Art Majors

Envision a creative future. Engage with creative individuals. Expand your creative capabilities. Evolve as a creative artist. A degree from the YSU Department of Art provides you with the tools to shape your vision of a successful artist, designer, or educator in the 21st century.

What You'll Study

As a student in the YSU Department of Art, you'll have exceptional artistic and educational experiences. You'll study with our internationally recognized faculty, work and study in extensive state-of-the-art spaces, utilize industry standard technology and equipment, and exhibit your work in our elegant and versatile galleries.

The Department of Art offers degrees and programs in 4 areas of study that include Graphic + Interactive Design, Digital Media & Photography, Interdisciplinary Studio Arts, and Art Education. And, we also offer 6 minors. You'll receive a significant amount of individual attention and experience a wide variety of styles. You'll be exposed to various techniques, processes, and experiences; learn from acclaimed guest artists; and be encouraged to participate in a variety of learning opportunities. At the YSU Department of Art, you'll find a community of mentors and colleagues who are dedicated to your artistic, educational, and professional success.

Exceptional Opportunities

In the Department of Art, you'll have numerous opportunities to exhibit your work. The McDonough Museum hosts several annual and biennial student exhibitions, and there are also multiple chances to exhibit work in the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery and the Student Project Gallery. The internationally recognized Butler Institute of American Art is also just across Wick Avenue with unlimited access for students. Our diverse selection of minors provides multiple opportunities for students in other academic programs to enroll in our courses. There are many ways to immerse yourself in the visual arts at YSU.

Our Alumni Are International Leaders

Our graduates are Emmy® Award-winning designers, studio artists, educators, and more—they work in every area of today's creative industries. They hold successful careers as Graphic Designers, Art Directors, Photographers, Academic Faculty, Fine Artists, Museum Professionals, Illustrators, Digital Artists, Metal Fabricators, UX/UI Designers, and other creative industries. For nearly a century, the YSU Department of Art has empowered students to follow their passions and develop skills to thrive within the dynamic field of the visual arts. We'll prepare you for an enduring career—wherever your journey takes you.

Begin Shaping Your Future

To learn more about our degree programs and scholarships or to schedule a campus visit, contact Cliffe College Program Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment at sawaltman@ysu.edu or 330.941.2346. We would love to hear about your interests, introduce you to our outstanding faculty and students, show you our exceptional facilities, and become an important part of your future.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Studio Art – Digital Media/Photography Track

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Studio Art – Digital Media/Photography Track offers pathways to study both fine art Digital Media and Photography, while providing students with the knowledge and experience to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Studio Art – Graphic + Interactive Design Track

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Studio Art – Graphic + Interactive Design Track provides students with a foundation of critical and creative design processes and prepares them for the profession of graphic and interface design — including careers in identity systems, package design, motion and web design, and creative direction.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Studio Art – Interdisciplinary Studio Arts Track

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Studio Art – Interdisciplinary Studio Arts program provides students many opportunities for personal growth as artists, while exploring a variety of studio areas such as ceramics, digital media, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture.
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) – Art Education PreK-12

YSU’s Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) – Art Education PreK-12 program provides exceptional instruction that prepares students for licensure as art teachers. Our Art Education graduates who seek a teaching position enjoy a 100% placement rate.

Minors

You can add an art minor to your degree—even if you’re not a student in one of our majors. Here are the minors that we offer:

Minor in Art History for Non-Art Majors

The Minor in Art History for Non-Art Majors provides a broad understanding of art and visual culture throughout history and the contemporary world.
Minor in Digital Media for Non-Art Majors

The Minor in Digital Media for Non-Art Majors provides students with the opportunity to explore how digital media works and teaches skills related to motion graphics, modeling, and animation.
Minor in Graphic Design for Non-Art Majors

The Minor in Graphic Design for Non-Art Majors provides students with an basic understanding of graphic design processes, principles, skills, and typography.
Minor in Interdisciplinary Game Studies

The Minor in Interdisciplinary Game Studies is offered by the Departments of Art and Computer Sciences and Information Systems and the Dana School of Music. The curriculum allows students to focus on their area of interest while also broadening their collaborations with colleagues in other areas.
Minor in Photography for Non-Art Majors

The Minor in Photography for Non-Art Majors is designed for students seeking to develop formal, conceptual, and technical skills and knowledge necessary for photographic image making, processing, and manipulation.
Minor in Studio Art for Non-Art Majors

The Minor in Studio Art for Non-Art Majors provides students with strong technical and critical thinking skills along with experience in working with a variety of media.