Art (BA)

Catalog Year 2025-2026

The Art BA offers a focus in studio art providing a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. Students study several areas of art and art history and specialize in one area for more intensive study. Studio specializations include ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. 

Program Requirements

Required General Education

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through circa 1400 CE. Includes examination of global art and architecture (1) to understand significant historical developments in human civilizations, cultural values, and creativity and (2) to explore its relevance to us today.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-08
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Lecture-based survey of the Art and Architecture of both Western and non-Western countries from the thirteenth through twentieth centuries.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-08

The courses count toward General Education Goal Areas 6 and/or 8.

Major Common Core

Students learn to take projects through the full creative process, from inception to design construction, presentation, revision, and critique. The Studio Foundations course includes attending visiting artists and exhibitions to connect art students with local, national, and international artists and designers. Studio, gallery, and museum visits complement the program. Art 104 is a Prerequisite for Portfolio Review.

Prerequisites:
none

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites:
ART 261 or consent

CAPSTONE - All students are required to participate in an exhibition during their semester of graduation.

Senior Exhibition - Enroll for 2 credits

This course will emphasize professional practices in relation to exhibition planning and design. The course will culminate in a group exhibition where students install and present their work to the public in a gallery setting.

Prerequisites:
Consent

Major Restricted Electives

ADVANCED ART HISTORY Choose 4 Credits

Introduction to the art and architecture of the ancient era in its historical and cultural frameworks. Examination of representative works of art and major styles of ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Aegean, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman cultures.

Prerequisites:
ART 260 or consent

Origins and development of Northern and Italian Renaissance art and architecture as an expression of historical, cultural and religious issues.

Prerequisites:
ART 261 or consent

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the late sixteenth to mid-nineteenth century: Mannerism, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism and Romanticism.

Prerequisites:
ART 392, ART 406

The study of art museum history, theory and practice, including ethics, collecting, and display will be addressed. Students gain on-site experience in a museum setting and work alongside museum staff in order to develop individual and group projects.

Prerequisites:
ART 260, ART 261

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites:
ART 261 or consent

Historical survey of art and architecture from Islam's origins through today. Course focuses on contextualizing monuments, paintings, ceramic ware and other art forms from various regions around the world through the contemporary era.

Prerequisites:
none
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Survey of Graphic Design, Industrial Design and Architecture from historical and theoretical perspectives. Design issues examined from formal and contextual points of view, using analysis strategies that consider style, composition, historical context, functional/propagandistic significance and communicative ability.

Prerequisites:
none

Historical survey of the art and architecture of China, Korea, Japan, and South Asia from pre-history to the present.

Prerequisites:
ART 260, ART 261 or consent
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Investigation of developments in sacred and secular art and architecture in various regions of the world. Modern works will be understood within their socio-historical and contemporary contexts, incorporating interdisciplinary research and analysis.

Prerequisites:
none
Diverse Cultures:
Purple

Specific problems in art emphasizing both individual research and contributions to the seminar group on advanced, in-depth topics.

Prerequisites:
Consent

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED STUDIO - Choose 12 Credit(s). Select 300 and 400 level courses with advisor

Prerequisites:
none

This advanced course investigates design related topics in greater depth.

Prerequisites:
ART 392

This course offers an in-depth exploration of emerging technologies impacting the field of graphic design. Building upon foundational knowledge, students will engage with cutting-edge tools and techniques, exploring areas like motion graphics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and 3D modeling. The course emphasizes the technical skills needed to use these technologies and their potential as instruments of creative expression.

Prerequisites:
ART 392

This course enhances students' proficiency with type, encompassing diverse applications from the traditional to the unconventional. Particular emphasis is placed on mastery of typographical conventions for effective visual communication. This course explores the pivotal role of cultural context in type use and perception, particularly on how design choices are influenced by cultural nuances. Students will engage with state-of-the-art technologies shaping the practice of typography, gaining proficiency in digital tools and applications in use in contemporary graphic design. The course also provides a platform for hands-on experimentation with alternative print production techniques, culminating in a comprehensive proficiency in advanced typographic practices.

Prerequisites:
ART 220, ART 302, and ART 304

This course fosters a deep, self-directed engagement with the creative process. Through self-initiated projects, students develop advanced conceptual thinking, innovative problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency. Constructive peer critiques enhance analytical abilities, while student-led class workshops foster collaborative learning. Through this course, students synthesize theoretical and practical knowledge, culminating in projects that exemplify their distinct creative voice, and strategically promote their work online, refining their professional presence.

Prerequisites:
ART 392

Concentrated study of front-end web design standards as it pertains to typography, graphics, creativity, and strategic planning. Students will prototype interactive media through the utilization of visual design systems and UI/UX methodologies.

Prerequisites:
ART 220, ART 302, and ART 304

This course will focus on developing students' personal voices in drawing while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 310

Advanced exploration of graphic design challenges ranging from visual identity to graphic systems. Emphasis is placed on developing comprehensive visual solutions for the portfolio within a studio context. Through the application of professional practices, including project management, structured design processes, collaborative feedback and professional presentations, students deepen their abilities to plan, design, produce, and present solutions to graphic design challenges.

Prerequisites:
ART 320 and ART 392.

Exploration of front-end web design as a graphic and visual communication design medium. Emphasis is placed on research discovery, ideation, information architecture, UI/UX experience, and designing for emotion.

Prerequisites:
ART 392 and ART 406

This course will expand on skills learned in Painting: Contemporary Approaches I while helping students develop a personal voice. Students will gain an understanding of the issues relevant to contemporary painting dialogue and discourse while becoming familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists working within the discipline. Course may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites:
ART 340

This course explores the design and development of intricate typographic systems, multi-page publications, and innovative type-based solutions for visual communication. Through a blend of theory and hands-on application, students deepen their understanding of planning, designing, and producing professional typographic designs. Proficiency in digital typography is refined for crafting expressive books and complex multi-page documents. This course provides a platform for exploring alternative typographic techniques and technologies, including haptic, display, and print-on-demand methods. Students emerge with advanced skills in leveraging typography for impactful visual communication in diverse contexts.

Prerequisites:
ART 392, and ART 404

The course focuses on developing students' voices in ceramics while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Formal and conceptual issues are addressed. The course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 350

In this course, students will expand their intermediate printmaking knowledge while developing technical and intellectual skills. Students will complete self-directed projects with instructor guidance and supervision, push the boundaries of the media through contemporary processes and concepts, and gain an awareness of contemporary applications surrounding the media of printmaking. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 370

Expanding technical knowledge and visual awareness while building a portfolio in selected areas. May be repeated.

Prerequisites:
none

An advanced sculpture studio level course where students will continue to develop personal aesthetic expression in three dimensions.

Prerequisites:
ART 380

This course will focus on a continued expansion of skills related to installation art while helping students address personal interests and integrate conceptual approaches. Students will learn how to create dimensional works that relate to specific architectural environments. A variety of material and conceptual approaches will be explored with an emphasis on non-traditional materials and non-technical processes. Previous sculpture experience is not necessary. Students will become aware of a diverse array of artists working within the field of installation. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites:
ART 385 or consent

Foundation Courses - Select four (4) courses from different areas for a total of 16 credits.

Graphic Design Area - Choose 0 - 4 Credit(s)

This course explores foundational concepts of graphic design and the current technology used within the industry, including Adobe Creative Cloud products. Students will use industry-standard software to examine essential digital media concepts like color gamut, image resolution, and vector vs. raster imagery. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to use these essential tools and their potential as creative instruments.

Prerequisites:
none

This course explores the fundamental aesthetic components and processes used by graphic designers to turn ideas into compelling visual communication, including generating ideas, exploring the elements and principles of form, and implementing compositional principles within structural harmonies.

Prerequisites:
ART 202

Drawing Area - Choose 0 - 4 Credit(s)

This course will expand students' understanding of drawing's critical components, including line, value, and composition. Traditional and experimental approaches will be explored. Students will become familiar with the work of a diverse array of contemporary artists working within the discipline of drawing.

Prerequisites:
none

This course will focus on drawing the figure. A variety of materials and approaches will be explored, from traditional to experimental. Students will gain familiarity with the work of a diverse array of contemporary figurative artists.

Prerequisites:
none

Mixed Media Area - Choose 0 - 4 Credit(s)

Material Exploration in Mixed Media is a problem-solving art studio experience implementing the use of a variety of traditional and non-traditional art materials into two and three-dimensional projects.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06

Painting Area - Choose 0 - 4 Credit(s)

This introductory painting course will introduce students to basic techniques in oil and/or acrylic. Technical and conceptual development will be emphasized. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of artists working within the discipline of painting.

Prerequisites:
none

This course will focus on the basic materials and techniques of watercolor and other wet media while exploring traditional and experimental approaches. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of artists utilizing watercolor and wet media as part of their practice.

Prerequisites:
none

Ceramics Area - Choose 0 - 4 Credit(s)

An introduction to basic wheel throwing techniques exploring the potential of clay as a creative and expressive material.

Prerequisites:
none

An introduction to basic sculptural hand building techniques exploring the nature of clay as a creative-expressive medium.

Prerequisites:
none

Printmaking Area - Choose 0 - 4 Credit(s)

From pop artists of the 1950s like Andy Warhol to contemporary printmakers today, the silkscreen medium is known for its ability to build up bright color intensely and quickly. The silkscreen medium has concrete links to drawing, graphic design, and photography. In this course, students will be introduced to silkscreen & photographic printmaking processes. No previous experience needed.

Prerequisites:
none

This introductory course focuses on traditional techniques of carving & printing wood / linoleum relief blocks as well as a range of intaglio printmaking processes. Whether using gouges to carve imagery into wood, or using an etchant to bite lines into copper, these mediums have an intimate relationship to natural materials. These drawing-based processes are tied to the earliest technologies of disseminating information. Their graphic aesthetics remain rich and relevant today. No previous experience is needed for this course.

Prerequisites:
none

Photography Area - Choose 0 - 4 Credit(s)

Introduction to the techniques and expressive potential of photography as an art form. Topics include basic camera controls, lighting, composition, editing, fine art printing, and historical and contemporary examples of art photography. A digital camera with manual controls of aperture and shutter speed is required for most of the semester.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06

Sculpture Area - Choose 0 - 4 Credit(s)

Exploration of the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space through problems employing various media and processes.

Prerequisites:
none

Installation Area - Choose 0 - 4 Credit(s)

Students will learn how to create dimensional works that relate to specific architectural environments. A variety of material and conceptual approaches will be explored with an emphasis on non-traditional materials and non-technical processes. Previous sculpture experience is not necessary. Students will become aware of a diverse array of artists working within the field of installation.

Prerequisites:
none

Other Graduation Requirements

Choose 8 credit(s): take one series Language

Minor

Required Minor: Yes. Any.

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through circa 1400 CE. Includes examination of global art and architecture (1) to understand significant historical developments in human civilizations, cultural values, and creativity and (2) to explore its relevance to us today.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-08
Diverse Cultures:
Purple
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

Lecture-based survey of the Art and Architecture of both Western and non-Western countries from the thirteenth through twentieth centuries.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-06, GE-08
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits

Second Year

Fall - 17 Credits

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites:
ART 261 or consent
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
World Languages Course * 4 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 16 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
World Languages Course * 4 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits

Third Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits
General Education Course * 4 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 13 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 4 credits

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 14 Credits

This course will emphasize professional practices in relation to exhibition planning and design. The course will culminate in a group exhibition where students install and present their work to the public in a gallery setting.

Prerequisites:
none
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Elective Course * 4 credits

Transfer Pathways

A Transfer Pathway is a partnership between the Minnesota community colleges and Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Pathway suggests a plan for students with a specific associate degree to complete the last two years for a designated bachelor’s degree.

Students who are transferring to Minnesota State Mankato from a Minnesota community college should meet with an advisor in your college advising office to ensure the Pathway is an appropriate option for completing your degree.

More information on Transfer Pathways is available at https://www.mnsu.edu/transfer-pathways/

Third Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 6 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
General Elective Course * 3 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

This course will emphasize professional practices in relation to exhibition planning and design. The course will culminate in a group exhibition where students install and present their work to the public in a gallery setting.

Prerequisites:
none
Elective Course in Minor * 4 credits
General Education Course * 4 credits
General Education Course * 3 credits
Elective Course in Minor * 3 credits

Degree
Bachelor of Arts

Major Credits
49

Total Credits
120

Locations
Mankato

Career Cluster
Arts, Audio

Accreditation
NASAD
National Association of Schools of Art and Design