Department of Art and Art History
Merrie Wright, Chair
Objectives
The Department of Art and Art History offers programs of study for those students wanting to pursue careers as professional artists as well as those seeking professions in the field of art. The curriculum and mode of operation within the Department of Art and Art History resemble a professional art school, with a broad-based liberal arts education. Students may select an emphasis in studio art, art education or art history.
The prospective major in art should be aware of marked differences in degree programs. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (B.F.A.) degree programs emphasize the creative disciplines of studio art and art education for the professional development of individual creative talent. The B.F.A. in Art degree is the preferred preparatory degree for students wanting to pursue studio art, art education and the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) graduate degree and Master of Arts in Studio Art (M.A.). The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), which includes a 12-hour foreign language requirement, provides the student with a broad liberal arts education as well as an expansive knowledge of the history of art. The Bachelor of Arts degree prepares students for graduate work in art history as well as careers in the art fields of curatorial, museum, gallery or collection management.
Students are encouraged to participate in the many activities, which the Department of Art and Art History sponsors including the Art Club, Visiting Artist Program, Exhibitions Program, Museum Internship Program, Travel Study and Art History Criticism Lecture Program.
Students should consult an art advisor in their first semester at UT Tyler to plan a course of study in art. A degree plan must be completed in consultation with an art advisor during the students first semester at UT Tyler. The Department of Art and Art History should be consulted to find out which advisor has been assigned to the student.
Options:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (B.F.A.) with emphasis in the following areas: two-dimensional studio art, three-dimensional studio art, mixed-media art, art history, or art education
- Bachelor of Arts in Art (B.A.) with a concentration in art history.
- Minor in: Art, Studio Art, Art History, or Curatorial Studies
- Teacher Certification leading to all-level certification (K-12) in Texas.