Art + Design

The art + design department at Salem State offers an exciting and dynamic avenue to the worlds of fine art, design and education. Express yourself creatively in broad yet in-depth courses of study exploring both traditional and cutting edge media, while producing a professional portfolio that will enhance your future career.

Learn about real students who studied art + design at Salem State

Jessi Hardesty

Jessi Hardesty '11

Art + Design, Printmaking

"My memories of Salem State are overwhelmingly positive. What really stands out most to me, though, are the late nights spent in the studio. Having 24-hour access to the printmaking studio, and being encouraged to spend my free time in said studio – that really shaped my work ethic and empowered me to prioritize making art."

Read her story.

Degree Programs

Undergraduate and Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Degrees

  • Art

    BA
    Undergraduate

    The art + design major is a liberal arts curriculum structured to give the student an in-depth experience in the visual arts with an emphasis on studio production. It encourages students to develop creativity through discovery along with an ability to observe and analyze. Throughout their curriculum students: expand their ability to use verbal, written, and visual language effectively; to develop methodologies; to think logically and solve problems practically; to feel comfortable with new technologies and understand their impact on modern society. In addition, students learn to examine issues in an historical context and develop the ability to make ethical judgments.

     

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    Program Requirements

Minors and Concentrations

  • Graphic Design

    Minor
    Undergraduate

    Both the graphic design and interactive multimedia minors enhance your current major by preparing you to integrate design thinking and visual problem solving. Practitioner faculty help you learn the essential design skills to give our career path an extra boost. You will learn in two state of the art Apple computer labs designed with collaboration in mind. Our computers are loaded with the most recent industry-standard software for design, imaging, illustration and motion graphic and coding.

    Program Requirements

  • 2-Dimensional Art

    Minor
    Undergraduate

    Our studio art minors offer you an outlet to explore your creative passions while also pursuing an alternative career path. In addition to exploring personal interests, you will learn how the studio arts act as a catalyst to changing hearts and minds by addressing contemporary global, national and regional issues.  

    Program Requirements

  • 3-Dimensional Art

    Minor
    Undergraduate

    Our studio art minors offer you an outlet to explore your creative passions while also pursuing an alternative career path. In addition to exploring personal interests, you will learn how the studio arts act as a catalyst to changing hearts and minds by addressing contemporary global, national and regional issues.

    Program Requirements

  • Interactive Multimedia

    Minor
    Undergraduate

    Both the graphic design and interactive multimedia minors enhance your current major by preparing you to integrate design thinking and visual problem solving. Practitioner faculty help you learn the essential design skills to give our career path an extra boost. You will learn in two state of the art Apple computer labs designed with collaboration in mind. Our computers are loaded with the most recent industry-standard software for design, imaging, illustration and motion graphic and coding.

    Program Requirements

  • Photography

    Minor
    Undergraduate

    Comprised of both darkroom and digital courses, the photography minor offers you contemporary skills to supplement your current career path. Topics covered in minor courses include studio lighting, alternative darkroom processes and advanced digital image manipulation. The photography minor is an exciting and creative addition to any major at Salem State University.

    Program Requirements

  • Interactive Multimedia

    Concentration
    Undergraduate

    The interactive multimedia concentration prepares the art major for a career in interactive multimedia design and is committed to the development of both creative thinking and technical proficiency in the field. Courses in interactive multimedia include Introduction to Electronic Media; Typography; Electronic Illustration; Electronic Imaging; Web Design; Advanced Web Design; Video and Animation; and Multimedia Design. Facilities include design and production studios, two state of the art Macintosh computer labs with color printers, desktop scanners, and the latest design and multimedia software.

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    Program Requirements

  • Photography

    Concentration
    Undergraduate

    The concentration in photography focuses on photographic techniques, darkroom skills, and sound design principles, thereby preparing students for a creative photographic career or a career in commercial photography. Courses in photography include Photography I; Photography II; Commercial Photography; Portrait Photography; Color Photography; Digital Studio Photography; Large Format Photography; and Advanced Commercial Photography. Facilities include a black and white dark room and professional studios for portrait, large format, digital, and commercial photography.

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    Program Requirements

  • Painting

    Concentration
    Undergraduate

    The painting concentration provides an in depth experience in painting as a medium for creative expression. Upon graduation, the student may either establish a studio or continue to study at the graduate level. Courses in the concentration include Representational Painting; Watercolor Painting; Landscape Painting; Non Representational Painting; Mixed Media Painting, and Topics in Contemporary Art.

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    Program Requirements

  • Printmaking

    Concentration
    Undergraduate

    The printmaking concentration provides an in depth experience in fine art printmaking. Upon graduation, the student may either establish a studio or continue to study at the graduate level. Courses in the concentration include Screenprinting; Intaglio; Lithography; Relief; Monoprinting; Advanced Printmaking; and Topics in Contemporary Art.

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    Program Requirements

  • 3-D Studio

    Concentration
    Undergraduate

    The 3-D studio concentration provides an in depth experience in specific three-dimensional areas and prepares the student for graduate study. Courses include Ceramic Handbuilding; Glassblowing; Jewelry; Sculpture I; Sculpture II; Ceramics; Wheelthrowing; and Topics in Contemporary Art.

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    Program Requirements

  • Art History

    Concentration
    Undergraduate

    The art history concentration provides an opportunity to acquire a broad background in Western and Non-Western art. It prepares the student for graduate study leading to MA and PhD degrees. Upon completion of graduate study, career opportunities in museum work, art restoration, teaching and research are available. 

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    Program Requirements

  • Graphic Design

    Concentration
    Undergraduate

    The graphic design concentration prepares the student for a future in commercial art and advertising design, and is committed to the development of both creative thinking and technical proficiency in the field.  Facilities include design and production studios, two state of the art Macintosh computer labs with color printers, desktop scanners, and the latest design and illustration software.

    Apply now
    Program Requirements

Additional Information

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