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.

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 GPA 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 (48 hours)
2. Foundations  (21 hours)

3. Art History and Theory (12 hours)

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, 489, 499 (1 hour), 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, 489, 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, 320, 351, 352, 365, 403, 407, 451, 452, 489, 490, 499; Electives – select three courses from Art 223, 235, 243, 315, 325, 345, 425. The major requires 81 hours.  

B.A. in Ecclesiastical Arts (40 hours)

Art 103, 145, 161, 203, 205, 260, two courses from Art 271, 272, and 273; 375, 377; Theo 251 or 252, Theo 382 (or approved substitute course); two elective courses from: Art 190, 223, 235, 243, 315, 325, 345, 425.  

B.A. in Art Therapy (71 hours)

Art 103, 145, 161, 203, 205, 213, 223, 235, 243, 271, 272, 273, 301, 315, 325, 345, 
425, 489; Psy 101, 221, 442, 445, 451, 3-hour psy elective; Math 122

B.A. in Art (Studio) (54 hours)

Art 103, 145, 161, 203, 205, 213, 214, 215, 223, 235, 243, 271, 272, 273, 315, 325, 345, 425, 489.

B.A. in Arts Administration (69 hours)

Bus 121, 261, 300, 371, 400, Bus 357 or 443, Bus/CTA 385, Bus/CTA 499, CTA 301, ECON 102, Math 122. Choose 36 hours (with a minimum of 5-6 hours in a minimum of 4 tracks) from:

B.A. in Graphic Design (65 hours)

Art 103, 145, 161, 190, 195, 203, 205, 213, 214, 215, 271, 272, 273, 280, 303, 351, 352, 365, 403, 407, 489; and two courses from 223, 235, 243, 315, 325, 345, or 425.

Minors in Art

Minors are available to all students.  Minors are not available in an area similar to a student's major.

Art (21 hours)

Art History (19 hours)

  • Art 161 Visual Studies (1)
  • Art 195 The History of Graphic Design (2)
  • Art 260 The Christian Faith in Art & Architecture (3)
  • Art 271 Art History I (3)
  • Art 272 Art History II (3)
  • Art 273 Art History III (3)
  • Art 370 Studies in Art (2)  (must be taken two times)

Graphic Design (21 hours)