This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.valdosta.edu.

Ms. Monika Meler, Head
Room 1070B, Fine Arts Building

The Department of Art and Design has four comprehensive undergraduate degree programs and a minor in art. The undergraduate programs include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a major in studio art, the Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in interior design, the Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in art education, and the Bachelor of Arts with a major in art. The BFA degrees with majors in art, interior design, and art education are professional degrees. The goal of the professional programs is to develop the knowledge, skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to the professional life of an artist, designer, or educator, and to prepare students who may be interested in pursuing graduate studies. The program of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a major in art enables students to develop the range of knowledge, skills, and competencies expected of those holding a liberal arts baccalaureate degree with a major in art and allows the flexibility to design a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum that may include a minor outside of art.

Each program of study has a sequentially based curriculum beginning the first semester of the freshman year, which includes foundation courses leading to advanced courses. Students should plan to be advised in the Department of Art and Design as soon as they identify an interest in an art degree program. Students who delay entering the major until completion of the Core Curriculum may prolong their academic careers. Students in each program have the opportunity to pursue in-depth study in one or more disciplines taught in the department. Some upper division courses may be repeated for advanced content to allow further development within the discipline.

Studies, practice, and experiences in studio subjects are of prime importance in the preparation of students for professional careers in art and design. Studio courses are scheduled as double-period classes, and students are expected to work in area studios during scheduled class sessions as well as outside of class. A studio-materials fee is assessed for studio classes at the time of registration, and the individual purchase of art materials is required for many studio courses. All majors must earn a grade of “C” or better in all foundation (Area F), professional, and major classes. Thirty-nine semester hours must be earned at the 3000 level or above in each degree program. An understanding of safety and proper studio practices is considered essential for the practicing professional and is emphasized in all studio courses. All students must participate in a safety orientation and pass a safety exam before taking studio courses in the major. The orientation and exam are part of the course content in foundation classes. Transfer students must participate in supplemental safety orientation sessions and pass the safety exam during their first semester in the department.

The Minor in Art is designed for students with an interest in art or art history who do not wish to pursue a degree program in one of these areas of inquiry.

Valdosta State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Department of Art and Design Mission Statement

The Department of Art and Design serves as the visual arts component of the College of the Arts, promoting an atmosphere of academic and creative excellence through student-centered, comprehensive professional and liberal arts degree programs. Collaboration among the department, students, and the community is designed to foster professional, artistic, and cultural development throughout the region.