The Department of Art and Design offers a comprehensive education in areas such as art education, art history, and studio art including fine arts, photography, graphic design, and visual arts. The department emphasizes high standards for creativity, technical craft, conceptual understanding, critical analysis, and scholarly research. It promotes artistic practice and research by faculty, supported by engaged teaching and scholarship within a community grounded in the Marianist tradition of educating the whole person. The programs are designed to prepare students for professional careers, graduate studies, and active participation in diverse cultural and artistic communities.
Why this course is highly recommended
The course is ideal for students interested in developing a broad and diverse understanding of art and design, with pathways toward professional careers, graduate studies, or arts-based community engagement. The department’s accreditation by NASAD, combined with its integration with the university community and opportunities for internships, research, and exhibitions, makes it a robust choice for those seeking a comprehensive and practical arts education grounded in tradition and contemporary practice.
Students can choose from a variety of majors including Art History, Visual Arts, Art Education (with teacher licensure), Fine Arts, Graphic Design, and Photography. Each major offers a tailored curriculum emphasizing studio practice, art history, or pedagogical training, preparing students for careers or further studies in their field of interest. Minors and certificates in areas like Art History, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Photography, Community Arts Engagement, and Photojournalism provide additional specialization and practical experience.
Application fees
-
1st year tuition fees
42.28L
Living cost
Degree requirements vary by program but generally include completing 124 to 134 credit hours, including foundational courses, major-specific courses, general education, and capstone projects. For example, the Bachelor of Arts typically requires around 124 hours, with coursework in art history, visual arts, and liberal studies. The Bachelor of Fine Arts includes a heavier focus on studio practice, with programs in Art Education, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, and Photography requiring between 131 and 134 hours, including capstone or thesis projects.

English language test
Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria,
and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the University of Dayton admission page
for complete details.
Graduates from this program can pursue careers in art education, museum and gallery work, graphic and digital design, photography, art therapy, social practice art, and community arts engagement. The curriculum’s focus on both practical skills and scholarly research also prepares students for graduate studies, curatorial work, arts administration, and careers in media, advertising, and digital content creation.