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Undergraduate Programs

Program Requirements

Major (BA) Requirements

36 hours of major coursework
12 credits co-requirements
120 total credits for graduation

Students majoring in art will choose one of three concentrations. For specific course requirements see each concentration.

Participation in Fourth-Year Show/Curatorial Project required for concentrations in Fine Arts and Graphic Design.

Fine Arts

Graphic Design

*The Curatorial Studies Concentration in the BA in Art has been discontinued and is no longer accepting new students.

Minor Requirements:

20 semester hours

Academic Catalog ÌýCore Curriculum

Course Descriptions

The following descriptions are a sample of courses you may take as an art major. For a complete list of required courses, please review the academic catalog.

Introduction and application of the elements of visual language. Studies in shape, color, line, texture, and value as they relate to two-dimensional art.


Elements of visual language as they apply to three-dimensional art. Projects based on the study of volume, space, line, color, and texture.


Line, tone, and composition in relation to a variety of subjects, such as still-life, architecture, figure, and landscape. Media will include pencil, ink, charcoal, Conte crayon, ink wash, etc.


This creative ensemble welcomes all students interested in art to register. This experience ushers students into the collaboration of art making and the organization of creative events. It fosters student interaction with and investment in Chicago's rich artistic landscape. Activities include studio and institutional visits, service projects both on and off campus, guest speakers, performances, and discussions. Course is variable credit and repeatable. Experienced students will have the opportunity to direct projects and activities.


Development of technical and conceptual skills involved in painting. Both direct and indirect techniques are stressed in oils and acrylics.


Investigation of media, tools, and techniques employed in ceramics, sculpture, and other three-dimensional forms of visual expression. Materials used may include stoneware clay, plaster, stone, wood, fabric, metals, and found objects. Techniques employed may include the ceramic techniques of hand building and wheel throwing and the sculpture techniques of modeling, carving, welding, assemblage, and installation.


This course is an exploration of relief woodcuts and linoleum block printing. Various approaches to relief, along with both the history and theory of the techniques, are investigated.


This course explores a variety of intaglio printing processes such as etching, engraving, drypoint, and aquatint. Students create plates with metal and plastic using traditional and contemporary techniques in black and white as well as color.


This course will introduce students to camera mechanics, digital processing techniques and photographic criticism. Students will explore creative techniques and operations with digital cameras.


Creative Ethics is designed for any student whose primary focus within their discipline is creative. This course introduces students to the ethical thinking involved in creative production and its distribution. Students consider the making and distribution of artistic works as it relates to the betterment of self and community; fostering a concrete application of faith. Introducing students to various streams of making works of art and the ethical frameworks that develop around them encourages reflection on personal vocation. Familiarizing students with those communities engaged in ethical questions will help them identify their place within the larger social environment. Guest speakers and assigned readings will act as a basis for in-class discussions. Another goal of this course is researching and writing on the topic of ethics and creative production and/or distribution.


This course considers advanced concepts in visual communication, including an introduction to user-based design theory. Students will explore the world of print media through a series of case studies, and practice single page compositions, multi-page compositions, and the integration of form, image, and text. Lab.


This class familiarizes students with the vocabulary, tools, and methods of vector-based drawing and reinforces ties to traditional media. Advanced concept in illustration software programs.


This class familiarizes students with the vocabulary, tools and methods of raster-based drawing and photo editing, and reinforces ties to traditional media. Advanced concepts in photo editing programs.


This course provides a culminating experience for the art major. It will help art students prepare for a professional life by supporting and directing the development of a focused fourth-year project. The course will deal with such topics as preparations for professional shows, integration of theory and practice, integration of art historical precedent, organizing and mounting art exhibitions, and development of a professional portfolio.


An apprentice experience in the professional world of art. The University has a working arrangement with several design studios, offices, and advertising agencies. Please refer to the Internship Section of the catalog for further internship requirements and guidelines.


Study of the art produced on the continent of Africa. This course will include analysis of social and cultural traditions and how they have shaped visual arts from region to region. This course may cover art from any period, ancient through contemporary.





Study of art produced in Europe between the years of 1400 C.E. and 1700 C.E. The course will study painting, sculpture, and architecture and will analyze the roles of the Reformation and the counter-Reformation as they impacted European Art.


The art of the first half of the 20th century produced primarily in Europe and America. All forms of modern visual expression will be included but the primary focus will be upon the arts of painting, photography, sculpture, and architecture.


The art of the second half of the 20th century and the art of the 21st century. The course will study all forms of visual expression including new media as well as covering art theory. A substantial portion of the course will focus on the art produced in America but art from around the world will also be studied.