Program Overview

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Introduction to the Painting and Printmaking Program

The Department of Painting and Printmaking offers an undergraduate program that earns a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Printmaking, as well as a graduate program of study that leads to the Master of Fine Arts in Fine Arts. Students admitted to the programs are expected to have a high level of competence in either painting or printmaking.

Program Description

The graduate program is designed to encourage the development of professional attitudes and skills, with an emphasis on individual investigation. The department is housed in the Fine Arts Building with 15 individual graduate studios plus a large graduate printmaking area, in addition to four state-of-the-art undergraduate printmaking studios: etching, lithography, screenprinting, and digital. These facilities provide an excellent physical environment for the programs with easy access to the other fine art areas of sculpture and crafts.

History and Reputation

Established in 1928, the Department of Painting and Printmaking was the first department in what has become the School of the Arts. For nearly 70 years, the department has made significant contributions to the development of the School of the Arts' reputation as one of the premier art schools in the country.

Visiting Artists and Lecturers

The department supports an active and ambitious program of visiting artists and lecturers. Leading figures in the world of contemporary art visit to discuss their work, critique, visit studios, conduct workshops, and meet with students throughout the year.

Master of Fine Arts Degree

The Master of Fine Arts degree is the terminal degree in the studio areas of fine arts and is a requirement for most college and university teaching positions. Many graduate students have gained teaching experience in the department as part of their assistantship responsibilities, teaching classes in painting, drawing, and printmaking.

Financial Assistance

The department assists graduate students financially through a variety of teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, and scholarships.

Career Opportunities

Graduates complete the program with skills that enable them to apply for positions that require knowledge in painting, drawing, printmaking, and contemporary art in general. In the area of printmaking, graduates can find positions with print publishers. Graduates also work for artists as studio assistants. Some graduates will become self-employed, making a living from their work as artists, while others will pursue teaching opportunities in K-12 public or private schools or in the field of museum education.

Potential Career Paths

• Art Installation
• Arts Administrator
• Curator
• Fine Arts Print Publisher
• Gallery Director
• Art Director
• Artist
• Artist Assistant
• Commercial Artist
• Environment Artist
• Gallery Assistant
• Printmaker

Professional Associations and Resources

• American Alliance of Museums
• National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
• New York Foundation of the Arts
• Smithsonian Center for Museum Studies (SCMS)

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Printmaking and the Master of Fine Arts in Fine Arts have specific degree requirements outlined in the university bulletin.

Academic Requirements

• Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments.
• A portfolio is required for admission.
• The highest level of math required is MATH 131.
• Science requirements are core only.
• There are no foreign language requirements.
• Additional tuition/fees apply.
• A GPA of 2.0 is required to progress and graduate in the major.

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in painting and printmaking, including coursework, studio practice, and professional development.

Yearly Overview

• Year 1: Explore and maximize course and degree planning, get connected with the community, develop cultural agility, explore careers and develop essential skills, and prepare for life after college.
• Year 2: Experience and maximize course and degree planning, get connected with the community, develop cultural agility, explore careers and develop essential skills, and prepare for life after college.
• Year 3: Experience and maximize course and degree planning, get connected with the community, develop cultural agility, explore careers and develop essential skills, and prepare for life after college.
• Year 4: Excel and maximize course and degree planning, get connected with the community, develop cultural agility, explore careers and develop essential skills, and prepare for life after college.

Coursework and Studio Practice

Students take a variety of courses in painting, printmaking, and art history, as well as studio practice and professional development. The specific coursework and studio practice requirements are outlined in the university bulletin.

Conclusion

The Painting and Printmaking program at the School of the Arts provides students with a comprehensive education in painting and printmaking, preparing them for careers in the arts and related fields. With its rich history, excellent facilities, and commitment to professional development, the program is an ideal choice for students who wish to pursue a degree in the fine arts.