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School of Art

The mission of the School of Art is to provide comprehensive, superior, professionally oriented education in the study and practice of the visual arts that will complement university studies in the liberal arts, humanities and sciences. In support of this mission, the School of Art is committed to liberal education as a necessary ground and complement to the development of perception, intellect, imagination and skill in the visual arts; to knowledge of the history of the visual arts as a basis for aesthetic sensibility and personal expression; to the development of skill in the use of traditional and experimental media; to the practice and communication of the unity of form, meaning and value in art, craft and design; and to excellence in curricula and instruction.

The School of Art is composed of four undergraduate divisions: art education, art history, crafts and fine arts. Graduate degree programs are offered in those same divisions.

The Admissions Office will process all applications with respect to the general qualifications for admission to the university for new freshmen and transfer students.

The School of Art recognizes that competence in the visual arts as well as intellectual capacity are necessary qualities in students who plan to prepare for a career in one of the art fields. Therefore, it may require evidence of achievement in art and related areas from any students endeavoring to enroll for the first time as majors in the school. To receive a baccalaureate degree from the School of Art, a student must, in addition to other requirements, satisfy the 36-hour minimum stipulated in the Kent Core.

Transfer Students

Transfer students with more than two fine art or crafts courses should submit a portfolio of work for proper placement. The director of the School of Art may impose additional requirements considered reasonable and necessary. Transfer credits are evaluated consistent with the state Transfer Articulation Guidelines (TAGs), although each student will be evaluated individually in terms of his or her ability to perform within the program. Transfer students should make every effort to complete admission requirements before the deadlines listed under Entering the University within the front section of this Catalog, and to see an advisor in the School of Art for an evaluation of the portfolio and for schedule planning before registration.

Students are permitted to double major in more than one division of the School of Art or complete more than one concentration in the same division.
  1. Students enrolling in more than one major within the school must complete all course requirements in each major. If the two majors represent different degree programs, a minimum of 140 hours must be completed.
  2. Students enrolling in a double concentration within a B.F.A. program must complete at least 12 upper-division hours in each concentration within the fine arts program and at least 12 upper-division hours in each concentration within the crafts program. In addition, all reviews must be passed and a senior project must be completed in each concentration.
  3. B.F.A. Fine Arts students pursuing the interdisciplinary concentration must take nine hours in each of two disciplines within the program plus nine other hours
    chosen as desired within the fine arts.

The School of Art does not offer a double major in the B.A. programs in crafts or in fine arts. A student taking a second major in art history must complete the language requirement. The program requirements for a double major must be approved in advance in writing by either the director or the division coordinator and become a part of the student’s permanent file.

Exhibitions
Students enrolled in a B.F.A. or B.A. program in fine arts, and in the B.A. in art education, must receive a rating of “satisfactory” on selected works exhibited during their portfolio review.

The Kent State University School of Art is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Writing-Intensive Course Requirement
Refer to this Catalog for specific information on the writing-intensive course requirement.

Graduate Study
The School of Art offers graduate study leading to the Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees. Master of Arts programs are offered in art education, art history, and the studio areas of ceramics, drawing/painting, glass, jewelry/metals/enamels, printmaking, sculpture, and textile arts. These programs vary from 32 to 35 hours in length. The Master of Fine Arts degree program is offered in the studio areas listed above and requires 60 hours of coursework. The School of Art is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Special Programs
Each year, the School of Art conducts special programs that are available for graduate credit. The special programs include the Kent/Blossom Art Program in crafts and fine arts, as well as varied travel study programs in studio, art history, and art education. Visit the School of Art's website for more information.