The department is an integral part of the interdisciplinary experience within the university and by virtue of its commitment to the highest standards in teaching, research, and service, is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the mission of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

The department of Art, Art History & Design offers the following degree programs:

• BA in Art - Art History Concentration
• BA in Art - Art Studio Concentration
• BFA in Art - Digital Animation Concentration
• BFA in Art - Graphic Design Concentration
• BFA in Art - Painting/Drawing Concentration
• BFA in Art - Photography Concentration
• BFA in Art - Printmaking Concentration
• BFA in Art - Sculpture Concentration

The Department of Art, Art History & Design offers courses in art studio and art history leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in a particular art studio concentration (Digital Animation, Graphic Design, Painting/Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture).

For the BA, students can concentrate in either Art Studio or Art History. The 51 semester hour Art Studio concentration allows a student to focus his or her upper-division studies on any of six areas: digital animation, graphic design, painting/drawing, photography, printmaking, or sculpture. The program culminates in a group exit show. In the 42 semester hour Art History concentration students take a variety of courses exploring the visual culture of different regions and eras, and finish their degree by writing a senior thesis. The BA provides students with a solid foundation to pursue a career in the arts or a related field.

The BFA is the primary professional degree in Art Studio. In a BFA program, the goals are to develop the skills, concepts, and professional practices to pursue a career as an artist. It is also the preferred degree for students who plan to go on for a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. This 78 semester hour major requires more studio courses than the BA and does not require a minor.

Students must apply for acceptance to the BFA program. The application, which is available in the department office, involves submission of a transcript (3.0 GPA required in Art History and Art Studio classes), two essays, and a portfolio of five pieces (one drawing, one 3-D piece, one work using color, and two additional pieces, preferably in the area of concentration). The review is typically done as a rising junior, but students should consult with their faculty mentors. The BFA Review is conducted at the end of the fall and spring terms.

All BFA students must complete an exit requirement specific to their concentration. Students who are candidates for a BFA in fine arts concentrations (Painting/Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture) will mount a solo exit show. Those in Digital Animation and Graphic Design will complete a comprehensive portfolio review. See your faculty mentors for guidelines.

Transfer credit for equivalent coursework in Art Studio and Art History classes will be determined by the department chair. Art majors transferring to UAH must complete at least 12 semester hours of art courses at the 300-level or above at UAH. Art Studio or Art History minors transferring in must take at least six (6) semester hours of art courses at the 300 level or above.