Art and Design: Visual Studies (BA)

Program Description

In the Art and Design: Visual Studies major, students are equipped to become sophisticated readers, interpreters and presenters of global visual culture. Our curriculum in Visual Studies has a threefold focus. First, students develop a basic visual vocabulary necessary for identifying and contextualizing major objects from around the world, both past and present. Second, students explore anthropological, philosophical and theological frameworks for connecting and understanding visual objects, situating them within patterns of practice, belief and value development (e.g., ideals of beauty, spiritual applications, the connection of art with status, and the use of art/design in social development). Third, students will train as art educators and interpreters, exploring professional practices such as art criticism, art collection policy and museum exhibition design. Career pathways for Visual Studies track graduates include jobs in museum curation, exhibition design, collection development, art education, the art market (including commercial galleries and auction houses), arts administration, archival work, public history, art journalism, worship/liturgical design, and more.

Entering and Completing the Major

In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.

Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) as soon as you have determined it and are eligible to join it, especially by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.

If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified a major in this department as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major. To change or add a major, follow these instructions.
If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a major in this department.
The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
You must complete the major requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major.