Art + Design

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.  

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.

The art history minor offers insight into the rich history of  Western and Non-Western art traditions.

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.

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.

Most careers today require some engagement with apps, websites, and social media.  The User Experience and Interface Design minor integrates psychology, design thinking and visual problem solving to prepare you to develop engaging interfaces for mobile apps and websites.  This minor is well suited for students majoring in psychology, media and communications, marketing, entrepreneurship, hospitality management, and international business, but will benefit students preparing for almost any career.