Academic Programs Catalog

College of Arts and Letters

Department of Art, Art History, and Design

Tanya Hartman, Chairperson

The Department of Art, Art History, and Design is dedicated to the creation and historical study of the visual arts through its undergraduate and graduate degree programs in apparel and textile design, art education, art history, graphic design, and studio art.

The Department of Art, Art History, and Design seeks to integrate the history and practice of art and design into the MSU community, through teaching, research, and public engagement. We further the mission of the arts to deepen understanding of the human condition.

The apparel and textile design program offers students creative design reflecting an innovative holistic approach to analysis and making. In art education, students prepare to become visual-arts teachers by engaging in studio production and studying aesthetics, theory, and art history. Art history and visual culture students study the history of contemporary and traditional art forms across a range of cultures. In the graphic design program, students are prepared for professional practice through course work in visual communication across research methods and involving both analog and digital processes. In studio art, students explore two- and three-dimensional forms in various media and technologies including ceramics, drawing, electronic art and intermedia, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

The Department of Art, Art History, and Design sponsors a diverse group of visiting artist and scholar lectures, artist residencies, and student-driven events during the fall and spring semesters. Annually, the department features student research in rotating undergraduate art and design exhibitions in Gallery 101 and Gallery 114, an Art History Symposium, and a fashion show highlighting the designs of Apparel and Textile Design students. The Master of Fine Arts Exhibition is also held each Spring in the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. The department also programs and operates SCENE Metrospace, an off-campus gallery that hosts exhibitions featuring work from regional and national exhibition calls, and the MSU Union Gallery, an on-campus gallery that highlights work by alumni and visiting artists. All students are welcome to view exhibitions, attend lecture series, participate in student clubs, and join in art activities offered by the department. For additional information call 1-517-355-7610, e-mail art@msu.edu or visit www.art.msu.edu.
 

Policy on Retention of Students' Art Work

All students enrolled in studio art, and apparel and textile design courses must assume responsibility for the retrieval of their semester's work [piece(s), portfolio, project(s), etc.] during the final examination period.  Neither the department nor the instructor will assume responsibility for the retention or storage of such work after that time.


Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Art, Art History, and Design offers undergraduate degree programs and minors:

Bachelor of Arts
    Apparel and Textiles
    Art History and Visual Culture
    Studio Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts
    Apparel and Textile Design
    Art Education
    Graphic Design
    Studio Art
Minor
    Art History and Visual Culture
    Art Photography
    Comic Art and Graphic Novels
    Graphic Design
 

Transfer Students. A maximum of 22 credits in apparel and textile design, art history, or studio art courses may be applied to the respective degree program. All Department of Art, Art History, and Design majors including those changing from other programs in this university must comply with the requirements listed below.

Students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs with a major in studio art may elect a Minor in Game Design and Development. For additional information, refer to the Minor in Game Design and Development statement in the Department of Media and Information section of this catalog.


Apparel and Textiles

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Apparel and Textiles provides students with a foundation in art; art history and visual culture; design technology; textile materials; the historical and cultural aspects of dress and textiles; and their context within the global economy.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Apparel and Textiles

  1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog, 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Apparel and Textiles.

    The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Apparel and Textiles major is met by completing Apparel and Textile Design 439.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

    The completion of requirement 3. a. below satisfies one of the cognate requirements for the College of Arts and Letters.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
a. All of the following courses (12 credits):
STA 110 Drawing I 3
STA 112 Art and Design: Concepts and Practices 3
STA 113 Color and Design 3
STA 114 Three-Dimensional Form 3
b. All of the following courses (17 credits):
ATD 111 Basic Apparel Structuring 1
ATD 121 Explorations in Apparel and Textile Design 3
ATD 222 Structuring, Couture and Tailored Garments 3
ATD 231 Textile Materials 4
ATD 323 Apparel Pattern Design 3
ATD 439 Portfolio Development and Exhibition (W) 3
c. Apparel and Textile Design electives: Additional credits in Apparel and Textile Design courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 36, but not more than 40, credits in the major. Electives may be chosen from the following (1 to 3 credits):
ATD 325 Design by Draping 3
ATD 332 Textile Design 3
ATD 335 Design Development and Presentation 3
ATD 423 Design Methods and Approaches 3
ATD 424 Specialized Design 3
ATD 427 Knitwear Design 3
ATD 428 Design Studio 3
ATD 490 Independent Study 1 to 6
ATD 491A Special Topics in Apparel 1 to 3
ATD 491T Special Topics in Textiles 1 to 3
ATD 493 Internship in Apparel and Textiles 1 to 6
d. Art History and Visual Culture
Complete three courses from the following (9 credits):
(1) The following course (3 credits):
ATD 426 History of Dress and Textiles 3
(2) One of the following courses (3 credits):
ATD 430 Dress, Culture and Human Behavior 3
ATD 431 Global Context for Sustainable Design 3
(3) One History of Art course at the 100-200 level.

Apparel and Textile Design

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Apparel and Textile Design provides professional preparation in apparel and textile design. The core of the program emphasizes aesthetics and creativity; two- and three-dimensional design skills; design technology; textile materials; the historical and cultural aspects of apparel; and the role of apparel and textiles in a global context.

Admission

Students enrolled at Michigan State University are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Apparel and Textile Design if they:

  1. have completed or are currently enrolled in Apparel and Textile Design 222 or 323;
  2. are in their second semester or later at Michigan State University or equivalent and have not earned more than 23 credits in apparel and textile design.

To apply, students must submit an application consistent with the process outlined by the department. Applications will include a portfolio of art and design work produced in studio courses taken to date at Michigan State University. Exceptions will be considered for transfer students. Applications are due by the end of the eighth week of the spring semester and decisions will be made in time for annual enrollment. Fall semester applications will be reviewed as warranted. Oral interviews may be requested. Students denied admission may reapply one additional time. For further information, visit www.art.msu.edu.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Apparel and Textile Design

  1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog, 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Apparel and Textile Design.

    The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Apparel and Textile Design major is met by completing Apparel and Textile Design 439.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses (12 credits):
    STA 110 Drawing I 3
    STA 112 Art and Design: Concepts and Practices 3
    STA 113 Color and Design 3
    STA 114 Three-Dimensional Form 3
    b. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    STA 300 Intermediate Drawing 3
    STA 391 Special Topics in Drawing 3
    c. Complete three additional Studio Art or Graphic Design courses. Courses used in fulfillment of item 3. a. and 3. b. may not be used to fulfill this requirement
    (9 credits):
    d. All of the following courses (17 credits):
    ATD 111 Basic Apparel Structuring 1
    ATD 121 Explorations in Apparel and Textile Design 3
    ATD 222 Structuring, Couture and Tailored Garments 3
    ATD 231 Textile Materials 4
    ATD 323 Apparel Pattern Design 3
    ATD 439 Portfolio Development and Exhibition (W) 3
    e. Complete 15 to 24 credits from the following courses:
    ATD 325 Design by Draping 3
    ATD 332 Textile Design 3
    ATD 335 Design Development and Presentation 3
    ATD 423 Design Methods and Approaches 3
    ATD 424 Specialized Design 3
    ATD 427 Knitwear Design 3
    ATD 428 Design Studio 3
    ATD 491A Special Topics in Apparel 3
    ATD 491T Special Topics in Textiles 3
    ATD 493 Internship in Apparel and Textiles 1 to 6
    f. Apparel and Textile Design, Graphic Design or Studio Art electives: Additional credits in Apparel and Textile Design, Graphic Design or Studio Art courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 65, but not more than 68, credits in the major. Courses in item 3. g. may not be used in fulfillment of this requirement.
    g. Art History and Visual Culture (a minimum of 12 credits)
    Complete four courses from the following:
    (1) The following course (3 credits):
    ATD 426 History of Dress and Textiles 3
    (2) One or both of the following courses (3 or 6 credits):
    ATD 430 Dress, Culture and Human Behavior 3
    ATD 431 Global Context for Sustainable Design 3
    (3) One or two History of Art courses as approved by the student's academic advisor (3 to 8 credits)


Art Education

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program with a major in art education leads to art teacher certification by the State of Michigan in grades K-12. In order for Michigan State University to recommend a person for teacher certification, that person must meet Department of Teacher Education admission requirements for the Internship Year Studies Program, and complete all course requirements and additional standards or tests set forth by the Department of Teacher Education and the Michigan Department of Education. See the section Teacher Certification in the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.

The art education program is designed to:

  1. develop highly specialized multiple and technical skills and to address conceptual content in the disciplines of studio art and art history.
  2. include pedagogy–specific content and clinical experiences in art teaching and learning situations with elementary and secondary students in preparation for the Teacher Certification Internship–Year Studies program.

Upon satisfactory completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in art education, the bachelor's degree is granted.  However, in order for Michigan State University to recommend a person for a teaching certificate, that person must also complete the requirements for the Internship–Year Studies program described under the heading TEACHER CERTIFICATION in the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.

Students who have been admitted to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program with a major in art education and admitted to the teacher certification program and meet all program requirements, are thereby qualified to pursue the Internship–Year Studies program upon completion of the baccalaureate degree and successful performance on tests designated by the State of Michigan for teacher certification.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art Education

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the  Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Art Education major is met by completing Studio Art 481 and 482. Those courses are referenced in item 4. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses (24 credits):
    STA 110 Drawing I 3
    STA 112 Art and Design: Concepts and Practices 3
    STA 113 Color and Design 3
    STA 114 Three–Dimensional Form 3
    STA 320 Painting I 3
    STA 340 Ceramics: Hand Building 3
    STA 345 Ceramics: Wheel Throwing 3
    STA 370 Photography I 3
    b. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    STA 300 Intermediate Drawing 3
    STA 391 Special Topics in Drawing 3
    c. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    GD 260 Concepts of Graphic Design 3
    GD 360 Graphic Design I: Graphic Form 3
    GD 365 Typography I: Form and Meaning 3
    d. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    STA 350 Figure Modeling 3
    STA 351 Mixed Media and Installation 3
    STA 354 Casting 3
    STA 355 Construction and Fabrication 3
    STA 380 Electronic Art 3
    e. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    STA 330 Lithography 3
    STA 335 Etching 3
    STA 491B Selected Topics - Printmaking 3
    f. Complete an additional two studio art courses at the 300-400 level in one of the following areas: ceramics, electronic art and intermedia, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture. (6 credits)
    g. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
    HA 101 Western Art from the Paleolithic to Medieval Era 3
    HA 102 Western Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary 3
    h. At least one of the following History of Art courses or other applicable art history and visual culture courses from the Post World War II period approved by the advisor (3 or 4 credits)
    HA 240 Modern Art 3
    HA 251 History of Photography 3
    HA  252 Introduction to Contemporary Art 3
    HA 261 Modern Asian Art 3
    HA 450 Selected Topics in Modern Art 4
    HA 452 Selected Topics in Contemporary Art 4
    HA 461 Selected Topics in Modern Asian Art 4
    i. One additional History of Art course at the 200 or 400 level. (3 or 4 credits)
    j. A cultural studies course. The course must be approved by the Art Education advisor. For an approved list of courses, see the Department of Art, Art History, and Design. (3 or 4 credits)
    4. The following Professional Education courses (23 credits):
    STA 371 Art, Education and Society 3
    STA 481 Art Experiences with Children and Youth I (W) 5
    STA 482 Art Experiences with Children and Youth II (W) 5
    TE 150 Reflections on Learning 3
    TE 250 Human Diversity, Power, and Opportunity in Social Institutions 3
    TE 302 Learners and Learning in Context - Secondary (W) 4
    The completion of Studio Art 481 and 482 satisfies the capstone requirement for the Art Education major.
    Enrollment in Teacher Education 302 requires admission to the teacher certification program in the College of Education.


Art History and Visual Culture

Students of art history and visual culture seek to investigate the production, form, and reception of images and objects, past and present, from a multicultural perspective, incorporating painting, sculpture, and architecture as conventionally defined by art history but extending beyond these boundaries to material culture and a wider range of media. Art history and visual culture poses questions regarding the social, economic, religious, philosophical and psychological influences affecting those who consume as well as those who produce images and objects thus broadly defined, asking how values and beliefs are given material form and how these forms themselves can be interpreted. Cognate study provides additional opportunities to explore visual culture from the perspectives of a wide range of fields.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art History and Visual Culture

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and Visual Culture.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Art History and Visual Culture major is met by completing History of Art 499.  That course is referenced in item 3. a. (6) below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

    The completion of requirement 3.b. referenced below satisfies the College's foreign language requirement.

    The completion of requirement 3.c. referenced below satisfies the College requirement for a cognate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. The following courses related to History of Art (38 to 40 credits):
    (1) Both of the following courses (6 credits):
    HA 101 Western Art from the Paleolithic to Medieval Era 3
    HA 102 Western Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary 3
    (2) One course from two of the following three areas (6 credits):
    Asian
    HA 260 Asian Art 3
    HA 261 Modern Asian Art 3
    HA 262 Buddhist Art and Architecture Across Asia 3
    African
    HA 271 African Art 3
    Native/Latin American
    HA 253 Native North American Art 3
    HA 254 Latin American Art 3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    HA 220 Renaissance Art 3
    HA 231 Baroque and Rococo Art 3
    HA 240 Modern Art 3
    HA 250 Arts of North America 3
    HA 251 History of Photography 3
    HA 252 Introduction to Contemporary Art 3
    HA 291 Topics in Art History 3
    (4) The following course (3 credits):
    HA 389 Methods in and Approaches to Art History 3
    (5) At least three art history courses selected from the following (12 credits):
    HA 401 Greek Art and Archaeology 4
    HA 402 Roman Art and Archaeology 4
    HA 410 Selected Topics in Medieval Art 4
    HA 431 Special Topics in Early Modern Art 4
    HA 446 Impressionism 4
    HA 450 Selected Topics in Modern Art 4
    HA 452 Selected Topics in Contemporary Art 4
    HA 454 Selected Topics in Arts of the Americas 4
    HA 461 Selected Topics in Modern Asian Art 4
    HA 462 The Arts of China 4
    HA 471 Selected Topics in African Art 4
    HA 491 Special Topics in History of Art 1 to 4
    (6) A capstone experience. Complete 3 credits of History of Art 499 Senior Research and Professional Development Seminar with concurrent enrollment in 1 credit of HA 499S Senior Research Project in History of Art (4 credits).
    (7) A 1 or 2 credit internship through enrollment in HA 493A or equivalent internship from fields close to art history and visual culture. The internship must be approved and supervised by a faculty member.
    (8) Additional credits in History of Art courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 38 credits, but not more than 40 credits, in courses in the major.
    b. Second-year competency in a foreign language pertinent to the student’s overall plan of study in consultation with the History of Art advisor. This requirement may be satisfied by placing into a 300-level foreign language course on a MSU placement test.
    c. A cognate of 15 credits from outside the student's major selected from areas such as museum studies, literature, a second language, material culture, or film studies. The cognate must be approved by the history of art advisor.


Graphic Design

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, which is administered by the Department of Art, Art History, and Design, is a professional degree that prepares students through intensive, immersive, upper-level study in several areas within the discipline to be successful in the field of graphic design.

Admission

Students enrolled at Michigan State University are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design if they:

  1. have completed GD 360 and GD 365 and;
  2. are in their second semester or later at Michigan State University or equivalent standing at another university, and have not yet earned their 30th credit in GD and STA credits combined.
To apply, students must submit an application consistent with the process outlined by the department. Applications will include a portfolio of graphic design produced in studio art course work taken to date at Michigan State University. Exceptions will be considered for transfer students. Applications are due by the end of the eighth week of the spring semester and decisions will be made in time for annual enrollment. Fall semester applications will be reviewed as warranted. Oral interviews may be requested. Students denied admission may reapply one additional time.
For further information, visit www.art.msu.edu.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design
  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Graphic Design major is met by completing Graphic Design 492.  That course is referenced in item 3. a. (1) below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
a. The following Graphic Design and Studio Art courses (66 to 69 credits):
(1) All of the following courses:  Studio Art 110, 112, 113, 114; Graphic Design 160, 360, 365, 460, 492, and 492A (27 credits).
The completion of Graphic Design 492 and 492A satisfies the capstone course requirement for the Graphic Design major.
(2) Four of the following courses including at least one course from each of the following three areas (12 credits):
Two-Dimensional Area
Painting: Studio Art 320
Printmaking: Studio Art 330, 335
Three-Dimensional Area
Ceramics: Studio Art 340, 345
Sculpture: Studio Art 350, 351, 354, 355
Electronic Art and Intermedia and Photography Area
Photography: Studio Art 370
Electronic Art and Intermedia: Studio Art 380, 384, 385
(3) Five of the following Graphic Design electives: Graphic Design 303, 462, 465, 466, 467, 468, and 491 (15 credits).
(4) Completion of an experiential learning component through enrollment in Graphic Design 493 or 494 (3 credits).
(5) Graphic Design and Studio Art electives:  Additional credits in Graphic Design and Studio Art courses at the 300–400 level as needed to meet the requirement of at least 66, but not more than 69, credits in courses in the major.
b. Art History and Visual Culture:  Four courses including the following (12 or 13 credits):
(1) History of Art 101 and 102 (6 credits)
(2) Graphic Design 200 (3 credits)
(3) One additional course in History of Art at the 200 or 400-level (3 or 4 credits)

 

Studio Art - Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts degree program with a major in Studio Art is a liberal arts program. Emphasis is on breadth of study, and the number of required Studio Art courses is limited so that students may complete college and university requirements and electives.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Studio Art major is met by completing Studio Art 492.  That course is referenced in item 3. a. (1) below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

    The completion of requirement 3. b. referenced below satisfies one of the cognates that the College requires.  The second cognate must be in a field outside the student's major.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. The following Studio Art courses (41 to 45 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses:  Studio Art 110, 112, 113, 114, 492 (14 credits).
    The completion of Studio Art 492 satisfies the capstone course requirement for the Studio Art major.
    (2) Four of the following courses including at least one  course from each of the following three areas (12 credits):
    Two-Dimensional Area
    Painting: Studio Art 320
    Printmaking: Studio Art 330, 335
    Three-Dimensional Area
    Ceramics: Studio Art 340, 345
    Sculpture: Studio Art 350, 351, 354, 355
    Electronic Art and Intermedia and Photography Area
    Photography: Studio Art 370
    Electronic Art and Intermedia: Studio Art 380
    Graphic Design: Graphic Design 360, 365
    (3) A concentration of at least 3 courses, including at least one 400–level course, in one of the following subdisciplines (9 credits):  
    Ceramics:  Studio Art 340, 345, 440.
    Electronic Art and Intermedia: Studio Art 380, 384, 385, 488, 491I.
    Graphic Design:  Graphic Design 360, 365, 460, 462, 465, 466, 467, 468, 494.
    Painting:  Studio Art 320, 325, 420, 491A.
    Photography:  Studio Art 370, 375, 384, 472, 474, 475, 476, 491F.
    Printmaking:  Studio Art 330, 335, 439, 491B.
    Sculpture:  Studio Art 350, 351, 354, 355, 450, 491D.
    (4) Studio Art electives:  Additional credits in 300–400 level Studio Art or Graphic Design courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 41, but not more than 45, credits in courses in the major.
    A course that is listed in requirements 3. a. (2) and (3) may be counted toward both of those requirements.
    b. Art History and Visual Culture Cognate:  Four courses including the following (12 to 14 credits):
    (1) History of Art 101 and 102 (6 credits).
    (2) At least one course that includes the post World War II period. History of Art 240, 251, 252, 261, 450, 452, 461 or other applicable History of Art courses approved by the advisor (3 or 4 credits).
    (3) One additional course in History of Art at the 200 or 400-level (3 or 4 credits).


Studio Art - Bachelor of Fine Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program with a major in studio art is a professional studio art program. Its emphasis is for students anticipating careers in the practice of art or design, or for students planning on graduate study in either field.

Admission

Students enrolled at Michigan State University are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art if they:

  1. have completed or are currently enrolled in all of their distribution requirements and;
  2. are in their second semester or later at Michigan State University or equivalent standing at another university, and have not yet earned their 30th credit in studio art.

To apply, students must submit an application consistent with the process outlined by the department. Applications will include a portfolio of artwork produced in studio art course work taken to date at Michigan State University. Exceptions will be considered for transfer students. Applications are due by the end of the eighth week of the spring semester and decisions will be made in time for annual enrollment. Fall semester applications will be reviewed as warranted. Oral interviews may be requested. Students denied admission may reapply one additional time.

For further information, visit www.art.msu.edu.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Studio Art major is met by completing Studio Art 492.  That course is referenced in item 3. a. (1) below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. The following Studio Art courses (66 to 69 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses:  Studio Art 110, 112, 113, 114, 300 or 391, 492, and 492A (18 credits).
    The completion of Studio Art 492 satisfies the capstone course requirement for the Studio Art major.
    (2) Four of the following courses including at least one course from each of the following three areas(12 credits):
    Two-Dimensional Area
    Painting: Studio Art 320
    Printmaking: Studio Art 330, 335
    Three-Dimensional Area
    Ceramics: Studio Art 340, 345
    Sculpture: Studio Art 350, 351, 354, 355
    Electronic Art and Intermedia and Photography Area
    Photography: Studio Art 370
    Electronic Art and Intermedia: Studio Art 380
    (3) A first concentration of at least 6 courses (including reenrollments) in one of the following subdisciplines including one concurrent enrollment in a corresponding Studio Art Senior Project course or an approved internship for at least 3 credits (18 credits): 
    Ceramics:  Studio Art 340, 345, 440, 491C.
    Electronic Art and Intermedia: Studio Art 380, 384, 385, 480, 491I.
    Painting:  Studio Art 320, 325, 420, 491A.
    Photography:  Studio Art 370, 375, 384, 472,  474, 475, 476, 491F.
    Printmaking:  Studio Art 330, 335, 439, 491B.
    Sculpture:  Studio Art 350, 351, 354, 355, 450, 491D.
    Studio Art Senior Project courses and Internships:
    Ceramics: Studio Art 440S.
    Electronic Art and Intermedia: Studio Art 480S, 488
    Painting: Studio Art 420S.
    Photography: Studio Art 472S, 474S, 475S, 476S.
    Printmaking: Studio Art 439S.
    Sculpture: Studio Art 450S.
    Studio Art: Studio Art 493A.
    (4) A second concentration of two Studio Art courses in one subdiscipline other than the one that was used to satisfy requirement 3. a. (3) above (6 credits).
    (5) Studio Art electives:  Additional credits in Studio Art or Graphic Design courses at the 300–400 level as needed to meet the requirement of at least 66, but not more than 69, credits in courses in the major.
    b. Art History and Visual Culture:  Four courses including the following (12 to 14 credits):
    (1) History of Art 101 and 102 (6 credits).
    (2) At least one course that includes the post-World War II period. History of Art 240, 251, 252, 261, 450, 452, 461 or other applicable History of Art courses approved by the advisor (3 or 4 credits).
    (3) One additional course in History of Art at the 200 or 400-level (3 or 4 credits).
    A course that is listed in requirements 3.a.(2) and (3) may be counted toward both of those requirements.


Minor in Art History and Visual Culture

The Minor in Art History and Visual Culture, which is administered by the Department of Art, Art History, and Design, provides a minimum foundation in the field that may be used to supplement majors in other visual and cultural fields and enhance interdisciplinary expertise within other majors in the humanities.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art History and Visual Culture.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor must consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design.

Requirements for the Minor in Art History and Visual Culture

The student must complete 17 to 21 credits from the following:

1. One of the following courses (3 credits):
HA 101 Western Art from the Paleolithic to Medieval Era 3
HA 102 Western Art from the Renaissance to contemporary 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
HA 260 Asian Art 3
HA 261 Modern Asian Art 3
HA 262 Buddhist Art and Architecture Across Asia 3
HA 271 African art 3
3. Complete 11 to 15 credits of course work in history of art as approved by the student's academic advisor. At least one course must be at the 400-level.

Minor in Art Photography

The Minor in Art Photography, which is administered by the Department of Art, Art History, and Design, provides introductory exposure to concepts, vocabulary, and methods of the discipline of photography that may be used to complement majors in other degree programs.
  
The minor is available as an elective to students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Studio Art with a concentration in photography. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to apply to the program should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design.

Requirements for the Minor in Art Photography

Complete 15 credits from the following: 

STA 110 Drawing I 3
STA 113 Color and Design 3
STA 170 Digital Photography: Tools and Concepts 3
STA 270 Concepts of Photography 3
HA 251 History of Photography 3


 

Minor in Comic Art and Graphic Novels

The Minor in Comic Art and Graphic Novels, which is administered by the Department of Art, Art History, and Design, provides introductory exposure to concepts, vocabulary, and methods of the discipline of comics that may be used to complement majors in other visual fields.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. At least 9 credits counted towards the requirements for this minor must be unique. Unique credits must not be used to fulfill another university, college, or major requirement in the student’s program.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design.

Requirements for the Minor in Comic Art and Graphic Novels

Complete 15 credits from the following:

1. All of the following courses (12 credits):
ENG 325 Readings in Graphic Narrative 3
STA 110 Drawing I 3
STA 201 Fundamentals of Comic Art and Graphic Novels 3
STA 301 Advanced Comic Art and Graphic Novels 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
ENG 223 Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction Writing 3
ENG 228 Introduction to Fiction Writing 3
GD 160 Digital Graphic Design: Tools and Methods 3
JRN 313 Political Cartoons 3
STA 113 Color and Design 3
STA 202 Sequencing Events: Drawing Comics Throughout History 3
STA 203 Comics Memoir 3


 

Minor in Graphic Design

The Minor in Graphic Design, which is administered by the Department of Art, Art History, and Design, offers students the opportunity to have introductory exposure to concepts, vocabulary, and methods of the discipline of graphic design without requiring the intensive, immersive upper-level studies associated with concentrating in the field as a major.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University with the exception of those in the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design.

Requirements for the Minor in Graphic Design

Complete 15 credits from the following courses:

1. All of the following courses (9 credits):
GD  160 Digital Graphic Design: Tools and Methods  3
GD  200 History of Graphic Design  3
GD  260 Concepts of Graphic Design  3
2. Two of the following courses (6 credits):
GD  295 Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs  3
STA  110 Drawing I  3
STA  113 Color and Design  3

Teacher Certification Options

The art education disciplinary major leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is available for teacher certification.

Students with a disciplinary major in art education must complete Studio Art 481 and 482 in lieu of Teacher Education 407 and 408.

Students who elect the art education disciplinary major must contact the Department of Art, Art History, and Design.

For additional information, refer to the statement on TEACHER CERTIFICATION in the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.


Graduate Study

The Department of Art, Art History, and Design offers a program leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree. The Master of Fine Arts degree is offered in selected studio art areas leading to the enhancement of personal abilities in the studio arts and to professional opportunities.

 


Studio Art - Master of Fine Arts

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Applicants must meet the general requirements for consideration for admission to master's and doctoral degree programs in the College of Arts and Letters referenced in the college statement.

To be considered for admission to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art, an applicant must submit a digital portfolio of no more than 20 examples of original artwork and provide supplemental information as outlined at www.art.msu.edu.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art from a recognized educational institution, or have completed the courses in art that are required for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art at Michigan State University or their equivalents. A cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 is required for regular admission.

Students are admitted to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art for fall semester only. Applications materials for admission must be received by January 5.

The department believes that studio space must be made available to students who are admitted to the program as a means of fostering their creativity.  Therefore, the number of students who can be admitted to the program will  be limited by the availability of suitable studio space.

Residence

The student must earn a minimum of 6 credits in the degree program in residence on campus during the final two semesters of enrollment in the program.

Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art

The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 60 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

  1. Be enrolled in the program for a minimum of four semesters.
  2. Complete both of the following courses during the first year of enrollment in the program: STA 890 Master of Fine Arts Seminar: Exploring Research, Resources, and Context and STA 891 Special Topics in Art Education (section Master of Fine Arts Seminar: Teaching and Pedagogical Practice in Studio Art).
  3. Complete 3 credits of STA 893 Master of Fine Arts Professional Seminar during the last year of enrollment.
  4. Complete at least 36 additional credits in Studio Art courses including:
    1. A minimum of 8 credits in both of the following courses: STA 895 Master of Fine arts Studio: Exploration and Research in Studio Art and STA 896 Master of Fine Arts Studio: Integration in Studio Art.
    2. A minimum of 5 credits in STA 897 Critique.
    3. At least 13 credits of Studio Art 898 Master of Fine Arts Research. These credits must be completed while in residence during the final two semesters of enrollment in the program.
  5. Complete at least two courses at the 400–800 level in History of Art.
  6. Complete one course of at least 4 credits outside the department during the first year of enrollment.
  7. Pass an oral final certifying examination over the student's research.  The student must take this examination while in residence during the final semester of enrollment in the program.
  8. Participate in the Master of Fine Arts Exhibition accompanied by a public presentation in the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.
Academic Standards

During the semester leading to the completion of 15 degree credits, but not later than the semester leading to the completion of 20 degree credits, students must participate in the 15-Credit Review. During the second year of study, students will participate in an additional review. A student may accumulate no more than 9 credits with a grade below 3.0 in courses that are to be counted toward the degree.

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits must have been completed within the time limit for the degree.