In Ithaca College’s art programs, you’ll master professional skills and techniques as well as your ability to think, talk, and write about art. Our liberal arts curriculum creates well-rounded artists with something to say, and our experienced faculty are here to help you express it. Our small classes foster this personal mentorship.
Choose from a wide range of classes in the following areas: drawing, painting, sculpture, print media, graphic design, digital art, and book arts.
Make Your Mark at Ithaca College through Art
Materials + Making = Meaning
Majoring in Art
Earn your Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and/or Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with certification in K–12 Art Education.
Regardless of whether you major in art, you may add a minor in Art or Graphic Design.
Interested in Becoming an Art Teacher?
In Ithaca College’s Teach in 5 Program, you can earn your Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with certification in K–12 Art Education. An art major combined with an Education Studies minor will prepare you for the MAT program.
Participate in Art at IC!
Regardless of whether you major or minor in art, the department extends the visual arts to the entire student body through courses, artist lectures and workshops, Art Club, exhibitions and annual field trips.
Choose from a wide range of classes in areas like:
- drawing
- painting
- sculpture
- print media
- graphic design
- digital art
- book arts and papermaking
Special Features
- Senior Thesis – a two semester, faculty mentored independent project for BFA students culminating in an exhibition at the Handwerker Gallery
- Independent Study – advanced work with a mentor, studio space is provided
- Art Internships – placements with local artists, galleries, and agencies (or even in New York City)
- Honors in Art – based on grade point average (GPA) and portfolio presentation
- Visiting Artists – offering lecture, studio visits with BFA students, and workshops
- Annual Excursions – to museums and galleries locally or in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC
Facilities
Art is located on the lower level of the Ceracche Center. We have facilities for drawing, painting, screenprinting, lithography, etching, sculpture (including wood, clay, sheetmetal, and dimensional steel fabrication), book arts, papermaking, and a Mac lab for digital art and graphic design.
Consider Minors to Compliment Your Art Interests
Recent students have combined Art with studies in art history, graphic design, computer science, environmental studies, animation, photography, integrated communication management, business, biology, anthropology, and writing. Explore Minors here.
What will I take as an Art Major?
Choose your own adventure! Our degrees are very flexible. Speak with your academic advisor about your interests and future goals. They will help you choose the right classes for you. But here's some guidance:
- In your first year, speak with your advisor prior to starting fall classes if you have AP credits.
- Most first-year students take these classes in their first semester: Theory and Practice 1: Play (ART 10000), Intro Drawing (any ART 11XXX), and Two-Dimensional Design (ART 12000).
- Every fall you should plan to take a required Theory and Practice art major seminar.
- If you plan to go abroad, for example to the London Program or to Dingle Ireland, you should plan to go before your senior year and in the spring, summer, or winter.
Do I Need a Student Portfolio to Apply?
Students applying for admission to Art programs are not required to submit a portfolio with their application. If a student chooses to submit a portfolio, a faculty member will review it and forward a recommendation to the Department of Admissions.
Portfolios may be submitted by emailing a link to art@ithaca.edu
What can I do after graduation?
Many graduates of the Ithaca College Art, Art History and Architecture Departments continue their exploration of the arts in a variety of exciting ways. Here are just a few:
- Pursuing graduate degrees
- Becoming professional artists in their chosen field
- Teaching art in public and private schools at K-12 level
- Teaching on a college level
- Art Therapy
- Working as interns and apprentices in galleries, and art centers
- Participating in graphic design and new media programs
- Museum work: education, curatorial, administrative, and public affair departments
- Employment as technical or studio assistants to other artists
QUESTIONS ABOUT MAJORING IN ART?
Contact: Dara Engler, Associate Professor Painting & Drawing and Associate Chair