Academics
Our mission is to provide aspiring artists and graphic designers with intensive, integrative, relevant and rewarding educational programs of excellent quality in a personal, supportive and collaborative environment. We seek to graduate creative individuals who think critically and historically, communicate effectively and act responsibly in our global society. The department is also committed to providing studio art, design and art history courses to non-majors as part of Pacific's General Education program in order to promote visual literacy and contribute to the aesthetic quality of the campus.
To accomplish this mission:
- Our undergraduate curricula include art and design theories, histories and experiential learning in both traditional and contemporary visual arts media, providing a strong basis for informed reflection, critical thinking, independent inquiry and imaginative expression.
- Our undergraduate curricula in Graphic Design and Studio Art combine a thorough visual arts education with a comprehensive grounding in the fertile, intellectual heritage of the Humanities and the liberal arts.
- Our faculty members inform and inspire; their teaching expertise is enriched by their professional experience as artists, designers and historians.
- Undergraduate research, internships and study abroad experiences are encouraged.
- We promote interdisciplinary partnerships and collaborations with other units within the university and within our community to create educational opportunities and reach to broader audiences.
- We engage an ongoing assessment of our programs.
The department offers two accredited degree programs. These programs lead to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design or Studio Art. A self-designed major in Art History is available (e.g. Visual Studies, Arts Administration, Art Therapy). Admission into the BFA degree programs requires filing a declaration of major form and consulting with a department advisor in the chosen discipline. A portfolio is not required for admission to the program, however, there is a formal portfolio review process at the end of spring semester freshman year. Learn more about each program on our Degree Programs page.