B.A. or B.F.A. in Art

Art Program at 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§

The Art major at 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§ combines craft and technique with concept and meaning, offering a rich study of art. The nationally recognized Art Program provides both BA and BFA degrees, grounded in the holistic tradition of the liberal arts. These two degree tracks offer flexibility and specialization, catering to all types of art students.

Talent Award Opportunity

Art applicants can apply for a talent award of up to $3,000 in financial aid by submitting samples of their work. These awards support students who demonstrate exceptional artistic talent. Learn more and apply.

B.A. in Art

The B.A. in Art prepares students for art-related careers while allowing the flexibility to explore a wide range of interests. It offers the chance to pursue a second major or minor, complementing artistic ambitions. Common second majors include:

  • Art History
  • Psychology
  • Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
  • Business
  • Equine Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Race and Ethnic Studies

Otterbein’s art program provides a solid foundation in drawing, composition, and design, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Graphic Design
  • Ceramics
  • Printmaking
  • Video Art

With a B.A. in Art, students gain versatile skills, preparing them for diverse careers in teaching, design, and beyond.

Total Credit Hours: 36

Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
1. Students develop and demonstrate core knowledge pertinent to the creation of art in multiple disciplines and media through the articulation of the concept, content, compositional elements, and technical aspects of artworks. Knowledgeable
2. Students demonstrate visual awareness skills (observation, perception, analysis, and practice), oral communication, and reading, writing, and research skills. â¶Ä¯Ìý Multi-literate
3. Students demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and art making by exploring relationships between the visual arts, art history, and other academic disciplines. Multi-literate
4. Students examine the value of diverse points of view, as well as the uniqueness of their own perspectives, through analyzing and discussing their creative work and the creative work of others. Engaged
5. Students examine and acknowledge the important social contributions of the visual arts in local, national, and global contexts. Responsible
6. Students engage in experiential learning through their professional art practices. Inquisitive

*NOTE:ÌýKMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands forÌýKnowledgeable,ÌýMulti-literate,ÌýEngaged,ÌýResponsible, andÌýInquisitive. To learn more about KMERI,Ìývisit ourÌýUniversity Learning Goals page.

GEAP for Art Therapy

GEAP for Art Therapy 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§art majors have an exciting opportunity to explore a Graduate Early Admission Pathway (GEAP) that will give them a head start on earning a graduate degree in Art Therapy.

The Graduate Early Admission Pathway in Art Therapy gives you the chance to get started on an Antioch University graduate degree while you’re finishing your 9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§ undergraduate Art degree by taking three graduate courses (9 credits) during your senior year. These 9 credits will count towards both your undergraduate and your graduate degree.

Because of the unique nature of the Art Therapy GEAP, we recommend students begin exploring the application requirements during their first year at Otterbein. The Art Therapy GEAP program consideration includes a portfolio requirement along with three psychology pre-requisite courses.

9i¹û¶³ÖÆ×÷³§students will apply to the GEAP program by November 15 of their junior year to take the three graduate courses beginning the fall semester of their senior year.

B.F.A. in Art

The BFA is a professional degree focused on preparing students for graduate studies and careers in art and design. BFA students complete seven more art courses than BA students, gaining in-depth experience and research opportunities.

Like the BA, the BFA offers a strong foundation in drawing, composition, and design, along with specialization in areas like drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, ceramics, printmaking, and video art.

Additional coursework includes:

  • Color Theory
  • Art History
  • Specialized Art Courses

The BFA features a senior-year independent study capstone, allowing students to develop a professional portfolio and showcase their creative work. Students can apply for the BFA program during their sophomore year.

Total Credit Hours: 58

Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
1. Students develop and demonstrate core knowledge pertinent to the creation of art in multiple disciplines and media through the articulation of the concept, content, compositional elements, and technical aspects of artworks. Knowledgeable
2. Students demonstrate visual awareness skills (observation, perception, analysis, and practice), oral communication, and reading, writing, and research skills. â¶Ä¯Ìý Multi-literate
3. Students demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and art making by exploring relationships between the visual arts, art history, and other academic disciplines. Multi-literate
4. Students examine the value of diverse points of view, as well as the uniqueness of their own perspectives, through analyzing and discussing their creative work and the creative work of others. Engaged
5. Students examine and acknowledge the important social contributions of the visual arts in local, national, and global contexts. Responsible
6. Students engage in experiential learning through their professional art practices. Inquisitive
7. Students gain professional exhibition experience, including creating, curating, and installing a substantial body of work that is supported by a written artist statement and defended in an exhibition talk. Inquisitive

*NOTE:ÌýKMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands forÌýKnowledgeable,ÌýMulti-literate,ÌýEngaged,ÌýResponsible, andÌýInquisitive. To learn more about KMERI,Ìývisit ourÌýUniversity Learning Goals page.

Studio Concentration Areas

In both the B.A. and the B.F.A., you have the opportunity to concentrate in one studio area. Each concentration requires three courses in that area for completion of B.A. requirements; the B.F.A. requires four courses in the concentration area.