Program Overview

Arts: Studio Art, B.A. - COLA, UNH

The Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art at the University of New Hampshire offers a dynamic, hands-on education that combines traditional and contemporary artistic practices. Students explore diverse mediums, including drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and sculpture, while building a strong foundation in art history and liberal arts.

Program Description

The Studio Art degree provides a comprehensive education in fine arts, preparing students for careers in the arts or further study in graduate programs. With access to the Paul Creative Arts Center, Portsmouth's vibrant arts community, and Boston's renowned museums, students immerse themselves in a rich cultural environment. The program features visiting artists and historians from around the world, providing unique learning opportunities and perspectives.

Requirements for the Program

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits, including 56 credits in major requirements and 32 credits in residency requirements, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 required for conferral. The foreign language requirement must also be satisfied, and all major, option, and elective requirements must be completed as indicated. Major GPA requirements are specified, and students must complete a minimum of 14 courses (56 credits) for the major requirements, with a minimum grade of C in each course. Studio art majors may use two major-required courses to satisfy two Discovery category requirements, and the number of courses and course credit hours may vary, so students should consult with their academic advisor for exact requirements. The Discovery Program capstone requirement will be fulfilled by completing a capstone project that reflects the training received, and personal artistic growth made, throughout the student's years of study at UNH. The capstone project includes participation in the BA/BFA Senior Exhibition in the UNH Museum of Art in April-May, where students will submit a minimum of 5 recent works for faculty to review and select for the exhibition, along with a written artist statement and verbal explanation of the work. Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. Bachelor of arts candidates must also satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement, and students considering the art education program should consult the UNH Undergraduate Catalog under the heading "Preparing for Teaching."

Major Requirements and Course List Code and Title and Credits for Required Courses and Concentration Courses and Core Art History and Student Learning Outcomes and Curriculum and Facilities and Art Education Program and Double Option and Program Checklists

• Major Requirements: Students must complete a minimum of 14 courses (56 credits) for the major requirements, including:
  • Core Foundation:
    • ARTS 510: Principles of Design (4 credits)
    • ARTS 532: Introductory Drawing (4 credits)
    • ARTS 567: Introductory Sculpture (4 credits)
  • Core Supplemental:
    • Select one 500/600-level 2D course from the following:
      • ARTS 536: Introduction Printmaking: Intaglio (4 credits)
      • ARTS 546: Painting Design I: Perceptual Painting and Color Theory (4 credits)
      • ARTS 640: Drawing Workshop (4 credits)
    • Select one 500-level 3D course from the following:
      • ARTS 501: Introductory Ceramics (4 credits)
      • ARTS 525: Introductory Woodworking (4 credits)
    • Select one 500-level Photography course from the following:
      • ARTS 551: Introduction to Darkroom Photography (4 credits)
      • ARTS 552: Introductory Digital Photography (4 credits)
  • Concentration Courses:
    • Select four (4) Studio courses in a concentration at the 600-700 level, including:
      • ARTS 601: Ceramics Workshop (may be repeated)
      • ARTS 610: Principles of Typography
      • ARTS 611: Animation and Motion Design
      • ARTS 612: Interaction & Game Design
      • ARTS 613: Design and Place
      • ARTS 614: Design and People
      • ARTS 625: Wood/Furniture Design Workshop (may be repeated)
      • ARTS 636: Printmaking Workshop (may be repeated)
      • ARTS 640: Drawing Workshop
      • ARTS 651: Photography Workshop (may be repeated)
      • ARTS 660: Painting Workshop
      • ARTS 667: Sculpture Workshop (may be repeated)
      • ARTS 796: Independent Study: Studio Art (K: Wood Design, may be repeated)
  • Advanced Studio Seminar:
    • ARTS 780: Advanced Studio Seminar (4 credits)
  • Core Art History:
    • Select one course from the following:
      • ARTH 474: Introduction to Architectural History
      • ARTH 480: Introduction to Art History
      • ARTH 485: Introduction to Global Art History
    • Select two 600-level or above art history courses from the following:
      • ARTH 674: Greek Art and Architecture
      • ARTH 678: Romanesque and Gothic Art
      • ARTH 681: Early Renaissance Art
      • ARTH 682: The High Renaissance
      • ARTH 686: Sex and Sensuality in 18th-Century Art
      • ARTH 688: Histories of Late 19th & 20th Century European Modernism
      • ARTH 694: Vision and Modernity: From Panorama to Early Film
      • ARTH 695: Topics in Art History
      • ARTH 795: Understanding Art History: An In-Depth Overview
• Student Learning Outcomes: The program aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:
  • Introductory (500) Level:
    • Basic skillset in a particular arts discipline
    • Working knowledge of the tools and materials used in a particular arts discipline
    • Basic understanding of analytical thinking when making and talking about art
    • Demonstrate development of artistry
  • Intermediate (500/600) Level:
    • Demonstrate development of artistry and skill set in a range of artistic disciplines
    • Demonstrate knowledge of tools and materials beyond the basics
    • Deeper ability to discuss and analyze works of art
    • Ability to verbalize intent in a particular work of art
    • Ability to research particular artists
    • Ability to declare an area of concentration for advanced study in a particular arts discipline
  • Advanced (600/700) Level:
    • Demonstrate a high level of artistry
    • Ability to work independently
    • Develop and demonstrate an individual sensibility
    • Ability to understand and verbalize intent in a work of art
    • Ability to construct a professional capstone portfolio or thesis
    • Demonstrate in-depth familiarity with a range of artistic movements both historical and contemporary
• Curriculum and Facilities: The two-dimensional curriculum is the largest in the department, and its breadth and content are shaped by the variety of approaches and expertise of the faculty. The 2-D courses are based on solid basic training and on the encouragement of independent and personal expression. Figuration and still life drawing are the core of the program. After completing Introductory Drawing, students pursue a wide variety of course offerings, choosing from oil painting, water media, photography, printmaking, and advanced drawing. Students work in classroom studios and participate in group critiques and seminars. Towards the end of the four-year curriculum, individual works receive increasingly detailed review and critique. Students are taught to methodically evaluate their own and other students' work. The three-dimensional curriculum offers concentrations in sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, and furniture design. While each of these programs has a distinct curriculum, together they interrelate to form a comprehensive area. Teaching is highly individualized, enabling students to understand and develop their own styles while learning the aesthetic principles and technical skills involved in class projects. Assignments are based on contemporary issues but always develop from a sound historical perspective. Class size is kept small to provide structured, personal instruction. Full-time technical assistants and student fellows who provide further instruction and technical help outside of class assist professors.
• Art Education Program: The University offers an approved art education program that is organized into a five-year teacher education sequence. This curriculum is designed to prepare teachers of art in the public schools. The satisfactory completion of the B.A. Studio Art curriculum for art education students (note: which differs slightly from the B.A. Studio Art curriculum) and required education courses, in conjunction with the fifth-year internship, will satisfy the initial certification requirements for teachers of art in the public schools of New Hampshire and in most other states. Art education students may take accredited crafts courses at other institutions as art electives.
• Double Option: Students can elect to receive a B.A. in the Arts with both the Studio Art option and the Art History option. Students must complete the requirements for both options; no more than 8 credits used to satisfy one option can be used as requirements for the other option.
• Program Checklists: Checklists are available for students entering UNH in fall 2018 or later, fall 2017, and fall 2015 or 2016.

Potential Careers

• Art teacher
• Commercial artist
• Designer
• Gallery director
• Illustrator
• Museum director
• Photographer
• Professional artist
• Visual resource librarian

What is Studio Art?

The studio art major at UNH provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills in practicing two- and three-dimensional art forms, ranging from drawing, painting, and photography to ceramics, sculpture, and furniture design. Students gain a wide breadth of studio experience while also studying art history, writing, and language to build a solid foundation in the liberal arts. With a degree in studio art, students are prepared for careers in the arts or further study in graduate programs as varied as architecture, business, and law.

Why Study Studio Art at UNH?

The UNH Gallery of Art and Paul Creative Arts Center, located on campus, provide students with access to dynamic art events and exhibits. The culturally rich community of Portsmouth is just minutes away, and the fine art museums of Boston are within an hour's drive. Students meet and learn from artists and historians from around the world through the Visiting Artists & Art Historians program. A double major in studio art and art history is also available.