Renowned as one of the Southeast’s most dynamic and comprehensive institutions for visual arts education, the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia (UGA) offers nationally ranked BFA, MFA, MA, and PhD programs across disciplines like painting, sculpture, graphic design, art education, art history, and interdisciplinary arts, fostering creativity through cutting-edge facilities, global opportunities, and a legacy tied to iconic American artist Lamar Dodd.

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Lamar Dodd School of Art | University of Georgia

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Legacy and Academic Distinction

Established in 1937 and named after celebrated painter Lamar Dodd in 1996, the school has evolved into a cornerstone of UGA’s arts community. It is consistently ranked among the top public university art programs in the U.S., with its MFA program frequently appearing in U.S. News & World Report’s top 50 graduate fine arts rankings. The institution’s mission emphasizes innovation, critical inquiry, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, preparing students for careers in academia, studio practice, and creative industries.

Comprehensive Academic Programs

The Lamar Dodd School of Art provides a robust curriculum across 14 areas of study, including:

• Undergraduate Programs: BFA degrees in Studio Art (ceramics, drawing, jewelry, photography, printmaking, textiles), Graphic Design, and Art Education, alongside a BA in Art History.
• Graduate Programs: MFA in Studio Art (ranked top 15% nationally), MA and PhD in Art History, and an MA in Art Education.
• Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Collaborations with UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, and Warnell School of Forestry for hybrid fields like digital media and environmental art.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Resources

The school’s 200,000-square-foot Thomas Street Art Complex in Athens, GA, features specialized studios, digital labs, and exhibition spaces, including:

• Dodd Galleries: Four on-campus galleries showcasing student, faculty, and visiting artist work.
• Georgia Museum of Art: A Smithsonian-affiliated museum on UGA’s campus, providing access to 10,000+ artworks and curatorial training.
• Digital Fabrication Lab: Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines for advanced prototyping.

Global Engagement and Signature Programs

The school’s Study Away and Abroad initiatives include the famed Cortona Program, a summer residency in Italy operating since 1970, and partnerships in Japan, Scotland, and Ghana. Students gain hands-on experience through:

• Public Art Projects: Collaborations with Athens-Clarke County and regional organizations.
• Artist Residencies: Partnerships with institutions like the Hambidge Center and Lyndon House Arts Center.

Faculty and Alumni Impact

The Lamar Dodd School of Art boasts a faculty of internationally recognized artists and scholars, including Guggenheim Fellows and National Endowment for the Arts grant recipients. Alumni have exhibited at the Venice Biennale, MoMA, and the High Museum, while others lead design firms, teach at top universities, or direct cultural institutions.

Community and Industry Partnerships

Through initiatives like Dodd Fridays (public lectures by visiting artists) and the Lamar Dodd Chair of Art series, the school bridges academia and the professional art world. Corporate partnerships with brands like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines provide students with real-world design challenges and internships.

Admissions and Financial Support

Prospective students benefit from merit-based scholarships, graduate assistantships, and the Windgate-Lamar Dodd Fellowship, which awards $15,000 to MFA candidates. Portfolio reviews emphasize technical skill and conceptual depth, aligning with the school’s ethos of nurturing bold, experimental creators.

With its fusion of historic legacy, academic rigor, and forward-thinking resources, the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia remains a transformative destination for artists and scholars shaping the future of visual culture.

Undergraduate Programs at Lamar Dodd School of Art

The Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia provides a diverse range of undergraduate degrees designed to foster technical mastery, critical thinking, and creative exploration. Programs emphasize hands-on studio practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world engagement.

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art – Concentrations: Ceramics, Drawing, Expanded Forms (interdisciplinary), Jewelry & Metalwork, Painting, Photography, Printmaking & Book Arts, Sculpture, Textiles. – Structure: 4-year program with foundational courses in visual principles, art history, and advanced studio specialization. Requires a senior thesis exhibition. – Outcomes: Prepares students for careers as professional artists, designers, or educators, with pathways to gallery representation, freelance work, or graduate study.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design – Structure: 4-year sequential curriculum integrating typography, branding, UX/UI design, and motion graphics. Includes internships and client-based projects. – Software & Tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, 3D modeling programs. – Outcomes: Graduates work in advertising agencies, tech startups, publishing, or as independent designers.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History – Focus Areas: Ancient to contemporary art, global perspectives, museum studies. – Structure: 4-year program combining coursework in visual analysis, research methods, and internships at institutions like the Georgia Museum of Art. – Outcomes: Careers in museums, galleries, arts administration, or academia (with graduate study).
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art Education – Structure: 4-year program blending studio practice with pedagogy. Includes K-12 classroom internships and state certification. – Outcomes: Prepares graduates to teach visual arts in public/private schools or community arts organizations.

Graduate Programs at Lamar Dodd School of Art

Graduate programs at Lamar Dodd emphasize advanced research, experimental practice, and leadership in the arts. Students work closely with faculty mentors and engage in exhibitions, publications, and global projects.

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art – Concentrations: Ceramics, Drawing, Graphic Design, Jewelry & Metalwork, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles. – Structure: 3-year program with studio-intensive coursework, critiques, and teaching assistantships. Culminates in a thesis exhibition and written document. – Outcomes: Graduates pursue careers as professional artists, university faculty, or creative directors.
• Master of Arts (MA) in Art History – Focus Areas: African Diaspora art, Asian art, Modern & Contemporary, Decorative Arts. – Structure: 2-year program requiring language proficiency, thesis research, and internships. – Outcomes: Prepares students for PhD programs, curatorial roles, or archival work.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Art History – Structure: 4–5-year program with individualized research, comprehensive exams, and dissertation. – Specializations: Global contemporary art, pre-Columbian studies, 19th-century European art. – Outcomes: Careers in academia, museum leadership, or cultural heritage preservation.
• Master of Arts (MA) in Art Education – Structure: 2-year hybrid (online/studio) program focusing on curriculum design, community arts, and research. – Outcomes: Advances careers for current educators or administrators in arts nonprofits.
• Interdisciplinary Graduate Opportunities – Dual Degrees: Combine MFA/MA with programs in Historic Preservation, Nonprofit Management, or Women’s Studies. – Study Abroad: Graduate-level access to Cortona, Italy, residencies and global research partnerships.

Certificate Programs & Minors

• Undergraduate Art Minor: 18-credit hour program for non-majors, offering introductory courses in studio art or art history.
• Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies: 15-credit program covering collections management, exhibition design, and public programming.

All programs emphasize access to the school’s cutting-edge facilities, including the Digital Media Lab, Glassblowing Studio, and partnerships with the Georgia Museum of Art. Students also benefit from annual portfolio reviews, visiting artist lectures, and funding opportunities like the Dodd Professional Development Fund.

Contact Lamar Dodd School of Art at UGA:

Address:

Lamar Dodd School of Art
University of Georgia
270 River Road
Athens, GA 30602

Phone:  706-542-1511

Contact Information:  https://art.uga.edu/contact

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