Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art
Create, design, innovate.
THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN STUDIO ART offers instruction in painting, drawing, sculpture, digital media, printmaking, art theory, art history and graphic design. Majors learn foundational skills, explore various media and find their artistic voices to create compelling art. Through hands-on making and critical evaluation, students develop their creativity and skills in analysis, along with revision and refinement abilities crucial for the next generation of artists, designers, arts administrators, arts advocates and educators.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Art at the University of Maryland is a strong community of creative innovators. It offers undergraduate degrees in studio art and immersive media design. World-class faculty and visiting artists bring professional experience to the studio, providing a contemporary context for the development of skills and ideas. Studio class sizes are small, ensuring personalized attention.
COURSEWORK
Studio art coursework explores composition and its applications through traditional making and emerging technologies. Students have the freedom to experiment with a variety of media including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, digital media and graphic design. All studio art majors start on an open program track that stands on its own or pairs well with the art education curriculum or another second major, such as immersive media design. After completion of foundational courses, majors may stay on the open track or participate in a competitive portfolio review to be considered for admission to the advanced specialization or graphic design tracks. Students have access to fully- equipped studios and cutting-edge technology including 3D scanners, depth-sensing cameras, laser cutters and circuitry equipment. Scholarships and opportunities for internships, research, exhibiting and gallery work are available.
Career Readiness
The College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) offers courses designed to ensure students are ready to enter the workforce, along with integrated and individualized academic and career advising. Alumni continue on to graduate school or forge their careers in a variety of industries and fields. The creative ways to apply your ARHU degree are truly limitless! Here are some placements specific to studio art majors:
Internship Placements
- The Baltimore Museum of Art
- National Geographic
- Smithsonian Institution
- The Washington Post
Graduate School Placements
- American University
- New York University
- Pratt Institute
- Savannah College of Art and Design
Employer Placements
- National Museum of Women in the Arts
- Next Day Animations
- Nike
- The Phillips Collection
Course Examples
- Art and Electronics
- Illustration
- Interactive Design
- Metal Casting
- Painting on Site
- Screen Printing
Alumni Job Titles
- Artist Arts Coordinator
- Arts Teacher
- Creative Associate
- Creative Technologist
- Event Experience Manager
- Graphic Designer
- Museum Curator
- Software Engineer
Major Tracks
Track 1: B.A. in studio art.
This is an open program with no portfolio admission requirement. This track provides ample space for outside electives, encourages interdisciplinary interaction, and provides double major or double degree possibilities. The Art Education Curriculum works with Track 1. Credit requirements: 36 credits in studio art and 12 credits in supporting courses in art history and/or art theory, for a total of 48 credits.
Track 2: B.A. in studio art with advanced specialization. ON HOLD!
This track is restricted to students admitted by competitive portfolio review and is aimed at students who envision graduate study or professional careers in art. Students accepted into this track will complete, in addition to the requirements for Track 1, a 12 credit advanced specialization in specific media areas, including ARTT 481: “Advanced Specialization Seminar.” Areas of specialization include: digital media, painting, printmaking, sculpture and intermedia. Credit requirements: 48 credits listed in Track 1 plus 12 credits in advanced specializations, for a total of 60 credits. - ON HOLD!
Ready to Apply? - ON HOLD!
All applicants will use the Scholarship Universe portal. The link will be activated on the first day of classes following Spring Break and will remain available until 4:00 p.m. on April 15th.
You will be prompted to upload your materials and information as you work your way through the online application.
Application Materials
For application materials, view this PDF.
Track 3: B.A. in studio art with a concentration in graphic design.
This track is restricted to students admitted into the graphic design concentration through a competitive portfolio review. This program provides a pre-professional orientation emphasizing interactive design, graphic design theory and interdisciplinary research. Students accepted into the graphic design program must complete a specific sequence of courses at both the 300 and 400 level. Graphic design courses are only available to students who have been admitted to the graphic design concentration. Credit requirements: 21 credits in foundation and studio art electives and 12 credits in supporting courses in art history and/or theory (ARTT 361: “Design Literacy: Decoding Our Visual Culture,” a graphic design concentration requirement, satisfies 3 credits of the supporting area for graphic design students) for a total of 60 credits.
Students interested in Track 3 must have completed or be enrolled in the required foundation courses to apply to the specialization. The strict course requirements in graphic design make early application to Track 3 optimal. Students may re-apply one time.
Our Honors Program
The Department of Art Honors Program is offered to a select number of upper-level undergraduate studio art majors. This competitive program allows students to work in private studios, partake in the honors seminar and participate in the honors thesis exhibition during their senior year.
Check out the Honors Program page for more information on the Department of Art honors program, including application form.
Awards and Fellowships
Numerous awards and fellowships are available for students in the major as well. These awards include the Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship, which awards full in-state tuition for one academic year, and the John Dorsey Prize for Outstanding Curatorial Practice, which awards the winner with a budget to be used for the curation, promotion and exhibition of a dedicated show in the Herman Maril Gallery.
Check out the Scholarships and Awards page for a full list of all awards and fellowships offered to undergraduate art majors.
Art Studio Course List
ARTT100 Two-Dimensional Design Fundamentals (3 Credits)
Principles and elements of two-dimensional design. Introduction to visual communication.
ARTT110 Elements of Drawing I (3 Credits)
Fundamental concepts, media, and processes of drawing. Emphasis on observation and representation in combination with individual expression. Subject matter includes still life, human figure, nature, the built environment, and conceptual projects.
ARTT150 Introduction to Art Theory (3 Credits)
Fundamental concepts of global, philosophic, and critical art theory examined through various historic and contemporary texts, and the analysis of works of art.
ARTT169 Special Topics in Study Abroad I (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
ARTT200 Three-Dimensional Art Fundamentals (3 Credits)
Fundamental concepts of three-dimensional form and space examined through the manipulation and organization of various materials.
ARTT210 Elements of Drawing II (3 Credits)
Continuation of ARTT110 with additional emphasis on color, figure drawing, and contemporary issues.
Prerequisite: ARTT110.
ARTT255 Introduction to Digital Art and Design Processes (3 Credits)
Introduction to basic software and principles of digital imaging, and how they are applied to art and design. Topics covered: Digital image construction and manipulation, Vector-Based digital techniques layout, typography, etc), time-based digital techniques (video and audio composition and manipulation), and basic interactivity (web-design). Digital media used to explore visual principles established in ARTT100.
Prerequisite: ARTT100 and ARTT110.
Credit Only Granted for: ARTT255 or ARTT354.
Formerly: ARTT354.
ARTT260 Dangerous Art: Censorship or Subsidy (3 Credits) - Spring
Combines a broad historical analysis of the relationship between art and authority with an examination of contemporary culture criticism and art practice. Explores the uses and abuses of art and culture in totalitarian and theocratic states as a prelude to a review of the role of official culture in the United States. Examines art and culture in the public arena and many related areas where the arts and policy interact.
ARTT269 Special Topics in Study Abroad II (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
ARTT320 Elements of Painting (3 Credits)
Concepts and fundamental processes of oil and/or acrylic painting.
Prerequisite: ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT150; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT330 Elements of Sculpture: Metal Casting (3 Credits)
Sculptural concepts and fundamental processes related to metal casting.
Prerequisite: ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT150; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT331 Elements of Sculpture: Steel (3 Credits)
Sculptural concepts and fundamental processes related to steel fabrication; torch cutting, welding, hot forging, and finishing.
Prerequisite: ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT150; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT333 Elements of Sculpture: Wood and Mixed Media (3 Credits)
Sculptural concepts and fundamental processes using wood and mixed media.
Prerequisite: ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT150; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT341 Elements of Printmaking: Woodcut and Relief (3 Credits)
Concepts and fundamental processes related to woodcuts, linocuts, and other relief printing media.
Prerequisite: ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT150; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT343 Elements of Printmaking: Screen Printing (3 Credits)
Concepts and fundamental processes related to silkscreen printing.
Prerequisite: ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT150; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT353 Elements of Photography (3 Credits) - Temporarily on Pause
Introduction to digital photographic image-making. With an emphasis on technical, aesthetic and conceptual understanding of the photographic medium, camera operation, and photographic composition. Students must have access to a Digital SLR or mirrorless camera capable of interchangeable lenses for this class.
Prerequisite: ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT150; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT355 Intermediate Graphic Design Principles (3 Credits)
Investigation of basic concepts, history, techniques, and materials used by professional graphic designers, focusing on typography. Explores various aspects of design related to typography through examination and production of many types of finished work.
Prerequisite: ARTT150, ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT255; and must be admitted to the Graphic Design Concentration (Track 3).
Credit Only Granted for: ARTT350 or ARTT355.
Formerly: ARTT350.
ARTT356 Graphic Design Processes (3 Credits)
Explores computer graphics and visual communcation principles in a time-based context. Examination of fundamental design principles through digital projects that involve photo manipulation, digital illustration, layout, animation, and web design.
Prerequisite: ARTT150, ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT255; and must have been admitted to Graphic Design Concentration (Track 3).
Credit Only Granted for: ARTT351 or ARTT356.
Formerly: ARTT351.
ARTT357 Interactive Design (3 Credits)
In-depth exploration of interactive design and website construction. Emphasis on concept-driven and community-based projects using variety of interactive software programs.
ARTT361 Design Literacy: Decoding Our Visual Culture (3 Credits)
Holistic presentation of design history and theory from pre-history to present. Covers primarily visual communication design and includes the interrelationship of interior-, furniture-, industrial-, fashion-design, and architecture.
Prerequisite: ARTT355 and ARTT356.
Credit Only Granted for: ARTT361 or ARTT489L.
Formerly: ARTT489L.
ARTT369 Special Topics in Study Abroad III (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
ARTT370 Elements of Digital Media (3 Credits)
Exploration of image creation and manipulation, interactivity, and linkages between digital audio and video. Emphasis on issues in contemporary digital art.
Prerequisite: ARTT150, ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT255; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT386 Experiential Learning (3-6 Credits)
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Art department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
ARTT389 Department of Art Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship (3 Credits)
Individual contractual agreement with faculty/mentor. Individualized assistantship in the teaching of a specified department course offering. Must have previously received an "A" grade for the class to be assisting.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
ARTT399 Department of Art Research Assistantship (1-3 Credits)
Individual contractual agreement with faculty/mentor. Individualized experiential learning developed in relation to art-related research issues.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
ARTT409 Study Abroad Special Topics IV (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
ARTT418 Advanced Drawing Studio (3 Credits)
Multi-level drawing studio emphasizing advanced concepts and processes related to drawing; emphasis on contemporary art issues and individual directions.
Prerequisite: ARTT200, ARTT210, and ARTT150; and must have completed one 300-level studio course. Or permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits.
ARTT426 Advanced Painting: Painting on Site I (3 Credits)
Designed for Art and design, architecture, urban planning, and public engagement majors seeking to gain more experience in the public art process. Through public artworks, students will explore ethical methods of community engagement, mural design and production. This course will have 1-2 visiting artists give lectures and/or participate in a workshop.
Prerequisite: ARTT320; or permission of the Art Department.
ARTT427 Advanced Painting: Painting on Site II (3 Credits)
Designed for Art and design, architecture, urban planning, and public engagement majors and Creative Placemaking minors seeking to build and strengthen relationships through public place-based artwork . This course will teach ethical methods of public outreach through community engagement, the stages of mural design, and research to aid the mural design phase. This course will also examine the various materials used to create a public work of art and apply them throughout the semester effectively.
Prerequisite: ARTT320.
Restriction: Permission of the Art Department.
ARTT428 Advanced Painting Studio (3 Credits)
Multi-level painting studio emphasizing advanced concepts and processes related to oil and acrylic painting; emphasis on contemporary art issues and individual directions in chosen media.
Prerequisite: ARTT320.
Repeatable to: 12 credits.
ARTT438 Advanced Sculpture Studio (3 Credits)
Multi-level sculpture studio; continuation of media-specific sculpture courses with emphasis on contemporary art issues and individual directions in chosen media.
Prerequisite: Must have completed one 300-level sculpture course; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits.
ARTT448 Advanced Printmaking Studio (3 Credits)
Multi-level printmaking studio; continuation of media-specific printmaking courses with emphasis on contemporary art issues and individual directions in chosen media.
Prerequisite: Must have one 300-level printmaking course; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits.
ARTT449 Advanced Photography Studio (3 Credits)
Advanced photographic processes and theory. Emphasis on contemporary art issues and individual directions.
Prerequisite: ARTT353; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
ARTT454 Advanced Graphic Design Principles: Design in Society (3 Credits)
Focus on social responsibility and community activism. History and theory of propaganda and advocacy-based design. Students explore current design practices, work individually, and collaborate in teams with non-profits or other clients with community-based or socio-cultural agendas. Research and writing-intensive course.
ARTT455 Three Dimensional Graphic Design (3 Credits)
Continued exploration of advanced graphic design practices with primary emphasis on 3-D object and packaging design. Includes research, course reading discussion, oral presentations, and specific project assignments which will require a proficient level of hand-skills (craft) and computer skills.
Prerequisite: ARTT355, ARTT356, and ARTT357.
Recommended: ARTT333.
Credit Only Granted for: ARTT352 or ARTT455.
Formerly: ARTT352.
ARTT456 Motion Design (3 Credits)
Explores computer graphics and visual communication principles in a time-based context. Examination of fundamental design principles through digital projects that involve photo manipulation, digital illustration, layout, animation, and web design.
Prerequisite: ARTT355, ARTT356, and ARTT357; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT457 Advanced Interactive Design (3 Credits)
Advanced concepts and techniques of interactive design and interactive software. Examination of corporate, client-based, and public service-based interactive graphic design. Emphasis on web-based interactive design structures.
Prerequisite: ARTT357.
ARTT458 Graphic Design Portfolio (3 Credits)
Creation of a comprehensive professional portfolio. Curriculum includes portfolio preparation and presentation, contracts, copyright issues, interviewing skills, resume and cover-letter writing, design briefs and proposals, and freelance business issues. Portfolio presentation includes basics of book arts.
Prerequisite: ARTT454.
Repeatable to: 9 credits if content differs.
ARTT459 Advanced Graphic Design Studio (3 Credits)
Student-run design firm working with non-profits and other organizations. Organizations act as clients; the students as a creative firm. Under guidance and supervision of faculty, students learn first-hand about working with clients, working within a budget, working with printers and press runs, and working under real deadlines.
Prerequisite: ARTT454; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 9 credits if content differs.
ARTT460 Seminar in Art Theory (3 Credits)
Exploration of relationship between content and processes of art in a contemporary multi-cultural context.
Restriction: Senior standing.
ARTT468 Seminar on the Interrelationship Between Art and Art Theory (3 Credits)
The relationship between a student's work and the theoretical context of contemporary art.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
ARTT469 Professional Practice (3 Credits)
Business aspects of being an artist, with an emphasis on starting and maintaining a professional career.
Restriction: Senior standing; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: ARTT462.
ARTT479 Advanced Digital Media Studio (3 Credits)
Variable multi-level studio emphasizing advanced concepts and processes related to time-based, projection, installation, interactive, and audio/visual integrated digital art. Emphasis on contemporary art issues and individual directions.
Prerequisite: ARTT370; or permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
ARTT481 Advanced Specialization Seminar (3 Credits)
Seminar combines contemporary art theory, criticism, professional practice and career preparation in relation to students works from all areas of specialization.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT487 Capstone for Citation in Interdisciplinary Multimedia and Technology (1 Credit)
Independent study: a paper or website synthesizing the various citation learning experiences.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Art department.
ARTT488 Advanced Special Topics in Graphic Design (1-3 Credits)
Variable topics in Graphic Design theory and practice.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
ARTT489 Advanced Special Topics in Art (1-3 Credits)
Advanced studio art and theory within the context of a special topic.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
ARTT498 Directed Studies in Studio Art (1-3 Credits)
Advanced independent work in Studio Art. Meeting with faculty and studio time arranged.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
ARTT499 Directed Studies in Graphic Design (1-3 Credits)
Advanced independent studies in Graphic Design. Meetings with faculty and studio time arranged.
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Art department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
Visiting Artists and Scholars
The Department of Art boasts a strong Visiting Artist Lecture series as well. Recent visiting artists have included Laurie Anderson, Sanford Biggers, Chakaia Booker, Oliver Herring and Ellen Lupton.
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ABOUT THE COLLEGE
When you join the University of Maryland College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU), you become part of a supportive and inclusive community committed to solving the world’s grand challenges. ARHU is reimagining an education in the arts and humanities by empowering students to make sense of the world using empathy, creativity and intellectual rigor. Our faculty and staff experts are focused on preparing competitive, versatile and visionary leaders equipped to address the complexities of the human experience. Graduates are purposefully prepared for successful careers and fulfilling lives.