the art and design world for Black and ally students.

Related Programs

• Related Majors:
  • BA in 3D Animation and Immersive Game Design
  • BA in Digital Innovation, Film & Television
  • BA in Graphic Design
  • BA in Music
  • BA in Theatre
• Related Minors:
  • Arts Administration
  • Art History
  • Digital Media
  • Human Centered Making
  • Music Performance
  • Music Production
  • Music Studies
  • Musical Theatre
  • Studio Art
  • Psychology
  • Theatre

Program Features

• Tailor your art degree to your interests: Choose the degree path that is right for you, whether that’s a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, or a minor in Arts Administration.
• Personal studio and gallery spaces: Access to individualized studio space and showcase your final pieces in the Xavier Art Gallery.
• Study art and see the world: Immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of Italy or Spain through study abroad programs tailored specifically for art majors.
• Located in a city of opportunity: Access to internships and networking opportunities at museums, galleries, design showrooms, media groups, and other organizations in Cincinnati.

Alumni Making an Impact

• Mitch Tapia: A professional designer who used his degree in Graphic Design and extra-curricular activity at Xavier to propel his multifaceted career.
• Cathy Della Lucia: An internationally exhibiting artist and professor who studied sculpture at Xavier.
• Emily Henderson: A high school art teacher and business owner who used her art degree to prepare her for her teaching career and as a business owner.

FAQ

• What is the difference between the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree?: The main difference lies in their focus and intensity, with the BFA being more specialized and intensive for aspiring professional artists, and the BA providing a broader liberal arts education with a focus on art.
• What concentrations are available for art majors?: Concentrations include Art Education, Art History, Ceramics, Drawing, Fiber Arts, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Pre-Art Therapy, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
• What jobs can you get with a degree in art?: An art degree can open doors to a variety of creative and fulfilling careers, including fine artist, graphic designer, illustrator, animator, art director, art teacher, museum curator, art therapist, and more.
• Does Xavier offer an honors program for art majors?: Yes, the University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree.