Art (BA, BFA)

The Department of Art curriculum is designed to give students a broad background in art theory, technique, and craftsmanship. Its purpose is to provide opportunities to practice and develop skills that further both aesthetic sensitivity and visual awareness.

The Art Department offers a major emphasis in the following undergraduate programs.

• Animation
• Ceramics
• Ceramic Sculpture
• Digital Drawing
• Drawing
• Layout and Design
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Video/Multimedia
• Web Design

The Bachelor of Arts degree prepares students for graduate study in art and art related fields such as teaching, museum studies, art management and art therapy. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is a professional track program requiring an additional 15 units of studio work. This program is uniquely suited to the needs of the fine artist, the commercial artist, and for those interested in graduate programs in studio art. The Graphic Art and Design programs prepare the student for a professional career in computer-based graphic arts, entertainment arts, promotion, communication, and digital art education.

All of the major emphasis programs stress both the practical and intellectual requirements needed for the creative process. This is accomplished through a sequential progression of classes that enables students to produce work demonstrating sophisticated use of medium and the ability to compose two- and three-dimensional work.

Students study both historical and contemporary art and take advantage of the San Francisco Bay Area’s galleries and museums to develop an awareness of historical art forms and current trends. The Art Department hosts an art gallery that exhibits nationally known artists.

All students are required to develop a personal career plan prior to graduation. To facilitate this, students are offered unique opportunities to work with local artists and art organizations through the Dominican Internship Program. This program offers a wide variety of art experiences in both the fine art and commercial art fields. In addition, professional artists are invited to the campus to discuss career opportunities for art majors.

The Department of Art encourages local residents and returning part-time students to enroll for classes of their choice.