Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Art, Art History, and Design is dedicated to the creation and historical study of the visual arts. Students are encouraged to develop aesthetic and conceptual awareness, perceptual and creative problem–solving skills, and informed judgment in a learning environment that values the development of personal vision, critical inquiry, and philosophical reflection.

Through its many activities including student exhibitions, Visiting Artist & Scholar Lecture Series, and outreach events, the Department of Art, Art History, and Design is a hallmark of engaged and active learning. An incubator of creativity and innovation, the visual arts contribute significantly to the cultural life of our community, inspire a stewardship of our built and natural environment, internationalize our perspective on issues, broaden our framework of understanding, and increase our capacity to think beyond convention.

1931

Department Founded

Although art classes had been taught since the 1890s, this year marked the founding of a department dedicated to the study of art.

6,000+

Alumni

Many of our alumni find careers in the arts, while others apply the skills they learned at MSU to all sorts of pursuits.

10+

Scholarship Endowments

Alumni and other donors have endowed scholarships that are awarded to students at every level, from those entering college to graduating seniors.

Majors

women with blue eyeliner and blue lipstick, wearing a blue veil
APPAREL & TEXTILE DESIGN
canvas covered in paint with paint brushes lying on top
ART EDUCATION
museum with paintings in intricate gold frames
ART HISTORY & VISUAL CULTURE
cluttered desk up against a wall covered in graphics and typography
Graphic Design
Abstract ergonomic sculpture mounted on a wall
STUDio ART

Minors

A light blue background with a dark strip down the center, two colorful angular polygons are on either side of the strip
ART HISTORY & VISUAL CULTURE
a camera with a purple reflection in the lense

Art photograhy

a collection of layered comic books
Comic Art & Graphic Novels
A colorful page spread
Graphic Design

Aligned Programs

Arts & Cultural Management

MINOR

Experience Architecture

BA

Museum Studies

MINOR

Portfolio