Program Overview

Art and Art History Program

The Art and Art History program at the University of Connecticut offers a comprehensive education in the arts, with a focus on studio art, art history, and industrial design.

Program Overview

The program provides students with a solid foundation in the principles of art and design, as well as the opportunity to explore various mediums and techniques. The curriculum is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills, preparing students for careers in the arts or related fields.

Industrial Design

The Industrial Design program is a key component of the Art and Art History department, focusing on the practice of envisioning and creating solutions to complex problems in the context of human experience. Industrial designers apply research and creativity to identify opportunities for creating new products, services, or systems with a focus on human factors, aesthetic value, and user input.

BFA Degree Requirements

To earn a BFA degree in Industrial Design, students must complete a minimum of 120 total degree credits, including:

• 66 studio art credits, with 30 of the 66 credits at the 3000/4000 level
• 12 art history credits
• 42 general education requirements and electives

Suggested Sequence of Study

The suggested sequence of study for BFA concentrations in Industrial Design is as follows:

First Year

• Semester 1:
  • ART1010: Studio Concepts (3cr)
  • ART1020: Criticism & Interpretation (3cr)
  • ART1030: Drawing 1 (3cr)
  • Art History 1000: Content Area 1 (3cr)
  • English 1010/1011 (4cr)
• Semester 2:
  • ART1040: Drawing 1 (3cr)
  • ART2610: Basic Studio Sculpture (3cr)
  • ART2110: Graphic Design Process & Thinking (3cr)
  • Content Area 2 (3cr)
  • Content Area 3 (3-4cr)

Second Year

• Semester 3:
  • ART2011: Intro to Digital Media (3cr)
  • ART2310, 2410, or 2510 (3cr)
  • ART3000L: Sculpture/Ceramics (3cr)
  • Content Area 3 (Lab) (3cr)
  • Content Area 4 (4cr)
• Semester 4:
  • ART2310, 2410, or 2510 (3cr)
  • ART3701: Industrial Design: Materials & Techniques (3cr)
  • Studio Art Elective (ART2011) (3cr)
  • Content Area 1 (3cr)
  • Content Area 4 (3cr)

Third Year

• Semester 5:
  • ART3705: Industrial Design: Form, structure and space (3cr)
  • ART 3710: Industrial Design: Drawing and modeling for design (3cr)
  • Studio Art Elective (3cr)
  • Art History 3000/4000 (3cr)
  • Math/Stats Q (3cr)
• Semester 6:
  • ART 3720: Industrial Design: Process and practice (3cr)
  • Studio Art 3000/4000 Elective (3cr)
  • Studio Art 3000/4000 Elective (3cr)
  • Art History 3000/4000 Elective (3cr)
  • Content Area 2 (3cr)

Fourth Year

• Semester 7:
  • ART 3730: Industrial Design: Digital fabrication (3cr)
  • ART3901: Advance Studio Projects (3cr)
  • Art History 3000/4000 (3cr)
  • Elective (3cr)
  • Elective (3cr)
• Semester 8:
  • ART4901: Senior Project (3cr)
  • Studio Art 3000/4000 Elective (3cr)
  • Elective (3cr)
  • Elective (3cr)
  • Elective (3cr)

BA Degree

Students pursuing a BA in Studio Art are not required to declare a concentration and follow a more general Plan of Study.

Faculty

The Industrial Design program is led by Assistant Professor Chris Sancomb, who brings expertise and experience in the field to the classroom.

Facilities and Resources

The University of Connecticut provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support the Art and Art History program, including studios, labs, and equipment for various mediums and techniques.

Education Abroad

The university offers opportunities for education abroad in art and design, allowing students to explore different cultures and artistic traditions while earning credits towards their degree.

Alumni and Creative Careers

The Art and Art History program has a strong track record of placing graduates in creative careers, with alumni working in a variety of fields, including graphic design, illustration, photography, and industrial design.