The Department of Art at Appalachian State University offers a transformative, interdisciplinary arts education through its Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs, specializing in studio art, graphic design, art education, and art administration, all designed to foster technical mastery, critical thinking, and cultural awareness within the vibrant Blue Ridge Mountains creative community. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the department merges hands-on learning, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to sustainability and social engagement, preparing students for dynamic careers in the visual arts, education, design industries, and beyond.

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Department of Art | Appalachian State University:

Cultivating Creativity & Innovation in the Visual Arts

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Academic Programs & Concentrations

The department’s curriculum emphasizes experiential learning across diverse disciplines, with four primary concentrations:

• Studio Art: Focused on traditional and contemporary practices in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, and interdisciplinary media. Students develop portfolios through critiques, exhibitions, and collaborations with visiting artists.
• Art Education: A licensure-track program combining studio practice with pedagogy, psychology, and fieldwork in K–12 classrooms. Graduates earn North Carolina teaching certification while engaging in community art projects.
• Graphic Design: A technology-driven program emphasizing branding, UX/UI design, motion graphics, and sustainable design practices, using industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modeling software.
• Art Administration: A hybrid degree blending business, marketing, and arts leadership, with internships at galleries, museums, and cultural nonprofits like the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum.

State-of-the-Art Facilities & Resources

Students access specialized studios and labs across two primary locations:

• Wey Hall: Houses digital labs, printmaking studios, a photography darkroom, and the I.G. Greer Gallery, showcasing student and faculty work.
• Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts: Features the Smith Gallery, hosting national exhibitions and artist talks.
• 3D Arts Complex: Includes ceramics kilns, metalworking forges, and woodshops, alongside a dedicated sculpture garden.
• Digital Fabrication Lab: Equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC routers for prototyping and design projects.

Faculty Expertise & Creative Research

The department’s faculty are nationally recognized practitioners and scholars, with expertise spanning:

• Public art installations and community-based projects.
• Environmental art and sustainable material practices.
• Digital storytelling and augmented reality (AR) applications.
• Art history research focused on Appalachian folk traditions and global indigenous art.

Students collaborate with faculty on grants, exhibitions, and publications, including the annual Appalachian Journal of Art.

Experiential Learning & Career Pathways

Beyond the classroom, the department prioritizes real-world skill development through:

• Study Abroad: Summer programs in Italy, Japan, and South Africa focusing on cultural immersion and art history.
• Internships: Partnerships with Asheville’s River Arts District, Charlotte’s Mint Museum, and NYC design firms.
• Student Organizations: AIGA (graphic design), National Art Education Association (NAEA), and Appalachian Sculpture Collective.
• Annual Events: Art Expo, BFA Thesis Shows, and portfolio review sessions with alumni and industry professionals.

Community Engagement & Cultural Impact

The department actively connects with regional and global communities through:

• Community Arts Programs: Partnerships with local schools, elder care centers, and nonprofits like Artful Living.
• Public Art Initiatives: Student-led murals, sculptures, and installations across Boone’s downtown and campus.
• Exhibition Partnerships: Collaborations with the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and Appalachian Cultural Museum.

Admissions & Financial Support

Prospective students submit portfolios for BFA program entry, with scholarships like the Ruthie Boone Art Scholarship and Visiting Artist Fund available. Graduate assistantships and work-study roles in galleries or studios provide additional funding opportunities.

With a 95% post-graduation placement rate, alumni thrive as studio artists, creative directors, museum educators, and arts advocates, supported by Appalachian’s strong network of regional and national arts leaders. The department’s integration of Appalachian heritage with global perspectives ensures graduates are equipped to address contemporary challenges through innovative, socially conscious art practices.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art

A professional degree program emphasizing intensive studio practice and creative research across multiple disciplines. Students select a primary concentration and develop a cohesive body of work for their senior thesis exhibition.

• Concentrations: Painting & Drawing, Sculpture & Ceramics, Printmaking & Book Arts, Photography & Time-Based Media, Interdisciplinary Art.
• Structure: 78 credit hours in art courses, including 24 upper-level studio credits, art history requirements, and a capstone thesis project. Full-time duration: 4 years.
• Key Courses: Advanced Figure Drawing, Installation Art, Digital Photography, Glaze Chemistry, Professional Practices for Artists.
• Outcomes: Portfolio development for gallery representation, graduate school preparation, or careers in freelance art, museum curation, or creative direction.
• Unique Features: Access to private studios in the 3D Arts Complex, annual participation in the Rosen Sculpture Competition, and mentorship through the Visiting Artist Series.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) / Bachelor of Science (BS) in Art Education

A licensure-focused program combining studio art training with pedagogical coursework, preparing students to teach K–12 visual arts in public or private schools.

• Structure: 66–72 credit hours, including 36 studio art credits, 18 art history/theory credits, and 12 education credits. Requires a full-semester student teaching internship. Duration: 4–4.5 years.
• Key Courses: Curriculum Design for Art Educators, Adolescent Development in Art, Multicultural Art Education, Classroom Technology Integration.
• Licensure: Meets North Carolina Department of Public Instruction requirements, with reciprocity in most U.S. states.
• Outcomes: Careers as K–12 art teachers, community art program coordinators, or museum educators. Graduates achieve a 100% pass rate on the Praxis Art Content Knowledge exam.
• Unique Features: Partnerships with Appalachian’s Academy at Middle Fork (lab school) and service-learning projects with Watauga County Arts Council.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Graphic Design

A technology-driven program focused on visual communication, branding, and user-centered design solutions for print, web, and interactive media.

• Structure: 72 credit hours, including 12 foundational art credits, 36 core design credits, and 12 elective credits in areas like animation or marketing. Duration: 4 years.
• Key Courses: Typography Systems, Motion Graphics, UX/UI Design, Packaging Design, Sustainable Design Practices.
• Software Training: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Blender, and HTML/CSS basics.
• Outcomes: Careers in advertising agencies, in-house design teams, or freelance roles. Graduates have secured positions at IBM, Red Ventures, and BLD Marketing.
• Unique Features: Annual Design Expo with industry critiques, collaborative projects with Appalachian’s Sustainable Development Department, and internships at Boone-based firms like Mountain Times Publications.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art Administration

A hybrid degree blending arts management, marketing, and nonprofit leadership to prepare students for roles in galleries, museums, and cultural organizations.

• Structure: 60 credit hours, including 24 studio/art history credits, 18 business credits, and 12 internship credits. Duration: 4 years.
• Key Courses: Arts Fundraising & Grant Writing, Museum Studies, Cultural Policy, Event Planning, Digital Arts Marketing.
• Internships: Required placements at institutions such as Hickory Museum of Art, Appalachian’s Turchin Center, or Asheville’s River Arts District.
• Outcomes: Careers as gallery directors, arts nonprofit managers, or public art coordinators. Alumni work at Sotheby’s, Blue Spiral 1 Gallery, and Arts North Carolina.
• Unique Features: Dual advising from the College of Fine & Applied Arts and Walker College of Business, with opportunities to minor in Entrepreneurship or Nonprofit Management.

Art Minors & Certificates

Supplementary programs for non-majors seeking to enhance creative skills or explore art-related fields.

• Art Minor: 18 credit hours across studio art, art history, and electives. Popular among marketing, anthropology, and sustainable development majors.
• Digital Fabrication Certificate: 12-credit program teaching laser cutting, 3D printing, and CNC machining. Includes a final project at the Innovation Hub.
• Community Arts Certificate: 15 credits focused on public art, arts advocacy, and collaborative projects with local organizations like Artability of Watauga.

Accelerated Master’s Pathways

Exclusive to Appalachian undergraduates, these pathways allow early admission to graduate programs in related fields.

• MA in Arts Administration: Complete up to 12 graduate credits during senior year. Requires a 3.5 GPA and faculty recommendation.
• MS in Sustainable Design: Open to graphic design majors, integrating eco-conscious practices with advanced design research.

Study Abroad & Exchange Programs

Faculty-led global arts immersion experiences with transferable credits.

• Florence, Italy: Summer program focusing on Renaissance art history and plein air painting. Includes visits to Uffizi Gallery and Venetian glass studios.
• Osaka, Japan: Semester exchange with Osaka University of Arts, studying traditional printmaking (ukiyo-e) and contemporary manga illustration.
• Cape Town, South Africa: Winter intersession exploring social justice art and collaborative murals with local NGOs.

All programs emphasize Appalachian State’s commitment to sustainability, with courses like Eco-Art Practices and zero-waste studio policies. Transfer students can apply up to 24 art credits from regionally accredited institutions, pending portfolio review.

Contact the Department of Art at Appalachian State University

Address:

Department of Art
Appalachian State University
East Hall 119
ASU Box 32020
Boone, NC 28608
Phone: 828.262.2220

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/art.appstate/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4WT8IEqcP8tjXgG9bNqtA

Instagram: https://instagram.com/appalachianart