COURSE CURRICULUM

The Art major at Oregon State University is a structured four-year program designed to build foundational skills, deepen artistic knowledge, and develop a personal creative voice. In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of art through courses like ART 100, ART 199, ART 131, and ART 115, while also fulfilling essential core requirements such as communication, writing, fitness, math, and cultural understanding. Students begin studio work and are encouraged to explore 200-level studio options in areas such as painting, sculpture, photography, or ceramics.The second year focuses on expanding technical skills and historical knowledge. Students continue with 200-level studio courses and select from a variety of 200-level art history classes including ART 204 through ART 264. General education requirements are met through science courses and the beginning of a foreign language sequence, which continues throughout the second and third years. By the end of the second year, students have a solid base in both studio practice and art historical context.In the third year, students move into more advanced 300-level studio and art history courses, including ART 366 and the writing-intensive ART 411. The curriculum also integrates upper-division electives and general education coursework such as cultural diversity and social science. This year emphasizes depth in artistic practice and prepares students for capstone-level work.The final year culminates in 400-level studio courses and advanced art history, alongside synthesis courses in contemporary global issues and science, technology, and society. Students complete remaining core requirements within the College of Liberal Arts, including fine arts, humanities, and non-Western culture. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on upper-division coursework, with students required to complete at least 60 credits at the 300-400 level. This degree offers both a rigorous academic framework and creative flexibility, preparing graduates for careers in the arts or related fields.