Create a new perspective while expressing your art
As an Art major, you’ll gain hands-on studio experience in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and digital media. This flexible undergraduate art program helps you master foundational techniques while exploring your personal creative style. You’ll can also pair your art major with a second major or minor to tailor your studies toward your unique career goals.
A degree in art empowers you to express your creativity while building critical thinking, visual communication and digital media skills that are valuable across a wide range of careers.
What to Expect from the Art Degree Program
- Gain hands-on experience as you develop both creative and critical thinking skills in the studio.
- 36 credit hour major including studio art, art history and capstone classes.
- A senior capstone exhibition where you’ll produce and present a professional body of work.
Art Courses and Curriculum
The Art curriculum combines studio practice with written reflection and research to help you explore creative processes and develop a professional artistic voice. Classes in ceramics, drawing, painting, and photography will prepare you for a career in visual arts, education, or digital media.
Introductory and advanced courses in disciplines like ceramics, metal sculpture, drawing, painting, photography, videography and more.
Learn from faculty who are working artists and experienced mentors, guiding you through critiques, concept development and professional practices.
Capstone senior exhibition, in which you produce a body of work and mount your own show. Work is made independently with oversight provided by weekly critique sessions with classmates and the professor.
Required Courses Meet the Faculty
Master of Arts in Digital Media Strategy
A professional digital media master’s program for anyone interested in designing, managing and measuring the effects of digital communication. Take your creative skills and apply them at the next level.
Careers to Pursue with an Art Degree
Pursue careers in museums, galleries, art restoration, exhibit design, commercial art, photography and more. Graduates pursue roles in galleries, design firms, education, media and more. Recent alumni have worked at Meghan Leach Design, Hometown Realty, and Wintergreen Resort. Their career paths include:
- Artist
- Art Director
- Art Teacher
- Gallery or Museum Curator
- Art Technician
- Communications Manager
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Multimedia Designer
- Creative Project Manager
- Photographer
- Exhibition Designer
Chart your path
Learn more about career paths, employment and advancement in the art and related fields from Career Development.
Michael paired his art curriculum with a practicum in BC’s Teacher Education Program. He was able to receive a provisional teaching license through this experience that allowed him to immediately begin working as an elementary school art teacher after graduation. “Bridgewater’s small community feel is what I’ve carried through into teaching. I never felt like just another student. The level of personalization, especially through the art program, was amazing.”
Holly built her photography career both in and out of the classroom. Her most impactful experiences at BC were interning in the Marketing and Communications Office and installing her senior thesis exhibition. These experiences in conjunction with in-class instruction on viewing and discussing art gave Holly the skills she needed to succeed after graduation.”[BC Professor Scott Jost] helped me perfect my skills as well as gain alternative experiences outside of the classroom.”
Rebecca studied abroad in Germany, Switzerland and Austria during her time at Bridgewater College. She credits the experience with preparing her for her current job at Airbus in which she travels extensively throughout the world. She began her career journey as a graphic designer for a community college using knowledge she gained in her digital media courses. “Having a digital media background allows me to make quick changes and be creative on the fly, increasing my efficiency and productivity.”
Questions? Contact Us!
- Scott D. Jost, Department Chair
- 540-828-5775
- sjost@bridgewater.edu
Similar Programs
Consider double majoring, adding a minor, or focusing on a certain area of study.
