Overview

Programs

The Department of Art at Metropolitan State University of Denver is a vibrant, diverse environment full of options for students interested in pursuing a degree in a creative field. Whether you are interested in being a professional artist, designer, educator, or researcher, you will learn traditional tools of art production and research as well as innovative approaches to art and design. Students at MSU Denver respond critically to visual culture in a variety of contexts and work independently and collaboratively to develop thoughtful and reasoned outcomes. No matter what your ultimate career goals are, the degrees in the Art Department at MSU Denver offer you the flexibility of diverse options as you train to become an innovative creative professional.

Portfolio Review and Admission

All students entering the department as majors are admitted under either the B.A. in Art or the B.A. in Art History, Theory, and Criticism. After completing the foundation courses and one other course in ART, CDES, or ARTH, those wishing to pursue the B.F.A. in Art or the B.F.A. in Communication Design will be required to pass a formal portfolio review for admittance.

 Portfolio Review Guidelines (Acrobat Icon 64 KB)

Accreditation

The Art Department’s programs are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). MSU Denver is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Teacher Education Programs are also accredited by the Colorado State Board of Education (CSBE) and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Galleries

The Center for Visual Art (CVA), located in the Santa Fe Arts District, is the off-campus exhibition space of Metropolitan State University of Denver. In addition to showing significant contemporary art, the award-winning CVA serves as an interactive art laboratory for MSU Denver students and the larger community. The CVA was founded in 1990 to expose students to a broad spectrum of contemporary art from around the globe and to broaden MSU Denver’s art program.

The Emmanuel Gallery, located on the Auraria Campus, exhibits work from renowned visual artists and designers in addition to faculty and student practitioners from MSU Denver, University of Colorado at Denver,
and Community College of Denver.

Visiting Artist, Scholar and Designer Program

This interdisciplinary initiative brings nationally and internationally renowned artists, designers, and scholars to engage with the Department of Art. Through lectures, workshops, student critiques, exhibitions, and public presentations, these individuals provide intellectually enriching experiences for our students, faculty, and the broader community.

Goals

Undergraduate studies in art prepare students to function in a variety of artistic roles. In order to achieve these goals, instruction should prepare students to:

  • Analyze the nonverbal language of art and design.
  • Construct responses to visual phenomena and organize perceptions and conceptualizations both rationally and intuitively.
  • Analyze and solve visual problems competently using a number of art and design techniques.
  • Classify major achievements and developments in the history of art, including the works and intentions of leading artists in the past and present, and assess the way art reflects cultural values.
  • Examine and evaluate contemporary thinking about art and design.
  • Assess quality in design projects and works of art.

Major and Minor Degree Programs

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Professional Degree Programs

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art prepares students to be critical, creative thinkers and makers. Students often become practicing artists who exhibit their work in galleries both near and abroad and might continue their research in graduate studies. Whatever your final career choice, the skills of the B.F.A. are appropriate for careers throughout the creative economy.

The Department of Art offers:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art in these studio concentrations:

Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Art Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design

Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Liberal Arts Degree Programs

The Bachelor of Arts in Art is a liberal arts degree that provides students with an opportunity to gain a broad background in visual art. As a student in this program, you will select a minor that complements your studies in Art. Through this degree program, you will learn creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills useful in a variety of career applications and personal aspirations toward lifelong learning.

Bachelor of Arts in Art

Bachelor of Arts in Art History, Theory and Criticism.

Licensure

The Department of Art offers a licensure program in K-12 Art Education.

Minors

Minors are offered in Studio Art, Art History, and, in cooperation with the Departments of Technical Communications and Media Production, Communication Arts and Sciences, Digital Media.