Art Department Majors and Programs

The Art Department at Houghton offers a variety of options for students interested in studying art.  The art major at Houghton offers two different concentrations: Studio and Visual Studies.  Other programs in art include art education (pending state approval), pre-art therapy and a minor in art.

Art Major: Studio Concentration

The Studio concentration can be taken as a stand alone major (48 credits) or combined with a second major (36 credits) and both lead to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.  The stand-alone degree program consists of coursework providing comprehensive experience in the use of materials and technique, plus a nine-hour concentration in a studio area: ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

Art Major: Visual Studies Concentration

The Visual Studies concentration is designed for students interested in the interaction of art and culture, but without the inclination to pursue a studio major.  The major leads to a B.A. degree and requires 40 credits of coursework in studio courses, art history and cross-disciplinary elective courses.

Pre-Art Therapy

Houghton students may prepare for graduate study in the field of art therapy by either majoring in art (studio concentration) with a structured minor in psychology, or by majoring in psychology with a structured minor in art.

Art Education

The Art Education major leads to a New York State certification in Visual Arts, pre-K through 12th grade.  The program requires a double major in art and art education and results in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. 

Art Minor

The art minor consists of 15 credit hours including courses in art history and drawing.