College of Arts and Humanities
Art and Design (BA, BFA)
As an aspiring creative professional looking for comprehensive education that combines core design fundamentals with specialized skills, you deserve a program offering both versatility and in-depth learning. You’ll explore diverse areas including photography, digital media, web design, and art history, while learning from industry-experienced faculty in cutting-edge facilities like our Digital Print Lab and Innovation Makerspace. This St. Louis-based art and design program equips you for various creative roles or advanced studies, ensuring you’re ready to thrive in the evolving creative industry. You’ll learn from passionate St. Louis art and design professionals who bring expertise across multiple disciplines, including digital design, photography, fine arts, fashion design, and beyond.
Key Program Facts
Available in On-Campus and Online Learning Formats
Campus-based program includes some online coursework to complete the degree.
St. Charles / St. Louis / Online
Program Details Curriculum
Why Choose Art and Design?
The BA or BFA in Art and Design at 佪圖APP University prepares creative minds for diverse careers, focusing on essential design principles, digital media, photography, web design, and art history, with BFA specialization options.
Perfect for students seeking dual majors or minors, the BA provides broader liberal arts exposure compared to the BFA. Both paths emphasize creative thinking, problem-solving, project management, collaboration, and technical excellence. Students access expert mentorship and modern facilities, including our Print Lab and Makerspace, ensuring career readiness or graduate school preparation.
Art and Design, BA
48 credit hours
Requirements
24 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 10000 – Introduction to Art and Design Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 10050 – Web Design I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 10600 – Design Foundations Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 13000 – Drawing I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 13600 – 3D Design Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 20300 – Adobe Certification in Photoshop Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 20400 – Adobe Certification in Illustrator Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 35000 – Portfolio Review Credit Hour: 3
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 14000 – Visual Storytelling Credit Hour: 3
- CINE 11000 – Video Production Credit Hour: 3
12 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- 6 credit hours of any AAD courses not previously used as a requirement.
- 6 credit hours of coursework from any AAD, ARTH, FBD, and GAM courses not previously used as a requirement.
Note that students pursuing 9-12 Art teaching certification must complete AAD 20000, AAD 22100, AAD 23400, and AAD 24100.
6 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
Note that students pursuing K-12 Art teaching certification may satisfy this requirement by completing EDU 41000 Student Teaching.
- AAD 44001 – Art and Design Firm Credit Hour: 3
- CAH 44444 – Internship Credit Hour: 1-6
3 credit hours of coursework from the following option:
Note that students pursuing K-12 Art teaching certification may satisfy this requirement by completing EDU 41000 Student Teaching.
- AAD 41000 – Art and Design Capstone Credit Hour: 3
Zero credit hour course in which students are required to enroll every fall and spring semester from matriculation to degree conferral.
- AAD 10200 – Art and Design Seminar Credit Hour: 0
- AAD 18101 – Digital Photography I Credit Hour: 3
- ARTH 22300 – Global Art History I: Rise of Cities and Empires Credit Hour: 3
- ARTH 22500 – Global Art History II: Canvases and Courts of Power Credit Hour: 3
- COM 11000 – Public Speaking Credit Hour: 3
- ENGL 23000 – Business Communications Credit Hour: 3
No duplication of coursework is permitted within the program.
Art and Design, BA K-12 Education Certification Preparation
See the requirements in Art and Design, BA K-12 Education Certification Preparation section in this catalog.
Students seeking (Grades K-12) certification must (1) earn a bachelor of arts in art and design and (2) complete the requirements for a minor in education (Grades K-12).
Note: Students seeking grades K-12 or 9-12 certification will work with one professional advisor when admitted to 佪圖APP. Upon completion of a number of successful terms at 佪圖APP, students pursuing grades K-12 or 9-12 certification will transition to a content area advisor and an advisor from the College of Education and Human Services to ensure all DESE requirements for certification have been met. These requirements may exceed the requirements for the degree in the content area.
Art and Design, BFA Digital Art Emphasis
66 credit hours
Requirements
24 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 10000 – Introduction to Art and Design Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 10050 – Web Design I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 10600 – Design Foundations Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 13000 – Drawing I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 13600 – 3D Design Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 20300 – Adobe Certification in Photoshop Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 20400 – Adobe Certification in Illustrator Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 35000 – Portfolio Review Credit Hour: 3
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 14000 – Visual Storytelling Credit Hour: 3
- CINE 11000 – Video Production Credit Hour: 3
24 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 18101 – Digital Photography I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 22600 – Digital Art I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 31100 – Extended Realities (XR/AR/VR) Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 33610 – Digital Art II Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 33700 – Digital Painting Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 34600 – Digital Art III Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 44600 – Digital Art IV Credit Hour: 3
- ARTH 38000 – History of Digital Art Credit Hour: 3
6 credit hours of coursework from any AAD, ARTH, FBD, and GAM courses not previously used as a program requirement.
6 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 44001 – Art and Design Firm Credit Hour: 3
- CAH 44444 – Internship Credit Hour: 1-6
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 41000 – Art and Design Capstone Credit Hour: 3
Zero credit hour course in which students are required to enroll every fall and spring semester from matriculation to degree conferral.
- AAD 10200 – Art and Design Seminar Credit Hour: 0
Note that certain courses are recommended to students in this program for satisfying General Education requirements. Students should consult with their advisor.
AAD 18101 – Digital Photography I Credit Hour: 3
ARTH 22300 – Global Art History I: Rise of Cities and Empires Credit Hour: 3
ARTH 22500 – Global Art History II: Canvases and Courts of Power Credit Hour: 3
COM 11000 – Public Speaking Credit Hour: 3
ENGL 23000 – Business Communications Credit Hour: 3
No duplication of coursework is permitted within the program.
Art and Design, BFA Photography Emphasis
63 credit hours
Requirements
24 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 10000 – Introduction to Art and Design Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 10050 – Web Design I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 10600 – Design Foundations Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 13000 – Drawing I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 13600 – 3D Design Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 20300 – Adobe Certification in Photoshop Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 20400 – Adobe Certification in Illustrator Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 35000 – Portfolio Review Credit Hour: 3
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 14000 – Visual Storytelling Credit Hour: 3
- CINE 11000 – Video Production Credit Hour: 3
21 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 18101 – Digital Photography I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 31100 – Extended Realities (XR/AR/VR) Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 33700 – Digital Painting Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 35001 – Digital Photography II Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 36001 – Digital Photography III Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 46001 – Digital Photography IV Credit Hour: 3
- ARTH 36500 – History of Photography Credit Hour: 3
6 credit hours of coursework from any AAD, ARTH, FBD and GAM courses not previously used as a program requirement.
6 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 44001 – Art and Design Firm Credit Hour: 3
- CAH 44444 – Internship Credit Hour: 1-6
3 credit hours of coursework from the following option:
- AAD 41000 – Art and Design Capstone Credit Hour: 3
Zero credit hour course in which students are required to enroll every fall and spring semester from matriculation to degree conferral.
- AAD 10200 – Art and Design Seminar Credit Hour: 0
Note that certain courses are recommended to students in this program for satisfying General Education requirements. Students should consult with their advisor.
AAD 18101 – Digital Photography I Credit Hour: 3
ARTH 22300 – Global Art History I: Rise of Cities and Empires Credit Hour: 3
ARTH 22500 – Global Art History II: Canvases and Courts of Power Credit Hour: 3
COM 11000 – Public Speaking Credit Hour: 3
ENGL 23000 – Business Communications Credit Hour: 3
No duplication of coursework is permitted within the program
Art and Design, BFA Studio Art Emphasis
66 credit hours
The Studio Art emphasis is based on flexibility and customization, which allows students to follow a course of study that provides basic knowledge and experience in the major studio disciplines, plus directed focus on preferred subjects. The major disciplines include Drawing, Painting Printmaking, Sculpture, Ceramics, and Fibers. Additionally, students have the opportunity to include in their program a wide array of related courses like Web Design, Digital Art, Photography, Graphic Design, and Art History. The skills developed in the Studio Art emphasis expand students’ knowledge of the intersection of arts and contemporary practices and issues. That knowledge increases their creativity, the skills increase productivity, and ensure a broad pathway into the visual arts careers.
Requirements
24 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 10000 – Introduction to Art and Design Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 10050 – Web Design I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 10600 – Design Foundations Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 13000 – Drawing I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 13600 – 3D Design Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 20300 – Adobe Certification in Photoshop Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 20400 – Adobe Certification in Illustrator Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 35000 – Portfolio Review Credit Hour: 3
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 14000 – Visual Storytelling Credit Hour: 3
- CINE 11000 – Video Production Credit Hour: 3
15 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 20000 – Painting I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 21500 – Printmaking I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 22100 – Sculpture I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 24100 – Ceramics I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 33100 – Figure Drawing I Credit Hour: 3
9 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 23400 – Fibers I Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 30500 – Painting II Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 31500 – Printmaking II Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 33000 – Drawing II Credit Hour: 3
- AAD 34000 – Ceramics II Credit Hour: 3
- ARTH 36200 – Twentieth-Century Art/Contemporary Credit Hour: 3
6 credit hours of coursework from any undergraduate AAD, ARTH, FBD, and GAM courses not previously used as a program requirement.
6 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- AAD 44001 – Art and Design Firm Credit Hour: 3
- CAH 44444 – Internship Credit Hour: 1-6
3 credit hours of coursework from the following option:
- AAD 41000 – Art and Design Capstone Credit Hour: 3
Zero credit hour course in which students are required to enroll every fall and spring semester from matriculation to degree conferral.
- AAD 10200 – Art and Design Seminar Credit Hour: 0
Note that certain courses are recommended to students in this program for satisfying General Education requirements. Students should consult with their advisor.
AAD 18101 – Digital Photography I Credit Hour: 3
ARTH 22300 – Global Art History I: Rise of Cities and Empires Credit Hour: 3
ARTH 22500 – Global Art History II: Canvases and Courts of Power Credit Hour: 3
COM 11000 – Public Speaking Credit Hour: 3
ENGL 23000 – Business Communications Credit Hour: 3
No duplication of coursework is permitted within the program.
Essential Skills & Insights
Experiential Learning, Real-World Impact
Student Life
Throughout my journey in the Art and Design program, I’ve experienced an immersive, hands-on learning environment that has equipped me with invaluable skills for my professional future. The dedicated 佪圖APP Art and Design faculty have been instrumental in shaping my creative path, providing personalized mentorship that has helped me discover and pursue my artistic aspirations. This comprehensive program has not only enhanced my technical abilities but has also created numerous networking opportunities and career pathways that I never thought possible. I’m genuinely proud to be part of 佪圖APP’s vibrant artistic community and its distinguished Art and Design program.
–Abby Schriever, Art and Design major with minors in Graphic Design and Digital Art
Careers in Art and Design (BA, BFA)
Our graduate success rate speaks volumes: 100% of surveyed graduates are either employed or pursuing further education.
Degree Paths
Art and Design (BA, BFA) Minor
Emphasis Areas
For detailed information about BFA specializations, visit these program pages:
BFA, Digital Art Focus
Frequently Asked Questions
佪圖APP University offers both a BA (Bachelor of Arts) and BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Art and Design. The BA provides broader liberal arts exposure and is perfect for students seeking dual majors or minors. The BFA offers specialization options in Digital Art, Graphic Design, Photography, and Studio Art. Both programs are available in traditional and online learning formats.
The Art and Design program covers diverse areas including photography, digital media, web design, and art history. Students learn essential design principles, creative thinking, problem-solving, project management, collaboration, and technical excellence. The curriculum combines core design fundamentals with specialized skills to prepare students for various creative roles.
Art and Design students have access to cutting-edge facilities including a Digital Print Lab and Innovation Makerspace. Students also benefit from expert mentorship from industry-experienced faculty who bring expertise across multiple disciplines, including digital design, photography, fine arts, and fashion design.
The program boasts a 100% success rate for surveyed graduates, with all graduates either employed in their field or pursuing further education. The comprehensive program prepares students for diverse creative careers or graduate school through hands-on learning, professional mentorship, and numerous networking opportunities.
The Art and Design program is based in St. Louis (St. Charles campus) and is available in both traditional campus-based and online learning formats. The campus-based program includes some online coursework to complete the degree, offering flexibility for students.