At a glance: Art

"I decided that while earning my degree in business administration, I wanted to study art not only for pleasure and personal interest, but also to compliment my major in accounting. I want to show employers and clients alike that I’m capable and often find creative ways to solve any problem by adding a unique perspective."

Adam Roach

The department of art and design prepares students to become creative and productive artists and designers in a complex and changing world. Our educational program integrates a liberal arts education with traditional and contemporary methods in art and design, exposing students to a wide range of theory and media. Students engage in many enriching, outside-the-classroom learning experiences such as guest artist programs, professional internships/externships, student teaching, student exhibition opportunities, field trips, study-abroad programs and University publications. Visit our department's web site.

Degree options

An art minor is available only to non-art majors. A minimum of 18 credit hours is required for completion of the program.

Distinctive features and objectives

Comprehensive curriculum gives students exposure to 2-D and 3-D form, theory and practices.
Professors are dedicated artists, designers, teachers, scholars and mentors.
In-house design studio offers real-world business and professional experiences.
Visiting artist program brings to campus accomplished artists
Study-abroad programs in locations such as Italy, Ireland and France expose students to the exciting and wide world of culture and art.
Students can gain hands-on experience designing University publications such as The Northern Review (student newspaper), Polar Droppings (department newsletter) and The Northern (University yearbook).
Numerous talent awards and scholarships are granted to gifted students.

Facilities

The department of art and design is located in the Wilson Art Center, a stimulating environment that offers well-equipped and updated studios, classrooms and computer labs. Located near the art center are the Elzay and Stambaugh Galleries, educational and cultural resources for the Ohio Northern community and the Northwest Ohio region. Throughout the year, the galleries feature outstanding exhibits from international and regional artists as well as ONU faculty and students. The modern three-story Heterick Memorial Library houses the fine art, design and photography book and periodical collections.

Student organizations

AIGA/The Professional Association for Design, Kappa Pi National Art Honorary, National Art Education Association, Student Art League

Program outcomes

The department of art and design is committed to teaching and learning through an intensive, structured and sequential program of visual studies and liberal arts education. Our goal is to develop students as creative, productive and intellectually curious artists and designers capable of historical and cultural insight, critical thinking and technical proficiency in an area of emphasis.

Graduate schools

Recent graduates have pursued graduate training in the fine arts, design, education, museum studies or art therapy at institutions such as George Washington University, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Kent State University, University of Cincinnati, Seton Hill University and Edinboro University.

Career opportunities

Careers in art education: kindergarten/elementary art teacher, middle or high school art teacher, college professor (with a MFA degree), adult education instructor, state arts council employees, arts management organization employees and education administrators.

Careers in studio arts: studio artists, illustrators, art therapists (with a master’s degree), museum and gallery owners/artists and photographers.

Careers in design: identity designers, print communication designers, interface designers, advertising and promotional designers, exhibit designers, way-finding designers and environmental designers.