Art and Design
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, our program is devoted to the development of concepts, attitudes and skills in the visual arts within a broad university curriculum of liberal arts orientation. There are four objectives: professional training of artists and scholars in chosen areas of specialization, preparation of art educators, elective study for students in all areas of the university, and service to the local communities as a source of cultural enrichment.
Careers in Art & Design
- Graphic Designer
- Artist
- Producer
- Publisher
- Marketing Coordinator
- Photographer
Potential Salary
Median Salary $52,910
Art & Design Degrees at MSU
Studio Art, Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Art BFA is a professional degree devoted to the development of concepts, knowledge and skills in the visual arts within a broad liberal arts framework that prepares students to become successful studio artists. Students have the opportunity to concentrate on intensive work in several areas of art and art history, along with general studies. Studio specializations are offered in ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Studio Art, Bachelor of Arts
The Art BA offers a focus in studio art providing a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. Students study several areas of art and art history and specialize in one area for more intensive study. Studio specializations include ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Art, Bachelor of Arts
The Art BA offers a focus in studio art providing a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. Students study several areas of art and art history and specialize in one area for more intensive study. Studio specializations include ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Art Studio, Minor
Art Studio offers a foundation of knowledge and skills in the arts and allows for a broad choice of study areas and/or more intensive study of one medium. Students take courses in ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with an emphasis in graphic design is devoted to the development of concepts, knowledge and skills needed for a career in graphic design and related fields. This degree focuses on the conceptual, visual and technical skills needed to enter the design profession with confidence.
Graphic Design, Certificate
The certificate in graphic design provides a beginning- to intermediate-level experience in the theory and methods of print-based and screen-based forms of visual communication.
Art History, Bachelor of Arts
Art history majors learn to look carefully, analyze and evaluate information and produce research-informed narratives that clarify why art matters. Students learn about major movements, artists and artworks in relation to their sociocultural contexts.
Art History, Minor
The art history minor supports any number of majors as students learn to look carefully, analyze information and produce original research that clarifies why art matters. Courses provide a chronological overview of the history of world art and opportunities for obtaining real-world experience.
Art Teaching, Bachelor of Science
Art Education is dedicated to preparing passionate artists for careers as K-12 educators while fostering the development of conceptual understanding, attitudes and skills in the visual arts within a liberal arts-focused university curriculum.
Art, Master of Arts
The Art MA emphasizes specialized involvement in the student's chosen studio area – ceramics, drawing, graphic design, installation, painting, photography, printmaking or sculpture. Most students focus on the research and development of creative work that culminates in a public exhibition or presentation.
Studio Art, Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Art BFA is a professional degree devoted to the development of concepts, knowledge and skills in the visual arts within a broad liberal arts framework that prepares students to become successful studio artists. Students have the opportunity to concentrate on intensive work in several areas of art and art history, along with general studies. Studio specializations are offered in ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Studio Art, Bachelor of Arts
The Art BA offers a focus in studio art providing a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. Students study several areas of art and art history and specialize in one area for more intensive study. Studio specializations include ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Art, Bachelor of Arts
The Art BA offers a focus in studio art providing a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. Students study several areas of art and art history and specialize in one area for more intensive study. Studio specializations include ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Art Studio, Minor
Art Studio offers a foundation of knowledge and skills in the arts and allows for a broad choice of study areas and/or more intensive study of one medium. Students take courses in ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with an emphasis in graphic design is devoted to the development of concepts, knowledge and skills needed for a career in graphic design and related fields. This degree focuses on the conceptual, visual and technical skills needed to enter the design profession with confidence.
Graphic Design, Certificate
The certificate in graphic design provides a beginning- to intermediate-level experience in the theory and methods of print-based and screen-based forms of visual communication.
Art History, Bachelor of Arts
Art history majors learn to look carefully, analyze and evaluate information and produce research-informed narratives that clarify why art matters. Students learn about major movements, artists and artworks in relation to their sociocultural contexts.
Art History, Minor
The art history minor supports any number of majors as students learn to look carefully, analyze information and produce original research that clarifies why art matters. Courses provide a chronological overview of the history of world art and opportunities for obtaining real-world experience.
Art Teaching, Bachelor of Science
Art Education is dedicated to preparing passionate artists for careers as K-12 educators while fostering the development of conceptual understanding, attitudes and skills in the visual arts within a liberal arts-focused university curriculum.
Art, Master of Arts
The Art MA emphasizes specialized involvement in the student's chosen studio area – ceramics, drawing, graphic design, installation, painting, photography, printmaking or sculpture. Most students focus on the research and development of creative work that culminates in a public exhibition or presentation.
Design Labs and Studios
Our facilities allow for student learning, creativity, exploration and collaboration.
University Art Galleries
Minnesota State Mankato has two art galleries featuring rotating works by students, faculty and professional artists.
Learn More About
Art and Design Scholarships
The Department of Art & Design has several scholarships which students can apply for on an annual basis.
Student Organizations
Students have the opportunity to join a variety of student clubs that build community and enrich the educational experience.
Related Programs
Creative Writing
The Creative Writing program allows students to develop their storytelling skills, enhance their imagination and express their unique voice while exploring various genres and receiving constructive feedback.
Film and Media Studies
Students in Film Studies look at all aspects of film and media, including aesthetic, creative, critical, cultural, technical and theoretical perspectives.
Communication and Media
The Communication and Media program equips students with critical thinking, digital literacy and global awareness, preparing them to be ethical and socially responsible communicators, advocates and storytellers in a dynamic world.
Museum Studies
The Museum Studies certificate program offers a comprehensive exploration of museum theory and practice in a dynamic global context, emphasizing technology's integral role, innovative educational and exhibition models and the museum's potential as a catalyst for social change, welcoming students with diverse interests across various museum types and exhibition opportunities.
Art and Design Department
College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.
Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences