Program in Advertising Graphic Design | Program in Photography | Program in Computer Animation | Program in Studio Art | Art Minor | Course Descriptions
Chair: Tony Shipp (936)294-1314 art_trs@shsu.edu
Faculty: Martin Amorous, Jack Barnosky, Kate Borcherding, Chuck Drumm, Rebecca Finley, Leanne Gilbertson, Michael Henderson, Emmette Jackson, Taehee Kim, Pat Lawler, Diana Salles, Tom Seifert, Tony Shipp, Annie Strader, Anthony Watkins.
Website: www.shsu.edu/~art_www/
Throughout human history, artists have found ways to express beauty, emotion, and vision using a variety of media. The Department of Art offers opportunities for creative students to explore and develop proficiencies in many traditional art forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, and photography. New and innovative art forms are also promoted in the Department of Art. Digital media courses are offered in Graphic Design, Computer Animation, and Photography. Traditional and new media programs are supported by the Art History program that provides concepts in aesthetics and art theory from diverse cultures and time periods.
Mission
The mission of the Sam Houston State University Department of Art is to build a diverse and contemporary program that will promote critical thinking, creative problem solving and aesthetic understanding in both the student body and faculty. The Department of Art promotes creative research through the use of scholarships, community-student related activities and by exhibiting both faculty and student art work in our gallery. Additionally, we provide the University and the community with a variety of visiting artists and lecturers who help sustain a larger artistic vision.
Academic Programs
- BA in Studio Art
- BFA in Studio Art
- BFA in Animation
- BFA in Graphic Design
- BFA in Photography
- BA in Photography
Highlights
The Department of Art has extensive studio space, modern facilities, and two galleries to support the academic programs. Students in Graphic Design and Computer Animation have access to updated Macintosh and PC Computer laboratories with the industry’s latest software.
Each year visiting artists are brought to campus to lecture and give workshops as well as critiques. Individual studio space is available for advanced BFA candidates and selected students travel with Art Faculty to NYC to enhance their education.
Career Opportunities
Graduates with a degree in art will find the following employment opportunities:
- Many industry or business settings
- Commercial design firms
- Self-Employed Artists
- Teaching Careers
- Game Development Studios
Suggested Minors
Art students earning a Bachelor of Arts degree can choose a minor based on the student’s goals and career choices. The minors can be selected from most minor degree programs offered by the University. Students are encouraged to contact an advisor when selecting a minor. Bachelors of Fine Arts degrees do not require a minor. However, BFA students are encouraged to minor in Art History.
Student Organizations
SHSU SIGGRAPH is an organization of students interested in Computer Animation, Computer Generated Imagery, and Interactive Techniques. SIGGRAPH members work together on independent animated projects and games, support one another by sharing techniques and knowledge, travel to visit professional game and animation studios, and have the opportunity to attend the national SIGGRAPH conference in the summer.
The Student Art Association is a student motivated organization which provides students with the opportunity to create a community environment and form a strong network among their peers. The SAA is dedicated to student development, participating in events, such as member exhibitions, technical/creative workshops, field trips, and promotion of student work.
Internships
Graphic Design students are encouraged to complete a professional internship. Students intern with design and advertising agencies, the print industry, in-house design departments, and publishers.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available from both the department and the University to support a student’s study. All department Scholarships are awarded to full-time Art students only.
| Scholarship | Awarded | Eligibility | Media | Process |
| Art Endowment | Spring | 3.0 GPA – Full-Time Student – SO, JR, SR |
Professional Attitude | Nomination Only |
| Marion St. John Baker | Spring | 3.0 GPA – Must have 1 full year left of study | Three-Dimensional | Entry in Juried Show |
| Marjorie Leverton Boehme | Spring | Full-time Student – JR or SR | All | Entry in Juried Show |
| Elkins Lake Kuntz-Nelson | Spring | 2.5 GPA overall, 3.0 GPA ART, 1 full year left in study | Painting | Entry in Juried Show |
| Edward Geeslin | Spring | Financial need and character | All | Entry in Juried Show |
| Weldon Hall Jr. | Spring for Fall sem. | Entering Freshman majoring in Art | All | Submit application, portfolio by Feb. 1. |
Ruth Wynne Thomason Hollinshead |
Spring | 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be in good standing | All | Entry in Juried Show |
| Stanley E. Lea | Spring | 3.0 GPA Art-SO, JR, SR | Printmaking | Entry in Juried Show |
| Clem Otis | Spring | 2.5 GPA overall, one full year left of study | Oil Painting | Entry in Juried Show |
| Charles Pebworth | Spring | 3.0 GPA ART – SO, JR, SR, 1 full year left of study | Sculpture | Entry in Juried Show |
| Polley Art | Spring | ALL Art Student | Painting – all based on Fall work | Entry in show |
| James B & Marilyn C Shepard | Spring | 2 .5 GPA overall | Sculpture | Entry in Juried Show |
| Madison Wolfe | Spring | 2.5 Overall | Photography | Entry in show |
| Emmette Jackson | Spring | 2.5 overall, Jr., Sr. | Photography | Entry in show |
| Hal Fulgham Scholarship | Spring | 3.0 in Art | Photagraphy | Nomination |
| Kenneth Zonker | Spring | 3.0 in Art | All Mediums | Juried Show |
Program Specific Requirements
Lecture classes meet for three clock hours per week for one semester. Combination lecture and studio classes meet for six clock hours per week. Art students should plan to budget their time for at least three clock hours per week of involvement for each semester hour credit. Art majors are encouraged to participate in student exhibitions and other exhibits, programs, and lectures sponsored by the department. Students must supply the necessary materials for their art projects in all studio classes.
Curriculum
Required Courses for Art Majors: ART 130, 131, 132W, 163, 164, 260, 262, 370 - 24 hrs.
Students will select one of the following degrees and programs:
- BFA, Program in Graphic Design:
- ART 234, 269, 335, 336, 365, 366, 431, 432, 434, 463,
Art History (474W), ART (12 hrs. Advanced), ART 230+, 333 - 51 hrs. - ART 232, 233, 236, 332, 334W, 365, 337, 338, s495W
Art History (474W, 478W), ART (27 hrs Advanced photo) - 60 hrs. - ART 231, 234, 269, 331, 333, 335, 336, 365, 371, 375, 376, 430, 433, 463, 473W, 490
ART (6 hrs. Advanced), - 54 hrs. - ART 267, 269, 365, 366, 371, 463, Art History (6 hrs. Advanced),
Art Studio (27 hrs. Advanced), 3D Art (3 hrs) - 54 hrs. - ART 365, (12 hrs. Advanced) - 15 hrs.
- Bachelor of Arts ART 232, 233, 236, 334W, 338, 495W, Art Photo(15 hrs) - 33 hrs.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Advertising Graphic Design
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
|
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
Art 230 <ARTS 2360> or Higher |
3 |
Sophomore |
Advanced Art History – Art 473W, Art 474W, Art 478W, or Art 493W |
3 |
Junior |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Junior, Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Electives |
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Advanced Studio Art Electives |
12 |
Junior, Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
|
|
|
Total Hours: |
120 |
Notes: 1Art 163 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) & the Major Core.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Art-Photography
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
|
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Art Photography Advanced Electives |
27 |
Junior, Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
|
|
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: 1Art 163 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) & the Major Core.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Animation
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
|
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
3 |
Junior |
|
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Advanced Art Electives |
6 |
Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
|
|
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: 1Art 163 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) & the Major Core.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major in Studio Art
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
|
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
Advanced 3D Studio |
3 |
Junior |
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Advanced Art History |
3 |
Junior, Senior |
Advanced Art Studio Electives |
27 |
Junior, Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
|
|
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: 1Art 163 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) & the Major Core.
At least one Science course should be completed in first semester of second year prior to taking 300- and 400-level courses.
Students prepare to enter their chosen BFA program in Art by completing a core group of art foundation courses and successfully participating in the BFA review. Students participate in the BFA review upon completion of the first course in their intended program. These courses are: Art 231 for ANI, Art 230+ for ARP, Art 234 for AGD and for AST either 267 or 371 for 3D or 365 or 366 for 2D. Students who pass the review will sign an official BFA degree declaration. Students who do not pass the review will be given feedback on areas that need improvement and will be directed to participate again in the BFA review or enroll in a BA program in Art, for which they will immediately sign an official BA degree declaration. Students are limited to two BFA reviews, which are attempted in successive semesters. With a negative vote in the second review, the student must sign the BA in Art declaration or change majors.
BFA REVIEW- After the completion of the six foundation art courses and the first course in the chosen BFA program:
ART 130, 131, 132W, 163, 164, and 262; and the first program course, the student will participate in the next semester’s review. The BFA review is held once each long semester, prior to the registration period for that semester to allow students to adjust their schedule according to the review results. Candidates for the BFA degree must attain a 3.0 grade point average in Art (including all residence and transferred work) by their graduation date. BFA students must participate in a senior exhibition the semester of graduation, and submit a vita and slides or portfolio of their work. The student and advisor establish which electives will be taken for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art degree.
Art electives in the BFA curriculum may be chosen from all 400-level studio art courses. Most 400-level art studio courses may be repeated for credit (see course listing).
A student considering graduate school after completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art degree should take 15 to 18 semester credit hours in the area of specialization: Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, or Ceramics. BFA Studio Art students are encouraged to minor in Art History by taking two additional advanced Art History courses.
Not all art courses are offered each semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes and your advisor before registration.
Bachelor of Arts
Major in Studio Art
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
|
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
Foreign Language |
14 |
Freshman, Sophomore |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
Art 267 <ARTS 2318> |
3 |
Sophomore |
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
Major |
||
Art Advanced Electives |
12 |
Senior |
Electives |
10 |
Junior, Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
Minor |
18 |
Sophomore, Junior, Senior |
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: 1Art 163 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) & the Major Core.
Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.
Bachelor of Arts
Major in Photography
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
|
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman, Junior |
Component Area IV (Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (ENG/PHL) |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261 <POLS 2301>, 200-level POL <2000-level POLS> |
6 |
Sophomore, Junior |
Social Sciences |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
Foreign Language |
14 |
Sophomore, Junior, Senior |
Major Core |
||
9 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
Major |
||
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
| Advanced Photography Electives | 15 |
Junior, Senior |
Elective |
4 |
Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
Minor |
18 |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: 1Art 260 satisfies the requirement for Component Area IV (Visual & Performing Arts) & the Major Core.
Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.
At least one Science course should be completed in first semester of second year prior to taking 300- and 400-level courses.
Art Minors
Two-Dimensional Studio Art Minor
ART 161, 163, 265, ART (9 hrs.2-D. Advanced Art)
Three-Dimensional Studio Art Minor
ART, 161, 163, 267, ART (9 hrs. 3-D. Advanced Art)
Art History Minor
ART 260, 370, Art History (12 hrs. Advanced)
Interior Design Minor (IND Majors only)
ART 161, 163, 265, 271, 370, ART (3 hrs. Advanced)
Photography Minor
ART 232, 233, 236, and 9 advanced hours of ART (Photography) electives. 18 hours
Teacher Certification
Students interested in becoming an art teacher in a public school in the State of Texas will pursue an All-Level Certification in Art. Once all credentials are met for the All-Level Certification this allows employment in Early Childhood through 12th grade. To pursue the degree required for certification follow the degree plan for a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Art Studio and a Minor in Secondary Education (Please see Secondary Education for information regarding courses required for SED minor). To complete all requirements for certification the student will need to take and pass two (2) TeXes certification exams. Permission to take the All-Level Art content exam must be granted by the chair of the Department of Art. Please contact the department regarding this procedure.
The Art Department requires a grade of C or better for each listed prerequisite