Bachelor of Arts in Art

Outcomes & Careers

ODU's Art graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in art, continuing on with graduate school or pursuing their craft by opening their own studio.

Mission

The Art major at 91¿´Æ¬Íø is a highly-individualized, student-centered program which embraces the rich historical 91¿´Æ¬Íø tradition of art as a form of social justice and responsibility. It recognizes the power of art to educate, enrich and transform society while serving as a catalyst for developing creative and culturally competent and empathetic future generations. The program balances creative experimentation in a wide range of studio practices with art historical knowledge, the importance of community outreach and the embrace of art as a powerful means of communication. As part of a liberal arts institution, we educate the whole person, and in doing so, students learn to develop artwork in a variety of media that are informed by a well-rounded education and a profound sense of social responsibility integral to the Catholic and 91¿´Æ¬Íø heritage of 91¿´Æ¬Íø. Our program embraces community service as a way to refine the student’s artistic practice, enact the force of good in the community and live the 91¿´Æ¬Íø commitment to peace, justice, and outreach beyond the walls of the university. The Art major is committed to fostering a transformative, interdisciplinary education for learners who aspire to explore ideas that are hospitable for the well-being of individuals, communities and the planet and to envision and craft inclusive and equitable worlds for following generations.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete Ohio 91¿´Æ¬Íø's Art program will:

  • Develop an understanding of the power and unique role of art/art making in society.
  • Develop a lifetime appreciation for art as a means of enrichment and learning.
  • Develop an understanding of how art reflects and shapes cultural values and mirrors contemporary social history.
  • Recognize the transference of culture and ideas through resolved artistic practices.
  • Recognize that art making can be a useful tool for learning.
  • Recognize and utilize the foundation skills of art in their own work. Understand the need for continual technical and intellectual growth.
  • Develop the ability to evaluate and think critically about art and art making.
  • Learn to compose, edit and revise using the computer, particularly and PowerPoint, Photoshop and Illustrator.
  • Identify the importance of digital media in the contemporary art world.
  • Learn how to write formal critiques and research papers of contemporary and historical artwork.

Careers

Career opportunities for graduates with an Art degree include:

  • Advertising Agencies
  • Art Centers
  • Art Therapy
  • Education
  • Marketing & Design Firms
  • Museums & Galleries
  • News & Media

Job titles include:

  • Art Directors
  • Cartoonists
  • Commercial Artists
  • Graphic Artists
  • Illustrators
  • Photographers
  • Teachers

Chris Conroy, '04

Chris Conroy, owner of Conroy Coatings & Restoration, shares how his ODU education helped prepare him to start his company.