Undergraduate Programs

First Year Experience

During your first year in the School of Art and Design you will build a foundation of critical thinking, making, and problem-solving skills. Utilizing the lenses of twelve disciplines—animation/interactive design, ceramics, drawing, film and video production, graphic design, illustration, metal design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textile design—you will build the art essential competencies and design thinking skills that will propel you to the next level of study. This innovative approach allows you to interact with faculty from across the skill, learn more about the unique disciplinary perspectives in our School and try new ways of thinking and making.

Art & Design Living Learning Community

The School of Art and Design Living Learning Community (A + D LLC) is a residential campus community of undergraduate students focused on learning more about art and design through workshops, field trips, and exhibitions developed just for the LLC.

Incoming first-year and transfer students are eligible to apply. A limited number of beds are retained for returning LLC members.

Learn more about the community

Internships

As a SoAD student you can blend real-world experience with your coursework to prepare for your future. Through an internship will you gain hands-on experience in your field and learn from professionals. Working together with faculty, administrators, and businesses, we facilitate internships that will introduce you to a wide variety of professional pathways as an artist, designer, or scholar.

SOAD Internship Contract for students

Advising

As an undergraduate student you will work with one of the School’s professional academic advisors. In addition to professional advisors, faculty serve as mentors, guiding you through  your coursework to achieve your artistic, professional, and career goals. The close connection between students and faculty promotes a community of creative thinkers and problem solvers who are committed to your success.

Students initiate the process of independent study, by discussing course content, developing a syllabus, and conferring with the student’s Academic Advisor regarding how the course will be used in the student’s degree program.

SOAD Independent Study/ Special Course form

Undergrad Q & A

I didn’t take art in high school. Am I still eligible to be an Art major?
Yes. Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who have never taken an art class to those with many years of previous experience. Instruction in art and design studio classes prepares students to move through our programs successfully regardless of prior art experience.

What type of computer should I purchase as a freshman?
As an art and design student you will have access to the School’s excellent computer labs. These labs have all the software necessary for your coursework, and are easily accessible throughout the week. We recommend that you do not purchase a new computer as incoming freshmen. While it may seem convenient to purchase a new computer upon entering college, the software and hardware will likely have to be upgraded during your studies and the computer will be slow and near obsolete upon graduation when you will need it most!