Program options

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.

Art Therapy

Concordia's art therapy program prepares students interested in helping others make art in a therapeutic setting. The program includes art classes such as drawing and watercolor along with classes in psychology and counseling. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue jobs and advanced degrees in the art therapy field.

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.

Cross-disciplinary programs

Arts administration

The new arts administration program leading to a bachelor of arts degree is a combined study of business, marketing and communication skills along with an exposure to the spectrum of arts opportunities at Concordia. Students take a core of courses in business and communication courses and then select four of five options within the arts -- art history and theory, studio art, literature and writing, music, or theatre -- to complete the program. Students will emerge with an appreciation and understanding of the arts and the ability to promote, support and direct a variety of arts programs.