Specialization in Visual Arts (B.S. or B.A.)

The Visual Arts path presents a choice of three emphases in this specialization: (a) Painting/Printmaking Emphasis, (b) Ceramics/Sculpture Emphasis, and (c) General Art Emphasis. Each emphasis includes instruction in specific technical skills, application of theory and conceptual development encouraging personal direction in preparation for professional practice and/or graduate study. For each emphasis, the student completes the System Requirements (SGRs-30 credit hours), Institutional Requirements (IGRs-8-9 credit hours) and the Department’s Visual Arts Core of studio courses (ART 111, 112, 121, 122, 123, and 211) and art history courses (ARTH 100, 211, 212, and ARTH Advanced Writing Requirement). Art Majors present their work to a faculty jury who will assess the development in two reviews: the Progress Review and the Senior Review. The Progress Review involves the submission of a portfolio of studio work completed after 15 credit hours of Visual Arts Studio Core courses. The Senior Review consists of a public exhibition of the student’s art or design works. In addition:

• For either the Ceramics/Sculpture or Painting/Printmaking emphasis, students complete an additional associated 30 credit hours in Art courses. The coursework centers on both areas in the specific emphasis-a minimum of four courses are completed in either discipline, for a total of 18 credit hours. The student fulfills the degree with twelve credit hours of electives with Art (ART), Art History (ARTH), Graphic Design (ARTD), or Art Education (ARTE) prefixes.

• For the General Art Emphasis, 24 credit hours of Visual Arts Department courses allow the student to create their own distinctive set of Visual Arts courses. This selection of coursework must include three courses in one visual art discipline, that is, ceramics, painting, sculpture, or printmaking, or three courses in graphic design for a total of nine credit hours. To complete the coursework, the student completes fifteen credit hours of electives with Art (ART), Art History (ARTH), Graphic Design (ARTD), or Art Education (ARTE) prefixes.

The Graphic Design Major (B.S. or B.A.)

The Department of Visual Arts offers a major in Graphic Design that is comprised of design studio, lecture, and practical applications. You can pursue either a B.S. or a B.A. degree. Graphic Design majors study visual communications theory and practice in digital, print, time-based, on-line, and interactive media. Areas of study may include, but are not limited to, logos, computer graphics, publication and web page design, illustration, advertising, posters, multi-media, and computer animation. The program aims to develop a knowledge base for careers that can relate to professional practice, and students prepare a portfolio for use after graduation to seek positions in business and industry as well as nonprofit organizations. Students complete the System Requirements (SGRs-30 credit hours), Institutional Requirements (IGRs-8-9 credit hours), and the Department’s Visual Arts Core of studio courses (ART 111, 112, 121, 122, 123, and ARTD 202) and art history courses (ARTH 100, 211, 212, and ARTH Advanced Writing Requirement); an associated 21 credit hours of graphic design courses that consist of design theory, visual communications, computer graphics, design media, photography or time-based media; and seven credit hours of Art and Graphic Design electives with Art (ART), Art History (ARTH), Graphic Design (ARTD), or Art Education (ARTE) prefixes. To graduate, Majors present their work to a faculty jury who assess the student’s development in two reviews: the Progress Review and the Senior Review. The Progress Review involves the submission of a portfolio of studio work completed after 15 credit hours of Visual Art Studio Core courses. The Senior Review consists of a public exhibition that presents the student’s portfolio; the Senior Review exhibition also may include the student’s fine art works.

Graphic Design Internships, Field Trips and the Macintosh Lap-top Requirement

• The program’s distinctive interest in practical experiences is realized through internships, regularly scheduled field trips to graphic design, public relations, and advertising offices and studios in the region, as well as student trips to design conferences and art galleries and museums. Annually, trips are made to Minneapolis, Omaha, and Sioux Falls. Special professional trips have included Japan, Chicago, and New York.

• Graphic Design has a Macintosh laptop computer recommendation which is currently being revised.  Please watch for an update to be posted on the sidebar on the main page.

The Ritz Gallery, Field Trips, &
the South Dakota Art Museum

Located in Grove Hall, The Ritz Gallery program of public exhibitions presents works of students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists/designers throughout the year. Ritz exhibitions offer visual art enrichment for the campus, community, and the state of South Dakota, as well as public scrutiny of the Department programs in all of their variety. The annual schedule of 20 exhibitions also function heavily in the instruction of our courses. Visual Arts’ commitment to concrete and intensifying art and design experiences is realized through regularly scheduled field trips to art and design studios and offices in the region, as well as student trips to art galleries and museums. Recent department-sponsored trips: central Italy, Japan, Chicago, and Scandinavia.

The South Dakota Art Museum, the state’s official art museum, is not far from Grove Hall. Its auditorium is the site for the art history courses. Our students participate in the museum’s rich program of exhibitions, artists’ talks, films, and workshops. Visit their website: /Administration/SouthDakotaArtMuseum/