B.A. or B.F.A. in Art
The Art major immerses you in the study of art through the development of craft and technique combined with concept and meaning. Otterbein University’s art program is a nationally recognized fine arts program offering both B.A. and B.F.A. degrees in art. Our art department is grounded in the tradition and holistic nature of the liberal arts, providing students with a solid foundation for the future. The two degree tracks offered have benefits for all types of students of the arts.
B.A. in Art
The B.A. in Art prepares you for art and art-related careers while offering the flexibility of studying across a broad area of interests. It offers the opportunity to pursue a second major or minor to compliment your artistic interests. Art majors often complete second majors in Art History; Psychology; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Business; Equine Science; Creative Writing; Race and Ethnic Studies, and many more. The B.A. in Art combines a thorough foundation in drawing, composition, and design with the opportunity to focus on at least one concentration area, including drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, ceramics, printmaking, and video art.
Total Credit Hours: 36
| Student Learning Outcomes | University Learning Goals (KMERI*) |
| 1. Students develop and demonstrate core knowledge pertinent to the creation of art in multiple disciplines and media through the articulation of the concept, content, compositional elements, and technical aspects of artworks. | Knowledgeable |
| 2. Students demonstrate visual awareness skills (observation, perception, analysis, and practice), oral communication, and reading, writing, and research skills. | Multi-literate |
| 3. Students demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and art making by exploring relationships between the visual arts, art history, and other academic disciplines. | Multi-literate |
| 4. Students examine the value of diverse points of view, as well as the uniqueness of their own perspectives, through analyzing and discussing their creative work and the creative work of others. | Engaged |
| 5. Students examine and acknowledge the important social contributions of the visual arts in local, national, and global contexts. | Responsible |
| 6. Students engage in experiential learning through their professional art practices. | Inquisitive |
*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.
B.F.A. in Art
Our B.F.A. is a professional degree that prepares you for graduate study and careers in art and design. Students seeking a B.F.A. take seven additional courses in art than in the B.A., providing more extensive, in-depth experience and research. Like the B.A., the B.F.A. provides a thorough foundation in drawing, composition, and design along with study in an area of concentration, including drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, ceramics, printmaking, and video art. In addition, the B.F.A. builds on this program with additional requirements in color theory, art history, and courses. The B.F.A. also includes an independent study capstone course in your senior year, allowing you to pursue your own creative path and lay the groundwork for a professional portfolio. Students may apply for the B.F.A. program in their sophomore year.
Total Credit Hours: 58
| Student Learning Outcomes | University Learning Goals (KMERI*) |
| 1. Students develop and demonstrate core knowledge pertinent to the creation of art in multiple disciplines and media through the articulation of the concept, content, compositional elements, and technical aspects of artworks. | Knowledgeable |
| 2. Students demonstrate visual awareness skills (observation, perception, analysis, and practice), oral communication, and reading, writing, and research skills. | Multi-literate |
| 3. Students demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and art making by exploring relationships between the visual arts, art history, and other academic disciplines. | Multi-literate |
| 4. Students examine the value of diverse points of view, as well as the uniqueness of their own perspectives, through analyzing and discussing their creative work and the creative work of others. | Engaged |
| 5. Students examine and acknowledge the important social contributions of the visual arts in local, national, and global contexts. | Responsible |
| 6. Students engage in experiential learning through their professional art practices. | Inquisitive |
| 7. Students gain professional exhibition experience, including creating, curating, and installing a substantial body of work that is supported by a written artist statement and defended in an exhibition talk. | Inquisitive |
*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.
Studio Concentration Areas
In both the B.A. and the B.F.A., you have the opportunity to concentrate in one studio area. Each concentration requires three courses in that area for completion of B.A. requirements; the B.F.A. requires four courses in the concentration area.
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