The Major in Art: Studio at Northwest Missouri State University is designed to equip students with the skills needed for their professions while encouraging a fuller, more rewarding life through art. The program emphasizes communicating ideas effectively, developing analytical skills, and cultivating aesthetic judgment. It offers students a comprehensive environment for learning and creative production, along with opportunities to broaden their experience through exhibitions and visiting artist series. The curriculum supports students in mastering technical skills and prepares them for careers in the visual arts or further study. State-of-the-art facilities like photo labs, ceramics studios, printmaking workshops, and individual studios provide hands-on learning. The program also offers specialized pathways in ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture, enabling students to develop their unique artistic voice.
Why this course is highly recommended
The art studio program provides a rich environment for creative growth, offering advanced facilities and exposure to both regional and national art. The program fosters not only artistic skills but also critical thinking, historical awareness, and aesthetic judgment. Students benefit from exhibition opportunities, showcasing their work at the Northwest Art Show, and participating in campus showcases like the Celebration of Scholars. The program’s emphasis on technical mastery, combined with engagement from visiting artists and a focus on real-world experience like creating commission-based work, makes it a strong choice for aspiring artists. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various design, teaching, or art-related fields or further studies in the visual arts.
Students can choose from a variety of focus areas including ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Each emphasis offers tailored coursework and hands-on experiences. For example, ceramics students learn hand-building, wheel throwing, and kiln processes, while drawing students focus on observational skills and conceptual development. Painting emphasizes techniques in acrylic and oil, with a focus on color and composition. Photography students explore visual elements and develop a personal artistic style, honing their technical skills in creating and printing photographs. Printmaking students gain experience in multiple print techniques, and sculpture students learn traditional and innovative methods, including welding, woodwork, and mold-making. These specializations support students in cultivating their artistic identity and technical mastery.
Application fees
13.03L
1st year tuition fees
13.03L
Living cost
Graduates of the Art: Studio program can pursue diverse careers such as character artists, gallery owners, marketing and design professionals, production or public artists, art teachers, ceramics engineers, industrial designers, photographers, studio coordinators, interior designers, and more. The program emphasizes creating opportunities for students to develop professional experience, including the chance to produce commission-based work and showcase their art at exhibitions. Students also gain real-world experience through studio spaces, advanced workshops, and participation in campus art shows, preparing them for a variety of careers in the visual arts and related industries.