Programs of study
The Department of Art currently offers three areas of study, each focusing on a particular aspect of creative practice: studio art, art education and graphic design.
Studio art program
The studio art program challenges you to become a self-motivated artist. Ground in the tradition of drawing and design, you will encounter new approaches to the creative process, a broad spectrum of aesthetic theory and exposure to a variety of materials as you establish an individual approach to your work. The Senior Honors Art Exhibition is a presentation of your personal direction of related work and is the culmination of your fin art studies at Concordia. Our studio artists have gone on to pursue graduate studies which prepare them for a career in fine art or in a related field such as museum studies or postsecondary teaching.
Art education program
Confidence in teaching and excellence in art - these two ideals define our art education program. Equipped with new ideas, technologies and methods for teaching visual arts education in both elementary and secondary classrooms, you will have a variety of in-depth studio experiences to nurture your skills as a practicing artist. Concordia has a rich tradition of creative graduates who are not only certified to teach art in both Lutheran and public school classrooms but who also go on to become influential leaders in the congregation and community.
Graphic design program
The graphic design program prepares you for entry level graphic design positions in illustration, computer graphics, three-dimensional animation and Web-based design. Our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment establish a professional environment where you solve communication problems using a wide range of skills. Our students develop portfolios for professional interviews as an initial step for securing a job. Graduates from the program have gone into a variety of commercial design fields such as art direction, graphic communications planning, freelance illustration and Web-based digital design.
Ecclesiastical art program
The only program like it in the country, the study of ecclesiastical art at Concordia involves training in artistic craft as well as gaining a solid theological grounding. Professors from both
artistic and theological disciplines guide the program. The program maintains significant ties to the Center for Liturgical Art, which housed on campus. Ecclesiastical art students apprentice with the center's artists as they work on commissions from around the country. Through the program students gain skill in artistic expression within the life of faith and worship, a deep understanding of the theological tenets that support belief and the ability to share those gifts with others in ministry.
Examples of student work
Learn more: To see examples of student work, visit the Art at Concordia showcase.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Program
Concordia University offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art, in K-12 education, and in graphic design or illustration.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is the preferred undergraduate degree for those intending to enter professions in art and design. Its emphasis is on the development of skills, concepts and sensibilities essential to professional artists and designers. Whether as creators, scholars or teachers, they must have technical competence, knowledge of art history, an understanding of artistic style, and insight into the role of art and design in peoples’ lives. Evidence of these characteristics and potential for their continuing development are implicit in the awarding of the bachelor of fine arts degree.
In order to enter the BFA program in art education or studio art, a student must complete the foundations sequence of the art curriculum with a minimum grade-point average of 2.67 and must pass a portfolio review. Students who desire the Lutheran Teacher Diploma must also include the required coursework for that endorsement.
THE PROGRAM:
The purpose of this program is to prepare professional artists and designers, whether in the role of commercial artist, studio artist or artist teacher.
1. General Education (45 hours)
2. Foundations (21 hours)
- Art-103 Drawing (3)
- Art-145 Digital Imaging (3)
- Art-203 Two-Dimensional Design (3)
- Art-205 Three-Dimensional Design (3)
- Art-210 Intermediate Drawing (3)
- Art-213 Advanced Drawing A (2)
- Art-214 Advanced Drawing B (2)
- Art-215 Advanced Drawing C (2)
3. Art History and Theory (12 hours)
- Art-161 Visual Studies (3)
- Art-271 Art History I (3)
- Art-272 Art History II (3)
- Art-273 Art History III (3)
4. Art Theory (6 hours)
- Art-370 Studies in Art (course is to be repeated three times) (2)
- (BFA graphic design students are not required to take these six hours.)
In addition to the foundations, art history and art theory requirements, BFA programs consist of the following courses:
Studio Art
Art-223, 235, 243, 315, 325, 345, 425, 499 (2 hours), nine hours of advanced study in one studio area, art electives to bring the major to a total of 75 hours.
Art Education
Art-190, 223, 235, 243, 301, 315, 325, 345, 425, 499, six hours of advanced study in one studio area, art electives to bring the major to a total of 75 hours. The BFA in art education also requires the Professional Education and Secondary Education Sequence courses listed under the Bachelor of Science in Education Programs and includes required including student teaching at elementary and secondary levels. Students who desire the Lutheran Teaching Diploma must also meet those requirements as listed under the Bachelor of Science in Education Programs.
Graphic Design
Art-190, 195, 280, 303, 351, 352, 365, 403, 407, 451, 452, 489, and 490; Electives - select three courses from Art-223, 235, 243, 315, 325, 345, 425; select one course from Art-224, 320, 353, 390, 399, 495, 499, CTA-241; the major requires 76 hours.
Bachelor of Art in Ecclesiastical Art
The ecclesiastical art program consists of a core collection of courses in art and theology, supplemented
by electives in both departments, an internship with an artist and a list of required readings.
Students coming into the program will be assigned a major committee that will be comprised of a member from each
department. This committee will act as a bridge between the two departments and encourage the development
of each student as a degree candidate. The committee will also oversee the selected readings list and its application
to course work and project development.
Core courses (24 credits)
- Art-103 Drawing
- Art-145 Digital Imaging
- Art-203 Two-Dimensional Design
- Art-205 Three-Dimensional Design
- Art-260 The Christian Faith in Art & Architecture
- Art-375 Ecclesiastical Art Studio
- Art-377 Ecclesiastical Art Internship
- Theo-382 Theology of Corporate Worship
Electives (select 15 credits)
- Art-271 Art History I*
- Art-272 Art History II*
- Art-273 Art History III*
- Art-190 Introduction to Graphic Design
- Art-223 Watercolor
- Art-235 Basic Photography
- Art-243 Ceramics
- Art-315 Printmaking
- Art-325 Painting
- Art-345 Sculpture
- Art-425 Collage and Mixed Media
- Theo-251 Interpretation of Selected Pauline Epistle*
- Theo-252 Interpretations of the Gospels*
* Two art history and one theological interpretation classes must be chosen.
See also: Please check the
course catalog for other information about programs in which you are interested.
Bachelor of Science in Education
Elementary Education
Art is available as an elementary education endorsement.
Middle Level Education
Art is available as a middle level education content teaching area.
Secondary Education
Art is available as a secondary education field endorsement.