2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Studio Arts Major


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Program Coordinator/Contact
Michael (Tim) Steele, Department Head
Department of Visual Arts
Grove Hall 101, Box 2802
605-688-4103
E-mail: sdsu.artdept@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/art
Click here for additional information. 

Program Information
A degree in Studio Art prepares majors for careers as fine artists, graduate study in fine arts, and entry-level positions in art and graphic design. The degree focuses on the breadth of general studies combined with visual arts studies where majors receive certificates in one or more of the following areas: Animation, Art history, Ceramics, Graphic design, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture. A 30-hour visual arts core supports the degree and creates a foundation of success.

Student Learning Outcomes

The study of studio art is both a body of knowledge and a series of activities. Upon completion of the Studio Art major, as defined by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), students demonstrate through advanced writing and senior exhibition the following outcomes:

  • Developed visual sensitivity.
  • Technical skills, perceptual development, and understanding of principles of visual organization to achieve basic artistic expression in one or more media.
  • Ability to make workable connections between concept and media.
  • Familiarity with the works and intentions of major artists and movements of the past and the present, both in the Western and non-Western worlds.
  • Understand the nature of contemporary thinking on art, and have gained a discernment of quality in their own art and the work of others.
  • Ability to work independently while learning and applying new knowledge, expressions and technologies.

Academic Requirements
Visual Arts students must maintain at least a major GPA of 2.6 and an overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the duration of the program.  A grade of “C” or better is required in all ART, ARTD, ARTE and ARTH courses required for the major.

Course Delivery Format
Course content is delivered through hands-on studio work combined with lectures, demonstrations and critiques.

Requirements for Studio Arts Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts

System General Education Requirements*: 30


Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5


College of Arts & Sciences Requirements: 17-34


Bachelor of Arts 

  • Modern Languages Credits: 3-14 (completion and competency in one language at the 202 level or a department-approved advanced upper division language course) 
  • Social Sciences  Credits: 8
  • Humanities  Credits: 6

Bachelor of Science 

SGRs, IGRs, and/or Major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts and Sciences  for additional information about Bachelor of Arts Specifications  and Bachelor of Science Specifications .

Electives: 22.5-30.5


Elective credits will be completed through the choice of one or more certificates or the general art emphasis.

Total Required Credits: 120


Curriculum Notes


* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.

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