Department of Visual Arts

Alabama State University holds NASAD accreditation (National Association of Schools of Art and Design). The Department of Art and Design's studio practices, safety protocols and curriculum meet national standards for teaching art.

Do you see a future where your love for the artistic side of life plays a big role? Then come to Alabama State University and work towards a career in graphic design, fine art, illustration, or teaching.

At ASU, you’ll make the most of your classroom experience with courses like ceramics, photography and publication design. You’ll have access to the Tullibody Fine Arts Center painting, drawing and sculpture studios. And you’ll get a chance to flex your creativity and show the world what you can do through regional workshops and hands-on experiences, like internships at area graphic design agencies, community service projects and exhibitions at the Callie Warren and Arthur Britt Fine Arts Galleries.

Admission Requirements

Students wishing to become Visual Art Majors (Fine Art or Graphic Design Concentrations) must:

• Meet all University entrance requirements for their individual level of admission (conditional, full, etc.)

• Schedule and attend an interview with the Department Chair or Faculty designee(s) prior to starting classes.

• OR submit  a portfolio for review, either in an electronic format or by submitting actual work prior to signing up for classes

Be advised that visual art students are enrolled in art classes their first semester as freshmen. Students that do not enroll in these classes face the possibility of class conflicts in future semesters.

Departmental Mission

The mission of the Department of Visual Arts is to provide a highly valued educational and artistic experience. Students will think critically, create and appreciate art, and participate in an aesthetic culture while recognising art as an integral part of our global society. Students will receive effective and innovative instruction in traditional studio arts methods and materials as well as contemporary graphic arts technologies. The practice based learning in studio courses is further enhanced by courses in art history and aesthetic theory. This foundation will prepare graduates to make informed, valued contributions to the global visual arts culture that expresses their diversity, our University and the communities we embody. Students will also have the self-discipline, motivation, and the expertise necessary to maintain their artistic activities and goals well into the future.

Departmental Goals

• Foster a student-centered environment that nurtures the development of intellectual and aesthetic growth.
• Maintain a skilled faculty recognised as educators as well as professional artists.
• Provide students with access to state of the art instruction, technology and equipment.
• Develop global thinking, free exchange of ideals and total immersion in a divergent artistic cultural setting.
• To establish an environment that will allow students to experience, interact and analyse a rich variety of visual arts culture.
• Raise a conscious appreciation for and understanding of the value of arts by enhancing the visual appearance of our university and community environment.
• Serve as a resource that supports and validates the artistry in the community.
• Promote interest in the rich diverse cultural experience of the African Diaspora.

Scholarship Awards & Criteria

The Department of Visual Arts offers a limited number of scholarships to both incoming/transfer and continuing students. Scholarships are based on both scholastic and artistic ability/potential by the applicant, and are awarded after submitted material and application is reviewed by the departmental scholarship committee. Awards are renewable based on student’s ability to fulfil requirements listed on the scholarship application.

Additionally, students must maintain the prescribed G.P.A. If a student fails to meet any criteria listed on the application, the Department of Visual Arts reserves the right to either revoke or reduce the amount of the award.

Download more information about External Scholarships for more information about External Scholarships

Scholarship Applications

Deadline: Applications must be postmarked or emailed by April 15 of each academic year

Download the scholarship application for continuing art majors

Download the scholarship application for incoming freshmen and transfer students

Expenses

Art classes are expensive. Students and parents should be aware that besides the normal textbooks required for classes, students will need to purchase art supplies for the majority of their studio classes and most likely will have to replenish some of those supplies during the semester. While Alabama State University will try to supply some materials, it is the student’s responsibility to have the needed supplies to work in class. Student’s that are not prepared to have supplies at the beginning of the semester usually fall behind as most studio classes are hands on classes and start working if not immediately usually with in the first week of classes. Most instructors have supply lists that can be requested prior to the start of each semester. Please call the department for details. Most supplies can be purchased at local art and craft stores, at some of the big box stores (Wall-Mart, K-Mart, etc...) or over the internet. It is also highly recommended that students, particularly those in the graphic design field have a laptop computer by the beginning of their sophomore year of study. Students may contact the department for further listing of computers and software packages that are used in the program.

B.A. in Art

Learn more to learn more about earning a Bachelor of Arts in Art at Alabama State University.

Alabama State University is fully accredited by The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

“Receiving this accreditation puts us as the only university in Montgomery, the eighth school in the state, and only the tenth Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the country to meet the rigorous educational standards set forth by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design,” - Stephen Cappelli, former chairman of ASU's Department of Visual Arts. Read the full article here.