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School of Art and Design

Art and Design, BFA

Discover your artistic potential and shape your creative journey with 91ÌÒɫ’s nationally-accredited BFA program. You’ll gain essential technical and conceptual skills along with a broad knowledge of art and design history, allowing you to craft original works that resonate in diverse professional arenas.

Beyond offering training in all areas of studio practice, this program is designed to strengthen your critical thinking and creative problem-solving ability. You’ll also take several studio art courses outside your area of emphasis and Global Positioning Studies courses that invite you to engage creatively with diverse cultures and environments.

Our graduates have gone on to lead successful creative lives as artists, art consultants, art directors, educators, animators, gallery directors, cartoonists, curators, exhibition designers, graphic designers, illustrators, multimedia consultants, museum educators, museum preparators, photojournalists, product designers, professional print studio assistants, special effects designers, typographers, videographers, web developers and more.

At its core, our BFA program promotes authentic curiosity and exploration, a respect for diversity and a celebration of progressive creative development.

Acceptance to the Art and Design Program requires and a successful .

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Student working on wooden sculpture

The BFA in Art and Design is nationally accredited and constantly updated with the most current training and technology to prepare you for today’s growing creative professions.

Art and Design students choose one of four Areas of Emphasis:

  • 2D Studio Painting, Photography, Print Media
  • 3D Studio and Public Art
  • Digital Art and Animation
  • Graphic Design

All emphasis areas offer experiential learning through many courses, including a painting class exploring the art scene in New York City, ceramics in China, digital art in the Atacama desert in Chile and a photography workshop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • 2D Studio Painting, Photography, Print Media

    Explore creative exploration in both traditional and experiential 2D media including painting and photography. Painting courses provide training in traditional and experimental oil and acrylic media and the creation of both figurative and abstract imagery. Photography courses focus on the production of contemporary art through digital and traditional photographic processes. Students have access to the naturally-lit painting studio located on the top floor of the Canady Creative Arts Center, a traditional darkroom and a digital imaging lab.

  • 3D Studio and Public Art

    Pursue coursework in sculpture, ceramics or ceramic production methods. 91ÌÒÉ« is one of the few schools in the nation to offer a ceramics production line, bringing student productions to the general public. Ceramics courses focus on technical expertise, design and conceptual approaches. Sculpture courses encourage experimental approaches to art-making including mixed media, mold making, installation, community based and environmental work. You’ll gain a thorough introduction to many different materials and processes to enhance your ability to solve structural, spatial, formal and conceptual problems.

  • Digital Art and Animation

    The Digital Art and Animation AOE fosters creative exploration in the production of digital video, animation, installation, interactivity and sound design. You’ll hone skills in multimedia tools, video production and interactive software while gaining knowledge in core principles of interactivity, non-linear narration and interaction design.

  • Graphic Design

    Study in Graphic Design begins with learning a foundation in typography, color, symbolic drawings, design for small and large formats and design thinking. In addition to computer graphics and web design, tactical elements of design are explored hands-on through paper engineering, book arts courses and access to a letterpress studio.

    The Graphic Design area runs a model design studio, Studio 2453, that serves up to 30 clients per year. Students work as project directors with clients to produce designs that often benefit a particular community.

    A portfolio class also prepares seniors for a design career where they present their work in Pittsburgh or Cleveland at AIGA Portfolio Days to gain feedback from industry professionals.

    The Graphic Design emphasis is part of the Ohio Tuition Reciprocity Agreement.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the 91ÌÒÉ« Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The 91ÌÒÉ« Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Cross-disciplinary program in all studio practices, including 2D Studio Painting, Photography and Print Media; 3D Studio and Public Art; Digital Art and Animation; and Graphic Design.
  • (GPS) courses focus on making creative responses to a specific environment in local, national and international locations
  • Generous funding is available for student travel for GPS courses and study abroad experiences.
  • Annual held in the Mesaros Galleries with cash awards.
  • State-of-the-art studios for hands-on learning experiences in silkscreen and lithography printmaking, ceramics kiln firing, metal and bronze casting pours and lead-type and relief printing.
  • Internships and creative opportunities with other campus departments, regional museums, galleries, print studios, design firms, web developers and more.
  • 91ÌÒÉ« has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1977.
Scholarships

Over 92% of 91ÌÒÉ« freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • Web Design Intern, 91ÌÒÉ« University Relations
  • Design Intern, 91ÌÒÉ« College of Business & Economics
  • Clay Business Intern, Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts
  • Printmaking Intern, Artist Image Resource (AIR)
  • Museum Intern, Art Museum of 91ÌÒÉ«

Attending college will prepare you for many things. The Art and Design major will give you the following skills:

  • Critical thinking
  • Creative problem-solving

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Craft Artists

Create or reproduce hand-made objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery and needlecraft.

Median Salary: $36,600

Possible job titles include: Artist, Designer, Furniture Maker, Glass Artist.

Explore Career

Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers and photojournalists.

Median Salary: $40,760

Possible job titles include: Commercial Photographer, Photographer, Photojournalist, Portrait Photographer, Advertising Photographer, Sports Photographer, Studio Photographer, Photo Editor, Portrait Photographer, Graduation Photographer, Newspaper Photographer.

Explore Career

Desktop Publishers

Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Median Salary: $51,290

Possible job titles include: Advertising Associate, Computer Typesetter, Electronic Console Display Operator, Graphic Artist, Electronic Imager, Electronic Publishing Specialist.

Explore Career

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $98,540

Possible job titles include: Design Director, Game Designer, World Designer, Level Designer, Designer.

Explore Career

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research or public service activities of institution.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $61,750

Possible job titles include: Associate Curator, Collections Curator, Curator, Museum Curator.

Explore Career

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications media, such as print, broadcasting and advertising. Direct workers engaged in art work or layout design.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $106,500

Possible job titles include: Art Director, Creative Director, Production Manager, Senior Art Director.

Explore Career

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors and Illustrators

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $59,300

Possible job titles include: Artist, Fine Artist, Painter, Sculptor.

Explore Career

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects, animation or other visual images using film, video, computers or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos and commercials.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $99,060

Possible job titles include: Animator, Art Director, Artist, Creative Director.

Explore Career

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

Median Salary: $76,250

Possible job titles include: Design Engineer, Industrial Designer, Mold Designer, Product Designer, Sign Designer.

Explore Career

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Median Salary: $58,910

Possible job titles include: Creative Director, Designer, Graphic Artist, Graphic Designer.

Explore Career

Where our recent grads are working

91ÌÒɫ’s BFA in Art and Design prepares you to think critically and solve problems creatively, a valuable skill in any profession. Our recent grads are working as:

  • Corporate Partnership Creative Services Coordinator, Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Senior Graphic Designer II, McDaniel College
  • Organizational Culture Specialist, Design and Organizational Culture
  • Marketing Associate, Dietician on Demand
  • Senior Product Designer, Zoom
  • Senior Graphic Designer, Appian Corporation
  • Marketing Administrator, Dan Ryan Builders
  • Owner/Designer, Duende Design Co.
  • Art Director, Newell Brands
  • Senior Designer/Global Consumer Products, Netflix
  • Game Play Director, Esports Engine
  • Studio Tech & Artist-in-Residence, Maine College of Art and Design
  • Senior Designer, Union Creative Performance Marketing Agency
  • Workshop Organizer, Beckley Art Center
  • Graphic Designer, Burns Scalo Real Estate
  • Printer, Artists Image Resource
  • Videographer, The Stick Company
  • Graphic Designer, Dogs of Charm City
  • Ceramic Instructor, Butler Community College
  • Assistant Professor of Fine Art, University of Cincinnati
  • Arts Manager, Englewood Arts Center
  • Ceramic Designer, Limelight
  • Senior Graphic Designer, JPA Health
  • Assistant Professor of Photojournalism, University of Texas at Austin
  • Communication/Graphic Design Instructor, E. Russell Hicks Middle School
  • Junior Graphic Designer, Assured Partners
Related Professional Organizations

Graduate School Options

Consider one of 91ÌÒɫ’s Studio Art graduate programs:

Our grads have continued their studies in programs across the country, including:

  • MS, Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism, Maryville University of St. Louis
  • MFA, UX Design, Maryland Institute College of Art
  • MFA, Digital Art, Bowling Green State University
  • MA, Film and Media Production, American University
  • MFA, Sculpture, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • MFA, Printmaking, Southern Illinois University
  • MFA, Printmaking, University of Arizona
  • MBA, 91ÌÒÉ« College of Business & Economics
  • MFA, Photography, Maryland Institute College of Art

FAQs

Common questions and answers about Art and Design.

  1. Yes, but we have faculty to help you and easy instructions to follow. This is a non-competitive opportunity for students to submit images of visual work in any medium as evidence of their creative potential.

  2. Our graduates have a high placement record in a variety of creative professions as artists, designers, artist assistants, gallery/museum staff and more. Many choose to pursue graduate degrees or certificates to become art teachers or art therapists.

  3. Yes, BFA students can participate with a number of regional/national travel courses and study abroad opportunities in Chile, China, France and Italy. Generous funding is available to help with travel expenses and students earn course credit toward their degree.

  4. BFA students are encouraged to submit their work every year to the Juried Student exhibition and have the chance to win cash prizes. All graduating BFA students can participate in the BFA Senior Exhibition. Both shows are held in the in the lobby of the Canady Creative Arts Center. Additionally, there are many galleries and businesses around Morgantown that are open to exhibiting student art.

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Program Facility - Creative Arts Center

Canady Creative Arts Center

The Loulie, Valerie and William Canady Creative Arts center boasts 4 exhibition spaces, 5 performance spaces, 33 individual practice rooms and 50 classrooms and studios with plenty of space to create. The loading dock at the rear of the building is a wonderful open-air space with stunning acoustics.


  • It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the 91ÌÒÉ« Morgantown Campus.

  • You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
  • Visit
    Experience 91ÌÒÉ« in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to 91ÌÒÉ«'s Art and Design major, first-time freshmen must meet 91ÌÒÉ«'s . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Art and Design at 91ÌÒÉ« cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at 91ÌÒÉ« Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any 91ÌÒÉ« System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending 91ÌÒÉ« in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Art and Design major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Art and Design can enroll at 91ÌÒÉ« and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to 91ÌÒÉ«.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the 91ÌÒÉ« family.

Want to know more about Art and Design at 91ÌÒÉ«? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.