Art and Design students choose one of four Areas of Emphasis:
- 2D Studio Painting, Photography, Print Media
- 3D Studio and Public Art
- Digital Art and Animation
- Graphic Design
All emphasis areas offer experiential learning through many Global Positioning Studies courses, including a painting class exploring the art scene in New York City, ceramics in China, digital art in the Atacama desert in Chile and a photography workshop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:
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ART 235S:
Introduction to Silkscreen
Printmaking class concerned with creating an understanding and sensitivity towards silkscreen processes, techniques, and developing ideas and images using multiple approaches. Students acquire knowledge of silkscreen, examine its aesthetics, discourse, and history.
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ART 273S:
Beginning 3D Animation
Introduction to 3D computer modeling and animation. Fundamental concepts and techniques of polygonal modeling, shading, texturing, lighting, animating and rendering. Character design and bipedal animation. The course culminates with the production of an original, character-based group animation.
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ART 325:
Design for Web and Screen
Introduction to the technologies and methodologies utilized in graphic design for the web and other screen- based interfaces. This course focuses on an entire design process including information architecture, visual aesthetics and usability.
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ART 341:
Ceramics Production Methods
This course expands the student's experiences in ceramics through the use of industrial techniques, production equipment and business tools for the development, production and marketing of ceramic products.
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ART 371:
Interactive Art
Students will utilize skills learned in previous electronic media courses to create projects incorporating a variety of knowledge and interactive software. Attention is given to historical and contemporary critical context.
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ARHS 385:
Print, Propaganda and Art
Survey of the history of printing, printmaking, and other forms of imaging in the western world from earliest printed materials to present. Theoretical implications of image reproduction also considered.
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ARHS 388:
The Art of Andy Warhol
Overview of the ground-breaking and controversial art of Andy Warhol. Close examination of his work in the context of the 1960's Pop Art movement and recent contemporary art.
Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:
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2D Studio Painting, Photography, Print Media
Explore creative exploration in both traditional and experiential 2D media including painting and photography. Painting courses provide training in traditional and experimental oil and acrylic media and the creation of both figurative and abstract imagery. Photography courses focus on the production of contemporary art through digital and traditional photographic processes. Students have access to the naturally-lit painting studio located on the top floor of the Canady Creative Arts Center, a traditional darkroom and a digital imaging lab.
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3D Studio and Public Art
Pursue coursework in sculpture, ceramics or ceramic production methods. WVU is one of the few schools in the nation to offer a ceramics production line, bringing student productions to the general public. Ceramics courses focus on technical expertise, design and conceptual approaches. Sculpture courses encourage experimental approaches to art-making including mixed media, mold making, installation, community based and environmental work. You’ll gain a thorough introduction to many different materials and processes to enhance your ability to solve structural, spatial, formal and conceptual problems.
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Digital Art and Animation
The Digital Art and Animation AOE fosters creative exploration in the production of digital video, animation, installation, interactivity and sound design. You’ll hone skills in multimedia tools, video production and interactive software while gaining knowledge in core principles of interactivity, non-linear narration and interaction design.
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Graphic Design
Study in Graphic Design begins with learning a foundation in typography, color, symbolic drawings, design for small and large formats and design thinking. In addition to computer graphics and web design, tactical elements of design are explored hands-on through paper engineering, book arts courses and access to a letterpress studio.
The Graphic Design area runs a model design studio, Studio 2453, that serves up to 30 clients per year. Students work as project directors with clients to produce designs that often benefit a particular community.
A portfolio class also prepares seniors for a design career where they present their work in Pittsburgh or Cleveland at AIGA Portfolio Days to gain feedback from industry professionals.
The Graphic Design emphasis is part of the Ohio Tuition Reciprocity Agreement.
Take advantage of special options related to this major:
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Honors
Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first-
and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.
Explore Honors
