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Fine Arts

Art, Architecture and Design

About the Program

If you're a creative thinker with a passion for visual expression, our fine arts program is designed to help you thrive. We prepare students to become professional artists, designers or pursue advanced study in graduate school.

Students begin with a broad, enriching education in studio drawing, painting, art history, visual aesthetics, design and color theory. From there, you customize your artistic journey with courses such as printmaking, ceramics, photography, digital design and art history courses, gaining both depth and flexibility in your studies.

We offer two degree options to match your goals:

Designed with a strong foundation in the visual arts, the degree is made up of a 57-hour core of art classes, including drawing, design, color theory, painting, art history, three-dimensional media and visual aesthetics. The degree is complemented with 22 hours of electives, allowing students to explore other academic interests and/or minor in another field of study.

The BFA in visual art studio is designed as an intensive study and practice in the visual arts, the degree is made up of a 59-hour core of art classes, including drawing, design, color theory, painting, art history, three-dimensional media and visual aesthetics. The degree is complemented with 12 hours of studio concentration to develop the students' portfolio and prepares them for professional practice or graduate study. Students who want to major in VAS are required to submit the BFA application at the time of their sophomore portfolio review.

A Space to Thrive

Whether your interests lead you toward painting, sculpture, illustration, digital design or beyond. You'll find the mentorship, resources and creative space to develop your talent into a lifelong calling.

Art majors who have completed 15 credit hours of art coursework (including current classes) are required to participate in the Sophomore Portfolio Review. This milestone helps evaluate each student’s artistic progress and readiness for upper-level coursework. To qualify for the review, students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA within the major. Passing the review is necessary to enroll in junior- and senior-level design courses.

ART 2900 is a course which helps students through the portfolio review process. Students present samples of their foundational sketching and drawing skills, as well as work from their freshman art and design courses, along with additional pieces that highlight their artistic abilities.

Contact Information


Art, Architecture and Design
501-279-4426
art@harding.edu

Mailing address:
Harding University
Art, Architecture and Design
HU 12253
Searcy, AR 72149-5615

Join Our Community

At Harding University, you'll have the opportunity to be transformed academically, relationally and spiritually so you're prepared to change the world.

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