Why Choose Art at Bethel University?
This is a degree for makers. Bethel University's Bachelor of Arts in Art develops you as a working artist across drawing, painting, design, and beyond, building both the technical skill and the creative voice to make work that matters to you. You start with the fundamentals and move toward a body of work that is genuinely your own.
What gives the program its shape is the arc from foundation to exhibition. You build core skills in two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, drawing, and painting, ground your practice in the history of visual art, then push into concept, criticism, and professional habits. The degree culminates in a senior thesis exhibition, where you present a portfolio of your work to faculty and the public, the same way a practicing artist would.
What You'll Learn
In this program, you will learn:
- Foundational drawing skills, including perception, figure drawing, and the elements and principles of design
- A command of two-dimensional and three-dimensional design and composition
- Painting skills across a range of materials and techniques, with an emphasis on personal creative expression
- The ability to develop and refine your own artistic voice and aesthetic judgment
- A knowledge of art history, from the ancient world to the present
- The skills to formulate a personal artistic process and express meaning through your work
- The ability to write and respond to art criticism and to build professional artistic practices
- A complete portfolio of work, presented through a public senior thesis exhibition
Courses You'll Take
These are the core courses that define the major:
ART 111, Introduction to Drawing
ART 115, 2D Design
ART 113, 3D Design
ART 201, Introduction to Painting
ART 301, Painting II
ART 213 or ART 214, History of the Visual Arts
ART 310 or ART 320, Drawing II or Figure Drawing
ART 410, Concepts, Process, and Criticism
ART 416, Senior Thesis Exhibition
Beyond these, you will complete additional art electives, including at least six hours at the 300 to 400 level, chosen from the department's offerings.
Career Possibilities
Studio Artist
Creates original work in one or more media, building a body of work and often exhibiting or selling it.
Illustrator
Produces images for books, publications, products, or digital media, often working to a client's brief.
Graphic Designer
Combines art and design to create visual materials for branding, marketing, publications, and the web.
Art Director
Leads the visual direction of projects or publications, guiding a team and shaping a cohesive look.
Arts Educator
Shares artistic skills and appreciation with students in community programs, studios, or, with licensure, schools.
Art Studio or Program Coordinator
Manages the operations, scheduling, and resources of an art studio, program, or community arts space.
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