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  • Degrees Available:
    • B.A.
    • B.F.A.
  • Major: Yes
  • Minor: Yes
  • Graduate Degree: No
  • Campus: Macomb
  • Study Opportunities:
    • GradTrac
    • Honors
    • Teacher Certification
    • Graduate Studies

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Undergraduate Majors, Minors & Programs of Study

Program: Art

Program Overview

In today's complex culture, the visual arts function in many ways. Contact with the traditional fine arts, the fields of design and production, and the mass media expands the individual's potential for enrichment and enjoyment of life

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree prepares students for careers as independent artists, as professionals employed in related fields like advertising, communications and design, or for graduate study. WIU stresses high standards of performance and concentrated curriculum to create and insure quality in the undergraduate educational experience. Foundation courses are in drawing and design; students can specialize in areas such as sculpture, painting, printmaking, jewelry, graphic design, and computer imaging.

The Bachelor of Arts in Art provides a curriculum balance for art students with an interest in a second academic field. This degree also allows for the option of Teacher Certification. Certification to teach requires a broad exposure to art in order to qualify the student for employment in elementary, middle school (junior high), and secondary (high school) programs.

Art Studies at WIU.

Why Art at WIU?

Students have the potential to study with visiting artists, attend special workshops, and travel to major art centers. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their work for outside peer review. Recently, Western had four students selected for the Annual Illinois Collegiate Art Exhibition; only one other state school had as many artists accepted. A low student-to-faculty ratio provides for many one-on-one learning experiences. The department has excellent facilities and equipment. The art program is housed in three buildings: Garwood Hall (painting, drawing, printmaking, graphic design, and art education), the Heating Plant Annex (sculpture, ceramics, and metals) and the Art Gallery. Each year, the Art Gallery sponsors 15 to 20 exhibitions. Academically talented and motivated art students may also apply for admission to the Illinois Centennial Honors College.