The Art Department at Georgia College & State University (GCSU) offers a dynamic, immersive curriculum designed to cultivate creativity, technical mastery, and critical thinking across studio art, digital media, art history, and art education. Located in the heart of Milledgeville, Georgia, the department provides students with access to cutting-edge facilities, renowned faculty, and interdisciplinary opportunities that bridge traditional techniques with contemporary digital practices. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), GCSU’s Art Department prepares graduates for thriving careers in fine arts, design, education, and beyond.

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Art Department | Georgia College & State University
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Academic Programs & Curriculum

The department offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art, with specialized tracks tailored to diverse artistic interests and professional goals:

• Studio Art: Focus areas include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and photography, emphasizing hands-on experimentation and conceptual development.
• Digital Media: Covers graphic design, animation, interactive media, and digital storytelling, blending artistic creativity with technological innovation.
• Art History: Explores global artistic traditions, critical theory, and visual culture, with opportunities for research and museum studies.
• Art Education (K-12 Certification): Combines studio practice with pedagogical training, preparing students to teach in public and private schools.

The BFA program, a more intensive degree, requires a competitive portfolio review and culminates in a senior thesis exhibition. Students benefit from small class sizes, mentorship from practicing artists, and access to state-of-the-art studios, digital labs, and the GCSU Museum.

Facilities & Resources

GCSU’s Art Department boasts exceptional facilities designed to support artistic exploration:

• Blackbridge Hall: Houses spacious studios for painting, drawing, and sculpture, alongside a fully equipped foundry and ceramics kiln.
• Digital Media Labs: Feature high-end computers, Wacom tablets, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D printing technology.
• GCSU Museum: Offers rotating exhibitions, artist lectures, and hands-on curatorial experience for students.
• Student Gallery Spaces: Include the Ennis Hall Gallery and pop-up exhibits across campus, providing platforms for student work.

Faculty & Student Opportunities

The department’s faculty are active exhibiting artists, scholars, and industry professionals who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. Students engage in:

• Study Abroad Programs: Cultural immersion trips to Italy, Japan, and other global art hubs.
• Internships & Partnerships: Collaborations with local galleries, schools, and design firms, including the Georgia Museum of Art and Macon Arts Alliance.
• Annual Events: Such as the GCSU Art Symposium, visiting artist workshops, and portfolio reviews with industry leaders.

Career Pathways & Alumni Success

Graduates pursue careers as professional artists, graphic designers, educators, curators, and creative directors, with alumni working at:

• Pixar Animation Studios
• Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
• Public and private school systems across Georgia
• Freelance design and studio art ventures

The department’s strong alumni network and career services provide mentorship, job placement assistance, and exhibition opportunities post-graduation.

Admissions & Financial Support

Prospective students must submit a portfolio for BFA consideration, with scholarships available through:

• Departmental Talent Awards: Competitive scholarships for incoming and current students.
• GCSU Foundation Scholarships: Need- and merit-based funding for art majors.

For more information, visit the GCSU Art Department website or contact their admissions office.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art

A versatile degree blending studio practice, art history, and liberal arts, ideal for students seeking a broad foundation in visual arts with flexibility for double majors or interdisciplinary studies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and technical skills across multiple mediums.

• Program Structure: 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division art credits. Combines core studio courses (drawing, design) with electives in ceramics, painting, photography, or digital media.
• Outcomes: Graduates pursue careers in arts administration, gallery work, or further study in graduate programs. Prepares students for fields requiring creative problem-solving and visual communication.
• Duration: Typically 4 years (full-time). Part-time options available.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art

An intensive, pre-professional degree for students committed to careers as practicing artists or designers. Requires a competitive portfolio review for admission and focuses on advanced studio work, culminating in a senior thesis exhibition.

• Concentrations:
  • Studio Art: Specializations in painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, or photography. Emphasis on developing a cohesive body of work.
  • Digital Media: Focus on graphic design, animation, interactive media, and digital storytelling using industry-standard software (Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, etc.).
• Program Structure: 132 credit hours, with 60+ credits in studio art and art history. Includes critiques, professional practices courses, and mandatory internships or collaborative projects.
• Outcomes: Graduates work as professional artists, designers, or preparators for museums/galleries. Strong placement in MFA programs nationwide.
• Duration: 4–5 years (full-time), with thesis development in the final year.

Art Education (BS) with K-12 Certification

Prepares students to teach visual arts in public and private schools, combining rigorous studio training with pedagogical coursework accredited by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC).

• Program Structure: 126 credit hours, including student teaching internships. Courses cover art methods, curriculum design, and inclusive classroom strategies alongside studio electives.
• Outcomes: Graduates earn Georgia teaching certification and are employed in K-12 schools, community arts programs, or cultural institutions.
• Duration: 4 years (full-time), including a semester-long teaching residency.

Art History Minor

Complementary program for non-art majors or BA/BFA students seeking deeper study of visual culture, critical theory, and global art traditions.

• Program Structure: 18 credit hours, covering periods from antiquity to contemporary art. Includes museum studies and research projects.
• Outcomes: Enhances careers in museum curation, arts writing, or graduate study in art history or humanities.

Digital Media Certificate

Standalone credential for students or professionals seeking focused training in digital design tools and techniques without a full degree.

• Program Structure: 15–18 credit hours in graphic design, web development, and motion graphics. Open to all GCSU undergraduates.
• Outcomes: Skills applicable to freelance design, marketing, or UX/UI roles. Often paired with business or communication majors.

Study Abroad & Special Programs

Short-term and semester-long opportunities to enhance artistic training:

• Florence, Italy Summer Program: Intensive drawing/painting courses with visits to Renaissance art sites.
• Japan Cultural Exchange: Focus on ceramics and printmaking traditions in Kyoto.
• Senior Capstone Projects: BFA students exhibit work in the GCSU Museum or off-campus venues.

For detailed curriculum checklists or admissions requirements, visit the GCSU Art Department website.

Contact GCSU:

Department of Art