ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF ARTS

The mission of the B.A. program at Eastern Michigan University is to provide students with a strong liberal arts education through both studio and art history courses. This program enriches students with knowledge of the disciplines and incorporates an investigation of the tools, media and processes fundamental to art-making. Students are expected to leave the B.A. program with skills in critical thinking, analysis and evaluation: all building blocks for personal growth and educational excellence. The B.A. program incorporates studio experiences, lecture courses, cultural events and professional activities that promote interest in and knowledge of key issues relating to contemporary and historical artists and art and explore issues of diversity, especially in terms of the art world and its cultural influences and audiences.

The BA is a 39 hour degree for students. It is characterized by the same foundations block of courses BFA and BVAE students must take, an abbreviated area of concentration, and art electives. In addition, BA students must declare a minor in an area of study outside the department.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Foundation Courses (21 hours)

  • ARTS 121 (3 hrs.) 2-D Design
  • ARTS 122 (3 hrs.) 3-D Design
  • ARTS 123 (3 hrs.) Drawing I
  • ARTS 126 (3 hrs.) Drawing II
  • ARTS 127 (3 hrs.) Digital Media
  • ARTH 165 (3 hrs.) Postmodern and Contemporary Art
  • ARTS 390W (3 hrs.) Studio Concepts (includes Foundations Review)

Art History Courses (6 hours)

select two of the following

  • ARTH 161 (3 hrs.) Non-Western Survey
  • ARTH 162 (3 hrs.) Survey of Western Art I 
  • ARTH 263 (3 hrs.) Survey of Western Art II*
  • <*note: students must complete ARTH 162 prior to ARTH 263

Area of Concentration Courses (9 hours)

Select a sequence of 3 courses (as outlined under the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree) in one of the following areas listed below. Six credit hours must be at the 300-level or above.

  • ceramics
  • drawing
  • fibers
  • furniture design
  • graphic design
  • metalsmithing
  • painting
  • photography
  • printmaking
  • sculpture
  • watercolor

Elective Courses (3 hours)

3 credit hours from art studio and/or art history courses selected in consultation with an art advisor.

Minor Requirements (20+ hours)