Degree Options

Majors choose either a bachelor of arts degree (B.A.) in art or art history or a bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.) in art. The B.A. in art provides a broad grounding in major studio areas including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, computer art and photography. Students who wish to do more intense and focused work in art may apply for the B.F.A. program. The B.F.A. is recommended for students who will pursue graduate work in art and/or a career in the arts. Students who pursue a B.A. in art history develop research, writing, verbal and critical skills preparatory for graduate studies or careers in a variety of arenas. Art and art history majors regularly add a second major preparatory to a wide array of careers. For example, students may combine majors in art and psychology as part of their preparation for careers in art therapy. Students may choose a minor in either art or art history.

Requirements for Major toward B.A. in Art

• Nine units in studio art, including: 121, 201, 271; a minimum of three units from 222, 223, 231, 241, 251, 261; a minimum of two units from courses numbered above the 300 level. One additional unit of studio art.
• Three units of cognate art history courses, including 111 or 112, 216, and one other unit of art history at the 200 level or above.
• Majors are required to participate in the senior art majors' exhibition.
• All courses counted toward the major must be taken for a numerical grade.

Requirements for Major toward B.F.A. in Art

• Students may be admitted into the B.F.A. program by presenting a portfolio of their work to the art faculty preferably in their sophomore or junior year. Acceptance into the B.F.A. program is based on an evaluation of the portfolio and the student's previous performance in art and art history classes.
• Once accepted in the B.F.A. program, students are expected to keep up the high quality of their work and must acquire a minimum of a 3.25 grade average in their art courses in order to graduate with a B.F.A degree. The B.F.A. degree requires a minimum of 34 units for graduation.
• No fewer than 14 and no more than 21 units in studio art, including: 121, 201, 271; at least four units from 222, 223, 231, 241, 251, 261; a minimum of seven units from courses numbered above 300.
• Four units of cognate art history courses, including: Art 111 or 112, 216, one other unit of art history at the 200 level, and one other unit of art history at the 300 level or above.
• B.F.A. candidates are required to participate in the senior art majors' exhibition.

Requirements for Major toward B.A. in Art History

• A minimum of eight units in art history, including: 111 or 112; 216; at least one unit from 210, 211, 212, 218; at least two units from 213, 214, 215, 217, 219; at least two units numbered above 300. One additional unit of art history.
• It is recommended that students select at least one unit at the 200 or 300 level from four of the following areas: ancient/classical, medieval, Renaissance, baroque, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, modern and contemporary, American or non-western.
• One unit of a cognate studio art course.
• All courses counted toward the art history major at Albion College must be taken for a numerical grade.
• Courses taken at an approved off-campus program may be substituted for Albion College courses with the permission of the department. Students who are considering graduate study are strongly urged to complete at least two semesters of a foreign language.

Requirements for Minor in Art

• Five units in art, including: 121; 261 or 271; a minimum of one unit from 201, 222, 223, 231, 241, 251, 324, 325; two units from any studio course at the 200 level or above.
• One unit of a cognate art history course, either 111 or 112.

Requirements for Minor in Art History

• Five units in art history, including: 111 or 112, a minimum of two units from any art history course at the 200 level, and a minimum of one unit of art history at the 300 level or above. One additional unit in art history.