Department of Art

Welcome to the Department of Art at the University of the Incarnate Word. This exciting program in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) offers future artists and creative professionals a multidimensional art education through discerning observation and studio practice.

 

UIW’s Department of Art is home to three dynamic degree programs and multiple minors. Students in the Department of Art develop their technique, talent and traditional art skills as they build a foundation for creative growth. Meanwhile, rigorous study in art history engages them in the major ideas of art. As students grow, they develop their own unique modes of expression.

The art program works with the Mission of UIW, using a global perspective to accord respect to all. Art opens hearts and minds to the creative forces present in the world and leads students to effective ways of working toward social justice. Students are encouraged to share their gifts and abilities to better the lives of others. In turn, the department hopes their contact with the global community will make them more aware of the value of their artistic gift.

Practical learning is also central to the Art student experience. Through their studies, students have the opportunity to work in painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking and 3D sculpture studios, learning to create in contemporary work spaces. Photography students work in a full photo studio with a large, updated dark room. The newly renovated Kelso Art Building houses many of department’s studios, the dark room, computer lab, gathering areas, galleries and is home to many faculty offices and art student work spaces. In their senior year, students develop a professional portfolio of curated works, which will be displayed in the Semmes Gallery.

Students learn from exceptional faculty, many of whom are also working artists. As they develop in their discipline and as artists, faculty act as mentors supporting their growth and advising them academically. Through their work, students learn to navigate the art world so that upon graduation they are as fluent in the business of art as they are in its creation.

 

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts in Art

This program combines courses in drawing, design, painting and art history to provide students with a well-rounded course load that will prepare them for numerous possibilities upon graduation.

B.A. in Art

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art

In UIW’s B.F.A in Art program, students take challenging courses in ceramics, printmaking, photography and sculpture in addition to traditional courses such as art history, preparing students to pursue a professional career in the art industry.

B.F.A. in Art

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography

Students in this exciting program quickly advance in their skills, learning various methods of photography through courses such as Introduction to Photographic Lighting and Documentary Photography as they prepare to enter a competitive career field.

B.F.A. in Photography


Art Minors

Undergraduate students of any UIW program can broaden their academic experience by pursuing a minor in Art, Art History, Art Therapy or Photography.

Minors

Art Department Outcomes

Student learning outcomes are in line with the Mission of the University and the student learning outcomes of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Art Program Student Learning Outcome Goals