COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Art at Southeast Missouri State University is a 48-credit-hour major designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both studio practice and art history, while offering flexibility to explore different creative disciplines. The program begins with required core courses such as Art History Survey I and II, which introduce students to the historical development of art across cultures and time periods. Studio foundations include Drawing I, 2D Design, and 3D Design, helping students build essential technical and creative skills. An additional required course, Introduction to Photography and New Media, introduces students to contemporary digital and visual media practices.Students then have the opportunity to customize their learning through a series of elective groups. In the first group, they choose courses such as Digital Literacy for Art and Design, Color Composition, Drawing II, or Photography Fundamentals to strengthen foundational and digital skills. The next set of electives focuses on intermediate studio work, including options like printmaking, advanced drawing, painting, or fiber arts. Students further expand their experience by selecting from sculpture, ceramics, or interior design courses, allowing them to explore three-dimensional and spatial design practices.The program also encourages interdisciplinary learning. Students choose courses in areas such as graphic design or web design, and then select from a wide range of supporting electives including business basics, internships, professional practice, media studies, music, theatre, or interior design. These options help students connect art with other fields and prepare for diverse career paths.Finally, students complete 6 credit hours of upper-level art history courses, deepening their understanding of artistic movements and critical analysis. Overall, the program offers a balanced mix of creative practice, historical knowledge, and professional development, enabling students to build a strong portfolio and prepare for careers or advanced study in the arts and related fields.