Art and Design

Return to: College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities

The goals of the Department of Art and Design are (1) to ensure the cultivation of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking; (2) to encourage the acquisition of the prerequisite knowledge, attitudes, and skills for one’s vocation; (3) to ensure that students meet the requirements of accrediting agencies and professional groups; and (4) to offer programs that provide high returns on college investments.

There are two bachelors’ degree programs, and six (6) major areas of concentration in the Department of Art and Design. The B.A. in Art degree program comprises five areas of concentration: Art Studies; Animation and Interactive Media (which includes Game Design); Pre-Architecture; Graphic Design and Innovation; and Studio Art. The B.Sc. in Fashion, Apparel and Textile Design degree program includes a concentration in Apparel Design. All six areas of study lead to positions in industry and/or graduate school.

1. Art Studies

The Art Studies concentration is focused on the practice and theory of art, which provides the foundation for students’ independent exploration and artistic development. As a student in Art Studies, you’ll engage in interdisciplinary, intellectual work based in theory, analysis, history, and art and design methods and materials investigation. Art Studies graduates get jobs in arts administration, studio management, and as art curators, art critiques, art historians, etc. Students earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in Art (Art, B.A.) with a concentration in Art Studies.

2. Studio Art

The Studio Art concentration is designed for the student who wishes to engage in the following disciplines: painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and computer graphics. Many of our studio art graduates work in fine or commercial art studios located in office buildings, warehouses, or lofts. They also secure jobs in museums, galleries, etc. Others work in private studios of their own; or form a collective and enjoy a shared studio space, where they may also exhibit their work. Others have started their own galleries or studio business, etc. Students earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in Art (Art, B.A.) with a concentration in Studio Art.

3. Graphic Design and Innovation

The Graphic Design concentration prepares students for specialization in graphic design, including print communication, typography, interaction design for the Web and mobile apps, motion graphics, package design, photography, branding, advertising, and design for immersive technologies. Graphic Design students investigate the use of art and design as a means of innovative and effective communication. Some of our graduates work directly for a brand or for a variety of clients in design firms and advertising agencies. They also work at medium to large corporations; local, state, and federal governments; organizations; etc. Still, others have started their own successful design businesses. Students earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in Art (Art, B.A.) with a concentration in Graphic Design and Innovation.

4. Animation and Interactive Media

The Animation and Interactive Media concentration prepares future animators and special effects artists to create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media, education, and entertainment. They will imagine almost everything about, and in, a video game. Many artists and animators work in offices; others work from home offices. Game designers plan core features of video games. They specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Game designers create and maintain design documentation. They also guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed. Animators and game designers work for animation and game development companies, educational institutions and/or corporations, the film industry, etc. Students earn the Bachelor of Arts degree, in Art (Art, B.A.) with a concentration in Animation and Interactive Media.

5. Pre-Architecture

Pre-Architecture students will complete 16 architectural design courses, and the General Education requirements. Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures. Architects work in design offices, where they develop plans, meet with clients, and consult with engineers and other architects. They also visit construction sites to prepare initial drawings and review the progress of projects to ensure that clients’ objectives are met. Many architects start their own architectural design firms. Students earn the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Art with a concentration in Pre-Architecture.

6. Fashion, Apparel and Textile Design

Within the Department of Art and Design, the Fashion, Apparel and Textile Design program has been successfully delivered on the NCCU campus for more than three decades. The Apparel Design Concentration includes coursework in merchandising and apparel design, with supporting courses in art, business, and dramatic arts. Apparel design graduates work in fashion design firms, wholesale or manufacturing establishments, apparel companies, retailers, theater, or dance companies as costume designers, and often start their own brands, businesses, etc. Students earn the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Fashion, Apparel and Textile Design with a concentration in Apparel Design.

Return to: College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities