Why study Art at Washburn?
Develop your creative skills and expression with a degree in art from Washburn. You'll gain a strong foundation in all media and art history, as well as having options to advance your expertise in a concentration of your choice. Washburn's small class sizes and expert faculty will ensure you'll get one-on-one attention and mentoring opportunities throughout your time at Washburn. Our specialty studios and gallery space will allow you many opportunities to create and showcase your art. The Washburn University art department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
A broad art education
The Bachelor of Arts in Art is the right major for students who want experience in many different mediums. You'll learn the foundations of art history, drawing, and design. From there, you can choose the courses that interest you most and gain experience in any art medium you choose.
Learn about art in history and the present
Do you have interest in galleries, museums, and the role of art in society? The Bachelor of Arts in Art History will allow you to gain a greater understanding of art throughout history, in different cultures and parts of the world, and its role in the present. You'll also get an in-depth understanding of museums and research.
Choose your focus and make your mark
With seven concentrations to choose from, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art is for students interested in art careers and advancement to graduate art programs. In addition to a concentration in general studio art, you can choose to focus your studies on ceramics and sculpture, graphic design and electronic art, painting and drawing, photography, or printmaking. Your upper level courses will focus on your chosen field. Every Bachelor of Fine Arts student will have a senior exhibition to showcase their work.
Become an art teacher
Do you want to become an art teacher? The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education (Teacher Licensure) will prepare you to teach art, preschool through high school. You'll take courses in the different studio arts, art history and you'll prepare a senior exhibition. You'll also take professional education courses and student teach. You'll graduate the program prepared to sit for the exams required for licensure to teach art in Kansas.
Minor in Art or Art History
Two minors are offered in the art program: studio art and art history. A minor consists of 18 hours and includes study in art history and studio courses.
Studio Space and Facilities
The Art Building includes nine studio classrooms, gallery space, a sculpture patio, a student lounge, and beautiful gardens and a pond behind the building.
Art alumna highlight
"The art program prepared me for my career by giving me lots of hands on learning and exposure to many different ways and styles of making art work." - Jenna Reed
The Art Department serves students intending to prepare for a profession in the visual arts (B.F.A. degrees), students seeking a liberal arts education focused in the visual arts (B.A. degrees), and nonmajors who desire to gain knowledge and skills in the visual arts. Studio and art history courses are open to everyone. (Some courses have prerequisites.)
- AR 103 Introduction to Art
- AR 101 Survey of Art History I
- AR 102 Survey of Art History II
- AR 120 Design I
- AR 140 Drawing I
- AR 141 Drawing II
- AR 260 Ceramics I
- AR 301 Ancient Art
- AR 306 Early Modern Art
- AR 307 Twentieth Century Art
- AR 309 Arts of Africa
- AR 310 Arts of Asia
Over 60 audit students are welcome as space allows. Note: A studio fee is applied to those enrolled in Ceramics courses and Glass courses.
GET IN TOUCH WITH Art Department
Art Department
Washburn University
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.1125
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
art@washburn.edu
