BA Studio
Based on our core degree program, undergraduate students are given the opportunity to learn the basic skills of art in several mediums before choosing to focus their study on one of our six program concentrations. From three-dimensional art to motion graphics to drawing and painting, the BA Studio degree prepares students with skills for real-world art practice. In addition to the standard BA in studio art, students also have the option of completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, pending admission to the program.
Undergraduate Studio Core Requirements
- ART 101 Drawing I
- ART 107 Fundamentals of Design I
- ART 108 Fundamentals of Design II-3D
- ART 156/109 Fundamentals of Design III
- ART 260 Survey of Art History I
- ART 261 Survey of Art History II
- ART 266 Survey of Art History III
In addition to the University General Education degree requirements listed in the UNLV catalog, all undergraduate studio majors in the Department of Art must complete the 21-credit art core requirements.
Students have the option of selecting one of six concentrations within the major, each of which has its own graduation requirements. Courses within the program concentrations will require one or more of the studio core requirements as a prerequisite; students should seek to complete as much of the Art Core as possible prior to enrolling in the concentration courses.
Areas of Concentration
Painting/Drawing
The Painting program emphasizes a broad foundation in painting skills while avoiding a single predominant “style” or geographic influence. The curriculum is structured to provide students with the opportunity to incorporate interdisciplinary approaches to their work. Our Painting faculty include Tom Holder, Mary Warner and Jose Bellver.
- ART 101 Drawing I
- ART 135 Photography
- ART 201 Life Drawing I
- ART 221, 222, or 223 Printmaking
- ART 231 Painting I
- ART 477 Art Since 1945
- Electives (3 credits)
- Upper Division Art History (6 credits)
Ceramics
The Ceramics program philosophy is far-reaching, and embraces all aspects of the medium. From traditional aspects such as pottery, to contemporary attitudes concerning sculpture, the department strives to allow each student their own expression. Our classes are technique-oriented for the novice, since without technical knowledge there can be no progress. As each student gains ability and confidence in the handling of the material, they may begin to explore their own vision of the medium. The Ceramics program does not focus on one particular “way” of explaining clay and its purpose, but rather guides the student by challenging each individual to understand their own need to use ceramics as a means to an end.
- ART 201 Life Drawing I
- ART 216 Sculpture I
- ART 211 or 212 Ceramics
- ART 231 Painting I
- ART 411 or 412 Advanced Ceramics
- Upper Division Art History (6 credits)
Graphic Design
The graphic design program offers training in the current methods and technology of graphic design, and emphasizes visual problem solving within the context of professional graphic design practices.
- ART 135 Photography I
- ART 256 Graphic Design I
- ART 356 Graphic Design II
- ART 358 Typography
- ART 456 Graphic Design III
- Painting, Drawing, or Printmaking Electives (6 credits)
- Concentration Electives (6 credits)
- Upper Division Art History (6 credits)
Photography
The Photography program embraces the departmental philosophy of extensive interdisciplinary studies. Within the area, students are initially expected to achieve technical competency in both black and white and color photography while investigating conceptual concerns. As the student advances in the program, they are guided individually to pursue particular issues that are pertinent to their own personal vision. Thus, no singular “technique” or “school of thought” is stressed but, rather, the student is challenged to focus on clarifying their needs and purposes for making images. The concern of the program is to not only train photographers within the broad technical realm, but to introduce and utilize photography as an indispensable tool for the contemporary visual artist.
- ART 135 Photography I
- ART 216 Sculpture I
- ART 221, 222, or 231 Printmaking/Painting
- ART 337 Intermediate Black & White Photography
- ART 339 Beginning Color Photography
- ART342 Digital Photography
- ART 437 or 439 Advanced Photography
- Upper Division Art History (6 credits)
Printmaking
The printmaking facilities at UNLV are excellent in the areas of lithography and intaglio, including an area for photo-generated processes. The printmaking program has one full-time faculty member with support faculty represented from other areas, each with strong printmaking backgrounds. For example, one of our photographers has an M.F.A. in printmaking with an emphasis in serigraphy. This provides students the opportunity to work with a variety of artists with strong interrelationships between areas.
- ART102 Drawing II
- ART 135 Photography I
- ART 201 Life Drawing I
- ART 221 or 222 Printmaking
- ART 231 Painting I
- ART 256 Graphic Design I
- Upper Division Art History (6 credits)
Sculpture
The primary emphasis of the sculpture program is the development and enhancement of individual concepts. The philosophy of mixed mediums and the expansion of conceptual parameters of art are the aesthetic goals of the sculpture area. The sculpture area is supported by several well-equipped studios: a general studio housing a full complement of woodworking power machines, a separate tool room for pneumatic and electric power tools, a metal shop, a waxworking room, and an outdoor work/storage yard housing a foundry.
- ART 102 Drawing II
- ART 135 Photography I
- ART 201 Life Drawing I
- ART 216 Sculpture I
- ART 211 or 212 Ceramics
- ART 317 Intermediate Sculpture
- ART 401 Advanced Drawing
- ART 416 Advanced Sculpture
- Upper Division Art History (6 credits)
