Art
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Art
Fall
- Art 100: Seminar............ 1cr.
- Art 101: 2D Design............ 3cr.
- Art 102: DRAWING............ 3cr.
- Core 100 or Theology 111............ 3cr.
- Second Language I............ 3cr.
- English 101 or English 115............ 3cr.
- Core 101: GOA............ 0cr.
Spring
- Art 105: 3D Design............ 3cr.
- Art Studio elective (100 level) ............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspective............ 3cr.
- Core 100 or Theology 111............ 3cr.
- Second Language II............ 3cr.
- Core 102: GOA............ 0cr.
Fall
- Art Studio elective (100 level)............ 3cr.
- Art Studio elective (100 level)............ 3cr.
- Art 270: History of Art I............ 3cr.
- English 205............ 3cr.
- Philosophy 100............ 3cr.
Spring
- Art Elective............ 3cr.
- Art Concentration Elective............ 3cr.
- Art 271: History of Art II............ 3cr.
- Philosophy 200 Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Theology 200+ Theological Perspectives............ 3cr.
Fall
- Art 441: Junior Seminar............ 3cr.
- Art Concentration Elective............ 3cr.
- History of Art Elective............ 3cr.
- Oral Communications Flag ............ 3cr.
- Natural Science Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Art Concentration Elective............ 3cr.
- Mathematical Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- DCR Flag Elective............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Art concentration Elective............ 3cr.
- E/RS Flag............ 3cr.
- Quantitative Reasoning Flag............ 3cr.
- Writing Intensive Flag............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Art 490: Senior Concentration............ 6cr.
- Scientific Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- Core 499............ 0cr.
2D Design (ARTS 101)
Two-Dimensional Design is an introduction to art and design within a two-dimensional context. It is a hands-on class that develops the fundamental design skills to aid the student in any area of emphasis within the Department of Art. This course combines lectures and presentations, demonstrations, discussions, research, videos and formal class critiques. In-class critiques enable students to strengthen their ideas and become fluent in verbally articulating how they assess a work of art. Projects focus on line, rhythm, shape & rotation, value and color.
Drawing I (ARTS 102)
This introductory studio course focuses on the interpretation of form based on observation from life using a variety of traditional material including graphite, charcoal and white colored pencil. This class aims to enable the student to understand how to translate three-dimensional form to two-dimensional form. The class will introduce visual measuring, methods for determining shape proportions and linear perspective and tonal strategies (additive and reductive) for composition, volume and narrative effect.
3D Design (ARTS 105)
In this studio course, students learn about the elements and principles of three dimensional design, which will serve as an introduction to the study of three dimensional art forms. Students will be introduced to the basic design elements of form, space, volume, mass, weight, planes and surfaces, line texture and color.
Xavier Art Society
Art students visit exhibits and organize group art programs like bookbinding, figure drawing and framing. Trips include visits to the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center and the Taft Museum of Art. Field trips are organized outside of Cincinnati to art collections in places such as Louisville, Lexington (KY), Columbus, Cleveland (OH) and Chicago (IL). Members also brainstorm ideas, mentor underclassmen, network, promote community and exhibit their art in numerous locations.
Xavier Coalition of Black Revolutionary Artists (X-COBRA)
X-COBRA is a Black-centered organization that encourages and focuses primarily on the art and design world for Black and ally students to become agents of change in the Xavier community and beyond. X-COBRA will also provide resources for Black creatives that will assist them with all necessities from finding internships/jobs, to research, professional mentorship, civic engagement and curriculum suited for their personal artistic desires.
Program Features
Choose the degree path that is right for you, whether that’s a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or a minor in Arts Administration.
Here, you’ll have access to individualized studio space and showcase your final pieces in the Xavier Art Gallery, located in the A.B. Cohen Center on campus.
Immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of Italy or Spain through our study abroad programs, tailored specifically for art majors like yourself.
As a student in the art major, you'll have access to internships and networking opportunities at museums, galleries, design showrooms, media groups and other organizations.
Alumni Making an Impact
Mitch’s degree in Graphic Design and extra-curricular activity at Xavier propelled his multifaceted career as a product and web designer.
Cathy studied sculpture at Xavier and is now an international artist and professor at Boston College.
Emily used her art degree to prepare her for her teaching career AND as a business owner who designed every aspect of her ice cream shop.
Students from the Xavier Art Society and Xavier Photo Club created art sculptures for a BLINK parade float promoting mental health awareness.
By combining his artistic background with business acumen, Dr. White empowers students to succeed in the dynamic world of arts and culture.
FAQ
Have some questions about the art major at Xavier? Consider some of these questions and answers as you decide what program is best for you.The main difference between the BFA and the BA in Art lies in their focus and intensity:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)- 73 Credit Hours:
- Focus: This degree is designed for students who aspire to become professional artists or pursue further studies in art, such as an MFA.
- Intensity: The BFA program is more intensive, requiring a higher number of credit hours dedicated specifically to art courses.
- Curriculum: The curriculum emphasizes studio practice, with a strong focus on developing technical skills and creative abilities.
- Career Paths: Graduates with a BFA are well-prepared for careers as professional artists, art educators, gallery curators or designers.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art- 52 Credit Hours:
- Focus: This degree provides a broader liberal arts education with a focus on art. It is suitable for students who want to combine art studies with other disciplines or who plan to pursue careers in fields related to art but not necessarily as practicing artists.
- Intensity: The BA program requires fewer credit hours in art courses compared to the BFA, allowing for more flexibility to explore other academic interests.
- Curriculum: The curriculum includes a mix of studio art courses, art history, and other liberal arts courses.
- Career Paths: Graduates with a BA in Art can pursue careers in art education, art therapy, art history, museum work, or other related fields.
In summary:
- BFA: More specialized, intensive focus on studio practice for aspiring professional artists.
- BA: Broader liberal arts education with a focus on art, suitable for students seeking a more diverse academic experience.
The best choice for you will depend on your career goals and personal interests. If you are passionate about pursuing a career as a professional artist, the BFA is the more suitable option. If you are interested in combining art with other disciplines or pursuing a career in a related field, the BA in Art may be a better fit.
As an art major at Xavier, you can choose one of the following areas of concentration:
- Art Education
- Art History
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Fiber Arts
- Graphic Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Pre-Art Therapy
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
An art degree can open doors to a variety of creative and fulfilling careers. Some common pathways include:
Creative roles:
- Fine Artist: This includes painters, sculptors, photographers, and more
- Graphic Designer: Designing logos, websites, and print materials
- Illustrator: Creating visual content for books, magazines, and advertising
- Animator: Bringing characters and stories to life through animation
- Art Director: Overseeing the visual aspects of projects, such as advertising campaigns or movies
Education and related fields:
- Art Teacher: Educating students in various art disciplines
- Museum Curator: Managing and interpreting art collections
- Art Therapist: Using art as a therapeutic tool
- Art Historian: Studying the history and development of art
Other creative industries:
- Interior Designer: Creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces
- Fashion Designer: Designing clothing and accessories
- Set Designer: Creating the visual world for theater productions, films, and television shows
- Game Designer: Designing the visual elements and gameplay of video games
Yes. TheUniversity Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Art Program at Xavier University
Art is an academic major with a long and proud tradition at Xavier University. The Xavier art major offers concentrations in art history, art education, ceramics, drawing, fiber arts, graphic design, painting, pre-art therapy, photography, print making and sculpture. Our faculty work with Xavier students to research and exhibit their artwork at local and national levels. Xavier art students have access to private studio space and more than 100 arts and theatre organizations in Cincinnati.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."