Prepare for a career in studio production while developing your creative process and techniques. You'll explore a variety of media, including drawing, ceramics, printmaking, sculpting, and painting. You'll also study concepts in art history, aesthetics, and art criticism.
Art may be the right degree for you if you have:
- a flair for creativity
- enjoy working with your hands
- want to show your talents to the world
Why study art at Northwestern?
Faith is the foundation of who we are and it fuels what we do. God’s creative work in our lives gives us the confidence to use our struggles as inspiration, to fuel our creative fire and point back to Him. You can learn how the joy, hardships, and discovery in your faith can produce remarkable results in your own work.
We have facilities available for you to explore your creative side. Our department houses a drawing classroom, ceramics studio, painting studio, and a design lab. You may feature your art in the student gallery for the public to view. Faculty, who are artists themselves, encourage you to compile samples of your work for a professional portfolio to show prospective clients and employers.
With campus so close to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, students can take advantage of opportunities in Minnesota’s thriving art and business industries. Other opportunities include field trips to major art and design centers, like the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Swedish Institute to view others’ work and be inspired.
If you have a flair for creativity, enjoy working with your hands, and want to show your talents to the world, this might be the right degree for you.
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Since graduating Northwestern in 2011, I’ve earned an MFA in Ceramics from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My work has been represented by Stuart & Company Gallery since the summer of 2014 and I help manage Skybox Studios, an artist collective and studio in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood.
Throughout my time at Northwestern, I was regularly encouraged by the professors to not wait until after graduation to begin my career as a designer. I viewed class projects as future portfolio pieces, networked with other creatives, and used skills the program equipped me with outside of the classroom. My professors were invested in my success as a designer and acted as a valuable resource that accelerated my path towards landing a year-long internship before my senior year and after graduating, my position with Mayo Clinic. Working collaboratively with copywriters, artists, photographers, and marketing managers has enriched my skills.
Careers in art
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in art.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Textile design
- Sculpting, painting, creating art
- Fashion artist
- Costume design
- Floral design
- Photography or photojournalism
- Museum technician or conservator
- Makeup artist
- Art display designer
- Merchandise display designer
- Police sketch artist (forensic artist)
- Art restoration
- Studio owner
- Illustrating/medical illustrating
- Private art instructor
- Art sales or gallery management
What will I learn?
You will develop an appreciation for aesthetics, become detail oriented, and learn to solve problems.
ART 3265
Art Since 1945
A survey of contemporary fine art since WWII. Emphasis is placed on learning key artists and art movements, as well as understanding their impact on the history of art and the broader culture. A variety of images and films will be discussed.
ART 1035
Design Concepts
An introductory course in understanding and application of principles and elements of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art.
ART 1011
Drawing
A foundational-level drawing class focusing on landscape, still life and the figure, using traditional materials and techniques. Emphasis is placed on visual sensitivity and basic technique, with specific studies in anatomy.
ART 2031
Painting I
An introductory studio course in acrylic painting that focuses on the visual qualities unique to painting. Basic concepts include designing two-dimensional work, exploring color and creating texture. The history of painting is integrated with an examination of painting styles.
ART 2251
Sculpture I
An introductory-level sculpture course exploring the use of sculptural techniques, materials and strategies. Emphasis is placed on understanding the history of and current trends within contemporary sculpture, as well as applying that knowledge in the creation of a variety of sculptural forms.
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Discover the Department of Art & Design
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
