BFA in Graphic Design | BFA in Art-Photography | BFA in Computer Animation | BFA in Studio Art 2D | BFA in Studio Art 3D | BA in Studio Art | Art Minors | Course Descriptions
Interim Chair: Wayne Barrett (936) 294-1314
Faculty: Martin Amorous, Jack Barnosky, Kate Borcherding, Chuck Drumm, Rebecca Finley, Michael Henderson, Taehee Kim, Pat Lawler, Edward Morin, Tom Seifert, Tony Shipp, Annie Strader, Anthony Watkins.
Website: www.shsu.edu/art
Throughout human history, artists have found ways to express beauty, emotion, and vision using a variety of media. The Department of Art offers opportunities for creative students to explore and develop proficiencies in many traditional art forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, and photography. New and innovative art forms are also promoted in the Department of Art. Digital media courses are offered in Graphic Design, Computer Animation, and Photography. Traditional and new media programs are supported by the Art History program that provides concepts in aesthetics and art theory from diverse cultures and time periods.
Mission
The mission of the Sam Houston State University Department of Art is to build a diverse and contemporary program that will promote critical thinking, creative problem solving and aesthetic understanding in both the student body and faculty. The Department of Art promotes creative research through the use of scholarships, community-student related activities and by exhibiting both faculty and student art work in our galleries. Additionally, we provide the University and the community with a variety of visiting artists and lecturers who help sustain a larger artistic vision.
Academic Programs
Highlights
The Department of Art has extensive studio space, modern facilities, and two galleries to support the academic programs. Students in Graphic Design and Computer Animation have access to updated Macintosh and PC Computer laboratories with the industry’s latest software.
Each year visiting artists are brought to campus to lecture and give workshops as well as critiques. Individual studio space is available for advanced BFA candidates and selected students travel with Art Faculty to NYC to enhance their education.
Artists and scholars from around the country are invited to visit the art department every year to give public lectures, conduct workshops, and critique student work. Each year, students have the opportunity to travel to New York with faculty to visit art museums and galleries
Career Opportunities
Graduates with a degree in art will find the following employment opportunities:
- Many industry or business settings
- Commercial design firms
- Self-Employed Artists
- Teaching Careers
- Game Development Studios
Suggested Minors
Art students earning a Bachelor of Arts degree can choose a minor based on the student’s goals and career choices. The minors can be selected from most minor degree programs offered by the University. Students are encouraged to contact an advisor when selecting a minor. Bachelors of Fine Arts degrees do not require a minor. However, BFA students are encouraged to minor in Art History.
Student Organizations
SHSU SIGGRAPH is an organization of students interested in Computer Animation, Computer Generated Imagery, and Interactive Techniques. SIGGRAPH members work together on independent animated projects and games, support one another by sharing techniques and knowledge, travel to visit professional game and animation studios, and have the opportunity to attend the national SIGGRAPH conference in the summer.
The Student Art Association is a student-motivated organization which provides students with the opportunity to create a community environment and form a strong network among their peers. The SAA is dedicated to student development, participating in events, such as member exhibitions, technical/creative workshops, field trips, and promotion of student work.
Internships
Graphic Design students are encouraged to complete a professional internship. Students intern with design and advertising agencies, the print industry, in-house design departments, and publishers.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available from both the department and the University to support a student�s study. All department Scholarships are awarded to full-time Art students only.
| Scholarship | Awarded | Eligibility | Media | Process |
| Art Endowment | Spring | 3.0 GPA � Full-Time Student � SO, JR, SR |
Professional Attitude | Nomination Only |
| Charles Pebworth | Spring | 3.0 GPA ART – SO, JR, SR, 1 full year left of study | Sculpture | Entry in Juried Show |
| Clem Otis | Spring | 2.5 GPA overall, one full year left of study | Oil Painting | Entry in Juried Show |
| Edward Geeslin | Spring | Financial need and character | All | Entry in Juried Show |
| Elkins Lake Kuntz-Nelson | Spring | 2.5 GPA overall, 3.0 GPA ART, 1 full year left in study | Painting | Entry in Juried Show |
| Emmette Jackson | Spring | 2.5 overall, Jr., Sr. | Photography | Entry in show |
| Hal Fulgham Scholarship | Spring | 3.0 in Art | Photography | Nomination |
| James B & Marilyn C Shepard | Spring | 2 .5 GPA overall | Sculpture | Entry in Juried Show |
| Kenneth Zonker | Spring | 3.0 in Art | All Mediums | Juried Show |
| Madison Wolfe | Spring | 2.5 Overall | Photography | Entry in show |
| Marion St. John Baker | Spring | 3.0 GPA – Must have 1 full year left of study | Three-Dimensional | Entry in Juried Show |
| Marjorie Leverton Boehme | Spring | Full-time Student – JR or SR | All | Entry in Juried Show |
| Polley Art | Spring | ALL Art Student | Painting – all based on Fall work | Entry in show |
| Ruth Wynne Thomason Hollinshead | Spring | 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be in good standing | All | Entry in Juried Show |
| Stanley E. Lea | Spring | 3.0 GPA Art-SO, JR, SR | Printmaking | Entry in Juried Show |
| Weldon Hall Jr. | Spring for Fall sem. | Entering Freshman majoring in Art | All | Submit application, portfolio by Feb. 1. |
Program Specific Requirements
Lecture classes meet for three clock hours per week for one semester. Combination lecture and studio classes meet for six clock hours per week. Art students should plan to budget their time for at least three clock hours per week of involvement for each semester hour credit.
Art majors are encouraged to participate in student exhibitions and other exhibits, programs, and lectures sponsored by the department. Students must supply the necessary materials for their art projects in all studio classes.
Laptop Initiative:
The SHSU Art Department has implemented a laptop requirement for new students beginning Spring 2011.
As of Spring 2011, new students will be required to own a Mac laptop as specified by their chosen program of study.*
Existing students are exempt from this policy, though they are encouraged to purchase their own computer and software.
Mac laptops will be considered a required material for WASH students
Curriculum
Required Courses for Art Majors: ART 130 <ARTS 1313>, 131 <1314>, 132W <1315W>, 163 <1316>, 164 <1317>, 260 <1303>, 262 <2313>, 370 <3385>- 24 hrs.
Students will select one of the following degrees and programs:
- BFA, Program in Graphic Design:
- ART 234 <ARTS 2323>, 335 <3322>, 336 <3323>, 365 <3305>, 431 <4331>, 432 <3324>, 434 <4323>, Art History (474W <4388>), 333 <3375>, 267 <2318> or 371 <3320>, 236 <2375>, <3307> or 366 <3310>, <3326>, <3335>, 330 <3353>, <3383>, <4325>, 439 <4333>, (3 hrs. elective)- 57 hrs.
- ART 232 <2365>, 233 <2370>, 236 <2375>, 267 <2318> or <3320>, 334W <3381W>, 365 <3305>, <3307> or 366 <3310>, 337 <3374>, 338 <3368>, 495W <4378>, Art History (474W <4388>, ART <ARTS> (18 hrs. Advanced photo), ART <ARTS> elective (3 hrs. Advanced), 3 hrs. elective- 57 hrs.
- ART 231 <ARTS 2343>, 234 <2323>, 236 <2375>, 269 <3317>, 331 <2344>, 333, <3375>, 335 <3322>, 365 <3305>, <3307> or <3310>, 267 <2318> or 371 <3320>, 375 <3343>, 376 <3344>, <3353>, 433 <4350>, 473W <3382W>, 490 <4358>, CSTE <1331>, ART <ARTS> (6 hrs. Advanced), - 57 hrs.
- ART 267 <ARTS 2318>, 236 <2375>, 269 <3317>, 365 <3305>, <3307>, 366 <3310>, 371 <3320>, 465 <4305> or 492 <4310>, 294 <4315>, 463 <4316>, <4317>, <4388>, 478 <4389>, Art History or Studio Art (3 hrs. Advanced),
Art Studio (12 hrs. Advanced: <4316>, <4305>, or <4310>), ART <ARTS> elective (3 hrs. Advanced), 3 hrs. elective - 57 hrs.
BFA, Program in Studio Art 3D:
ART 267 <ARTS 2318>, 236 <2375>, 269 <3317>, 365 <3305>, <3307>, 366
<3310>, 371 <3320>, 374 <3325>, 294 <4315>, <4317>, 482 <4318> or
480 <4320>, <4388>, 478 <4389>, Art History or Art Studio (3 hrs. Advanced),
Art Studio (12 hrs. Advanced: <3307>, <4318> or <4320>) 3 hrs. elective - 57 hrs.
BA, Program in Art:
ART 267 <2318> or 371 <3320>, 236 <2375> or 365 <3305>,
Art History (3hrs. Advanced), Art Studio (12 hrs. Advanced) - 21hrs.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Graphic Design
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts)1
|
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
Advanced Art History – ART 370 <3385>, ART 474W <ARTS 4388> |
6 |
Junior |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
|
|
Freshman |
3 |
Freshman |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
| ART 234 <ARTS 2323> | 3 |
Sophomore |
| <ARTS 3326> | 3 |
Junior |
| <ARTS 3335> | 3 |
Junior |
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
| ART 335 <ARTS 3322> | 3 |
Sophomore |
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
| ART 432 <ARTS 3324> | 3 |
Senior |
3 |
Senior |
|
| <ARTS 4325> | 3 |
Senior |
3 |
Senior |
|
Electives |
3 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Total Hours: |
120 |
|
Notes: |
||
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Art-Photography
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts)1
|
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
|
|
Sophomore |
3 |
Sophomore |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
| ART 366 <ARTS 3310> or <ARTS 3307> | 3 |
Junior |
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
ART Photography Advanced Electives |
18 |
Junior, Senior |
ART Advanced Electives |
3 |
Sophomore, Junior |
| Elective | 3 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Total Hours: 120 |
||
Notes: |
||
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Computer Animation
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts)1
|
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
<CSTE 1331> |
3 |
Senior |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
|
|
Freshman |
3 |
Freshman |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
| ART 366 <ARTS 3310> or <ARTS 3307> | 3 |
Junior |
3 |
Junior |
|
| ART 330 <ARTS 3353> | 3 |
Senior |
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
| ART 370 <ARTS 3385> | 3 |
Junior |
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Advanced Art Electives |
6 |
Senior |
Total Hours: 120 |
||
| Notes: 1ART 260 <ARTS 1303> satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) & the Major Core. |
||
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Studio Art 2D Track
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts)1
|
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
|
|
Sophomore |
3 |
Freshman |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
| ART 294 <ARTS 4315> | 3 |
Senior |
3 |
Sophomore |
|
| <ARTS 3307> | 3 |
Sophomore |
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
| <ARTS 4317> | 3 |
Senior |
| ART 465 <ARTS 4305> or <4310> | 3 |
Senior |
| ART 474 <ARTS 4388> | 3 |
Junior |
| ART 478 <ARTS 4389> | 3 |
Senior |
| Advanced Art Studio or Art History Electives | 3 |
Junior |
Advanced Art Studio Electives |
12 |
Junior, Senior |
| Elective | 3 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Total Hours: |
120 |
|
Notes: 1ART 260 <ARTS 1303> satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) & the Major Core.
|
||
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Studio Art 3D Track
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Senior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts)1
|
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
|
|
Sophomore |
3 |
Freshman |
|
Major |
||
| ART 236 <ARTS 2375> | 3 |
Sophomore |
3 |
Freshman |
|
| ART 269 <ARTS 3317> | 3 |
Junior |
| ART 294 <ARTS 4315> | 3 |
Senior |
3 |
Sophomore |
|
| <ARTS 3307> | 3 |
Sophomore |
| ART 366 <ARTS 3310> | 3 |
Junior |
3 |
Junior |
|
| ART 371 <ARTS 3320> | 3 |
Sophomore |
| ART 374 <ARTS 3325> | 3 |
Junior |
| ART 463 <ARTS 4316> | 3 |
Junior |
| <ARTS 4317> | 3 |
Senior |
| ART 474 <ARTS 4388> | 3 |
Junior |
| ART 478 <ARTS 4389> | 3 |
Senior |
| Advanced Art Studio <ARTS 3307, 4318 or 4320> | 12 |
Junior, Senior |
Advanced Arts Studio Electives or Art History |
3 |
Sophomore, Junior |
| Elective | 3 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Total Hours: 120 |
||
| Notes: 1ART 260 <ARTS 1303> satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) & the Major Core. Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement. |
||
At least one Science course should be completed in first semester of second year prior to taking 300 <3000>- and 400 <4000>-level courses.
The BFA review is the Department of Art’s process of review and evaluation before admitting students into any of the Department’s Bachelor of Fine Arts programs.
Upon completion of the 6 foundation art classes [WASH (or <ARTS 1313>, <1314>, <1315>), 1316, 1317, and the first course in the discipline], students apply to participate in the review by signing up in the Art Department office. Usually, taking ARTS 1317 triggers the preparation semester for the review.
Currently, students are notified in class or during advisement that they are eligible for review participation during the semester before their first review. However, students’ eligibility is noted in the catalog and students are responsible for knowing the semester they are to participate for the first time. In either case, students sign-up in the Art Office early the semester of the review. Non-participation after either signing up or after being advised to sign-up will result in a negative vote for that semester’s review. Students receiving a negative vote will have a second opportunity to participate the following semester. If a second negative vote is received, the student will only be allowed to declare a BA degree in Art.
Art electives in the BFA curriculum may be chosen from all 400 <4000>-level studio art courses. Most 400 <4000>-level art studio courses may be repeated for credit (see course listing).
A student considering graduate school after completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art degree should take 15 to 18 semester credit hours in the area of specialization: Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, or Ceramics. BFA Studio Art students are encouraged to minor in Art History by taking two additional advanced Art History courses.
Not all art courses are offered each semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes and your advisor before registration.
Bachelor of Arts
Major in Studio Art
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts)1
|
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
Foreign Language |
14 |
Freshman, Sophomore |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
| ART 164 <ARTS 1317> | 3 |
Sophomore |
Sophomore |
||
| ART 262 <ARTS 2313> | 3 |
Freshman |
Major |
||
3 |
Junior |
|
| ART 267 <ARTS 2318> or ART 371 <ARTS 3320> | 3 |
Sophomore |
| ART 370 <ARTS -2386> | 3 |
Junior |
| Art Advanced Electives | 12 |
Senior |
| Art History Advanced Electives | 3 |
Senior |
Elective |
4 |
Junior, Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
Minor |
18 |
Sophomore, Junior, Senior |
Total Hours: 120 |
||
| Notes: 1ART 260 <ARTS 1303> satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) & the Major Core. Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement. At least one Science course should be completed in first semester of second year prior to taking 300 <3000>- and 400 <4000>-level courses. |
||
Art Minors
Two-Dimensional Studio Art Minor
Art 130 <ARTS 1313>, 131 <ARTS 1314>, 132W <ARTS 1315W>, 163 <1316>, ART <ARTS> (9 hrs.2-D. Advanced Art)
Three-Dimensional Studio Art Minor
Art 130 <ARTS 1313>, 131 <ARTS 1314>, 132W <ARTS 1315W>, 163 <1316>, ART <ARTS> (9 hrs. 3-D. Advanced Art)
Art History Minor
ART 260 <1303>, 370 <2386>, Art History (12 hrs. Advanced)
Photography Minor
ART 232 <2365>, 233 <2370>, 236 <2375>, and 9 advanced hours of ART<ARTS> (Photography) electives. 18 hours
Teacher Certification
Students interested in becoming an art teacher in a public school in the State of Texas will pursue an All-Level Certification in Art. Once all credentials are met for the All-Level Certification this allows employment in Early Childhood through 12th grade. To pursue the degree required for certification follow the degree plan for a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Art Studio and a Minor in Secondary Education (Please see Secondary Education for information regarding courses required for SED minor). To complete all requirements for certification the student will need to take and pass two (2) TExEs certification exams. Permission to take the All-Level Art content exam must be granted by the chair of the Department of Art. Please contact the department regarding this procedure.
The Art Department requires a grade of C or better for each listed prerequisite