Art and Design

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.

The Department of Art and Design now offers two degree programs (1) a Bachelor’s of Art in Art and Design and (2) a Bachelor’s of Science in Fashion, Apparel and Textile Design Studies.

Art and Design

The Art and Design Program embraces three five areas of concentration: Graphic Design and Innovation, Animation and Interactive Media, Pre-Architecture, Studio Art, and Art Studies.

The Graphic Design and Innovation Concentration prepares the student for fields of specialization in graphic design, advertising, interaction design and other forms associated areas of commercial communication.  Students investigate the use of art as a means of communication in these specialized areas in preparation for positions in industry and/or graduate school.

The Studio Art Concentration is designed for the student who wishes to concentrate in one of the following disciplines: painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture, or ceramics.  Students in this program are encouraged to pursue fine arts careers, the teaching certificate, and/or continue to study at the graduate level.

The Art Studies Concentration is focused on the practice and theory of art, which provides the foundation for students’ independent exploration and artistic development. Students in this concentration are encouraged to pursue graduate studies.

The Animation and Interactive Media Concentration equips students with the skills to create captivating visual effects and design immersive experiences for various forms of media, education, and entertainment. As an animator or game designer, students could find themselves working in animation and game development companies, educational institutions, the video and film industry, and more.

The Pre-Architecture Concentration will offer a unique opportunity for aspiring architects. This program enables students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a concentration in Pre-Architecture from North Carolina Central University. Afterward, they can pursue two years of graduate study to earn a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree. Architects shape the world around us by planning and designing structures, and our program provides the foundation for architectural careers. Architects work in design offices, where they meet with clients, develop reports and drawings, and collaborate with other architects and engineers. They secure jobs as architectural designers, building conservationists, architectural technologists, urban planners, and manage their own design firms, etc.