Art

Immerse yourself in a vibrant art curriculum that pairs hands‑on studio exploration with critical study of past and present creators, guiding you toward a polished, cohesive portfolio.

Why Art at Valpo?

As an Art major, students learn the foundations of art practice and theory through a series of hands-on studio courses and the study of contemporary and historical artists, designers, and works. Studio courses include drawing, painting, photography, design, video arts, and much more.

The program guides students through the process of developing a cohesive body of work that is then presented and critiqued by student peers and faculty.

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About Our Art Degrees

The Art major centers on a structured sequence of requirements: a multi‑level studio core in drawing, painting, photography, design, and video arts; complementary courses in art history and contemporary criticism; and a capstone portfolio seminar in which you refine a cohesive body of work for formal peer‑and‑faculty review.

Degree Requirements

Major

Bachelor of Arts – Art Major (Minimum 30 Cr.)

CVA 101: Ancient to Medieval Art History
CVA 102: Renaissance to Modern Art History
CVA 121: Drawing
CVA 122: Painting
CVA 125: Ideation
CVA 163: Photography
CVA 227: Figure Drawing
CVA 230: Graphic Design

Plus one course from the following (satisfies WID):

CVA 244 Persuasion and Advocacy
MUS 405: Arts and Entertainment Administration
CVA 472: Screenwriting

Plus three additional CVA credits from the following:

CVA 499: Capstone Senior Project
CVA 222: Advanced Studio*
CVA 292: Special Topics in Visual Arts (as approved for major)
CVA 324: Video Art*
CVA 327: Advanced Figure Drawing*
CVA 330: Advanced Design*
CVA 331: Web Design*
CVA 386: Internship
CVA 390: Topics in Communication and Visual Arts
CVA 392: Special Topics in Visual Arts
CVA 490: Topics in Communication and Visual Arts
CVA 491: Applied Topics in Visual Arts
CVA 492: Special Topics in Visual Arts
CVA 495: Independent Study
CVA 497: Honors Work
CVA 498: Honors Candidacy

Art Minor Overview

Course Options

(Minimum 15 Cr.)

CVA 121: Drawing
CVA 122: Painting

One course from the following options:

CVA 101: Ancient to Medieval Art History
CVA 102: Renaissance to Modern Art History

Two courses from the following options:

CVA 125: Ideation
CVA 163: Photography
CVA 222: Advanced Studio
CVA 227: Figure Drawing
CVA 230: Graphic Design
CVA 327: Advanced Figure Drawing

*denotes course with prerequisite(s)

College of arts and sciences

Program Rankings & Highlights

Flexible Major

The degree can be completed with 30 credits allowing for a double major

The Brauer Museum

Hosting an annual university art student exhibition every year.

Experts & Mentors

Professors at Valpo help students develop their knowledge, their career plans, and their curiosity.

Student Spotlight: Sabrina Searcy

“I wanted a school that was a specific size, looking at a lot of different schools, but Valpo allowed me to come in as a double major. I liked the area and being able to be so close to the Dunes. Everyone here seemed to be a double major and I appreciated the ability to pursue both in equal measure…”

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college of arts and sciences

Meet Our Faculty

Courses in the College of Arts and Sciences are taught by accomplished teacher-scholars who share their enthusiasm as well as their expertise with their students.

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