The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University is a nationally recognized institution offering rigorous, interdisciplinary programs in visual arts education, including BFA, BA, MA, and MFA degrees with concentrations in Graphic Design, Photography, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles, Ceramics, Interior Design, and Art History. Renowned for fostering creativity through contemporary practices, cutting-edge facilities, and industry-experienced faculty, the school prepares students for dynamic careers in fine arts, design, education, and research. Located in downtown Atlanta, the institution leverages its urban setting to provide hands-on learning, internships, and collaborations with cultural institutions, ensuring graduates are equipped to excel in global creative industries.

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Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design – Georgia State University: Premier Visual Arts Education in Atlanta

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Academic Programs & Specializations

The Welch School’s curriculum merges traditional techniques with digital innovation, emphasizing critical thinking and experimental approaches. Undergraduate students pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA), with the BFA requiring a competitive portfolio review for admission to advanced studios. Graduate programs include a Master of Arts (MA) in Art Education and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with tracks in Studio Art and Visual Design. Unique offerings include:

• Graphic Design: Focuses on UX/UI, branding, and motion graphics, integrating Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modeling tools.
• Photography & Video Art: Combines analog darkroom processes with digital editing and 4K video production.
• Textiles & Fibers: Explores sustainable materials, wearable art, and industrial applications using digital looms and dye labs.
• Art History: Covers global perspectives, from ancient traditions to postmodern theory, with access to the university’s rare archives.

State-of-the-Art Facilities & Resources

Students benefit from 90,000 square feet of dedicated creative spaces across multiple buildings, including the Hurt Building and 10 Peachtree Center. Key facilities include:

• Digital Fabrication Lab: Equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC routers for prototyping.
• Printmaking Studio: Features etching presses, lithography stones, and a Risograph machine.
• Welch Galleries: Hosts rotating exhibitions by students, faculty, and international artists.
• Material Resource Center: Offers free access to premium supplies like pigments, canvases, and clay.

The school also partners with Atlanta’s High Museum, MODA, and SCAD FASH to provide exhibition opportunities and workshops.

Faculty & Industry Connections

Welch’s faculty includes Guggenheim Fellows, Pulitzer Prize nominees, and leaders in design firms like IDEO and Pentagram. Professors maintain active studios and research profiles, ensuring coursework aligns with current industry standards. Students gain mentorship through:

• Artist-in-Residence Program: Brings figures like LaToya Ruby Frazier and Hank Willis Thomas for masterclasses.
• Design Atlanta Initiative: Connects graphic design students with startups for real-world branding projects.
• Study Abroad: Faculty-led programs in Italy, Japan, and South Africa explore global art histories.

Community Engagement & Career Development

The school prioritizes civic impact through partnerships with Atlanta Public Schools, the Boys & Girls Clubs, and the National Black Arts Festival. Initiatives include:

• Public Art Installations: Students design murals and sculptures for MARTA stations and the BeltLine.
• Art Therapy Collaborations: Graduate students work with Grady Hospital to develop trauma-informed workshops.
• Career Services: Dedicated advisors assist with portfolio reviews, LinkedIn optimization, and internship placements at companies like Turner Broadcasting and Delta Air Lines.

Admissions & Financial Support

Prospective students submit portfolios via SlideRoom, with deadlines on January 15 (undergraduate) and March 1 (graduate). The school offers merit scholarships, graduate assistantships, and the Welch Fellowship, which covers full tuition + stipends for MFA candidates. Need-based aid and payment plans are available through Georgia State’s Office of Financial Aid. Diversity is central to the program, with 40% of students identifying as BIPOC and 15% as international.

For more information, visit artdesign.gsu.edu or attend their annual Open Studio Night every November.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design offers immersive undergraduate degrees designed to build technical mastery, conceptual depth, and professional readiness in visual arts and design. Programs emphasize hands-on studio practice, critical theory, and interdisciplinary experimentation.

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – A 120-credit, four-year program requiring a competitive portfolio review for admission to advanced studios. Concentrations include:
  • Graphic Design: Focuses on branding, UX/UI design, motion graphics, and interactive media. Students use Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, and 3D modeling tools, completing client projects and internships.
  • Photography: Combines analog techniques (darkroom, large-format cameras) with digital workflows (4K video, AR/VR). Includes courses in documentary photography and experimental imaging.
  • Drawing, Painting, & Printmaking: Explores traditional mediums alongside digital hybrids. Features access to etching presses, lithography studios, and a Risograph lab.
  • Sculpture, Ceramics, & Textiles: Covers metal fabrication, woodworking, 3D printing, kiln-formed glass, and sustainable fiber arts. Students utilize CNC routers and digital looms.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History – A 120-credit program analyzing global art traditions, from antiquity to postmodernism. Includes archival research at the university’s Special Collections and internships at Atlanta museums.

Outcomes: Graduates pursue careers as studio artists, designers, educators, or museum professionals. Portfolio development and senior thesis exhibitions are required.

Graduate Degree Programs

Advanced degrees at the Welch School foster specialized expertise through rigorous research, studio practice, and community engagement. Programs emphasize mentorship with faculty and industry leaders.

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art – A 60-credit, three-year terminal degree with tracks in:
  • Visual Arts: Interdisciplinary focus on installation, social practice, and digital media. Students receive private studios and present thesis exhibitions at Welch Galleries.
  • Graphic Design & Visual Experience: Merges UX research, speculative design, and data visualization. Includes collaborations with Atlanta Tech Village startups.
• Master of Arts (MA) in Art Education – A 36-credit, two-year program for certified teachers. Blends pedagogy courses with studio practice. Focuses on community-based art initiatives and curriculum design.

Structure: Graduate students complete teaching assistantships, present at national conferences, and engage in funded research projects. MFA candidates defend a written thesis and body of work.

Certificate Programs & Elective Pathways

Non-degree options allow students to specialize in emerging fields or expand interdisciplinary skills.

• Certificate in Digital Fabrication: 18-credit program covering 3D modeling, laser cutting, and robotics. Open to all majors; includes access to the school’s MakerSpace.
• Public Art & Social Practice Minor: Combines coursework in mural painting, grant writing, and community organizing. Partners with Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
• Art Therapy Electives: Undergraduate courses in therapeutic art methods, trauma-informed practice, and group facilitation. Includes fieldwork at local hospitals.

Duration: Certificates typically take 1-2 semesters; minors require 15-18 credits alongside degree programs.

Dual Degrees & Accelerated Options

Ambitious students can combine disciplines or fast-track graduate studies.

• BFA/MA Accelerated Program: High-achieving undergraduates complete graduate coursework in their final year, earning both degrees in five years.
• Dual MFA/MA in Art History: A four-year program blending studio practice with curatorial studies. Prepares students for roles in arts administration or academia.

Admission: Requires separate applications, faculty recommendations, and a proposal outlining interdisciplinary goals.

Explore all programs and admissions criteria at artdesign.gsu.edu/academics.

Contact Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design:

Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design

Address: 

10 Peachtree Center Avenue SE
Art & Humanities Building
Suite 117
Atlanta, GA 30303

Art & Design Office Hours:
Monday—Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Email: art@gsu.edu

Phone:  404-413-5221

Social Media:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/gsuartdesign/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/gsu_artdesign/