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Department of Art & Design

Department of Art & Design at Western Kentucky University


Explore your creative potential with Art & Design at Western Kentucky University. Our dynamic program offers majors in animation, art education, fine art studio, graphic design, and user experience, providing a rich and diverse foundation for aspiring artists, educators, and designers. Whether you’re drawn to creating digital worlds, shaping young minds, crafting expressive works, designing engaging visuals, or enhancing user interactions, Western Kentucky University's Art & Design program will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to thrive. Discover your path in an environment that values innovation, critical thinking, and artistic exploration.

 

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MAJORS

User Experience (5017)


  • Academic LevelUndergraduate
  • DegreeBachelor of Science
  • CollegeArts & Letters
  • DepartmentArt

Overview

In our modern tech-driven world, the significance of User Experience (UX) cannot be emphasized enough. It encompasses the integration of human insights into the process of designing, researching, and creating technological interfaces. UX delves into various disciplines including design, human-computer interaction, learning, cognitive sciences, perception, product design, user-centered design, and usability. UX inherently bridges multiple fields, blending the strengths of Art & Design with Computer Science to offer a comprehensive UX education. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students gain expertise not only in creating visually appealing designs but also in developing practical and user-centric technological solutions.

Program Requirements (57 Hours)

Course List
Foundational Courses
Computer Science Foundation Courses
MATH 117Trigonometry3
CS 180Computer Science I4
CS 290Computer Science II4
Psychological Sciences Foundation Courses
PSYS 100Introduction to Psychology3
PSYS 210Research Methods in Psychology3
PSYS 211Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory1
UX Foundation Courses
ART 243Digital Media3
UX 220Introduction to User Experience Design3
Advanced Courses
Advanced Computer Science Courses
CS 331Data Structures3
CS 351Database Management Systems I3
CS 360Software Engineering I3
Advanced Psychological Science Courses
Select one of the following:
PSYS 333Cognitive Psychology3
or PSYS 350 Social Psychology
or PSYS 363 Sensory and Perceptual Systems
or PSYS 433 Judgment and Decision Making
Advanced UX Courses
UX 310Future Design3
UX 330User Interface Design3
UX 340Introduction to Developing and Prototyping for Interactive Design3
UX 400User Experience Advanced Studio I3
UX 430Advanced User Interface Design3
UX 440Advanced Developing and Testing for Interactive Design3
Capstone Course
UX 450User Experience Advanced Studio II3
Total Hours57

Finish in Four Plans

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CS 1804CS 2904
MATH 1173UX 2203
COMM 1453HIST 101 or HIST 1023
PSYS 1003Colonnade - Natural Science with Lab3
ART 2433ENG 1003
 16 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CS 3313CS 3513
UX 3103UX 3303
ENG 2003PSY 210
PSYS 211
4
Colonnade - Natural and Physical Sciences3Colonnade - Systems3
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3General Elective3
 15 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CS 3603UX 4003
UX 3403UX 4303
ENG 3003Colonnade - Social and Cultural3
Colonnade - Local to Global3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
UX 4403UX 4503
Upper-Level PSYS Course3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective1
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 13
Total Hours 121

Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts (514P, 514)


  • Academic LevelUndergraduate
  • DegreeBachelor of Fine Arts
  • CollegeArts & Letters
  • DepartmentArt

Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is the initial professional degree sought for careers in visual arts and design. The Department of Art & Design offers four concentrations. The BFA in Studio concentration prepares students for a professional studio practice through rigorous artistic and academic experience. It is also the standard requirement for entrance into Masters of Fine Arts degree programs, the most common route to teaching studio art at the college level. The BFA Graphic Design concentration prepares students for careers in the visual communications field, including web design, print design, illustration, and new media. The Animation concentration prepares students for careers in fields such as animation and game design, and for professional arts practices in time-based media. The UX Design concentration prepares students for fields that incorporate interactive platform design and function.

Concentrations begin with a foundation of drawing, 2-D design, 3-D design, and art history surveys. Students then focus on a specific curricular sequence of interest to them: animation, graphic design, studio art (ceramics, printmaking, painting, sculpture, weaving), or UX design. Portfolio, upper-level studio, and seminar classes serve as the capstone experiences for BFA students in each concentration, where personal concepts and technical proficiency typically yield a cohesive body of work or competitive professional portfolio. In each concentration, the goal for the BFA student is to forge a professional practice in their chosen area.

Concentrations

  • Graphic Design (ARGD)
  • Studio (ARST)
  • Animation (ARAN)
  • User Experience Design (ARUX)

Program Requirements (79 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The major requires 79 semester hours of study. Entry into the BFA in Visual Arts program may be accomplished in one of two ways: have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in art and art history courses to include: ART 105 or ART 106, ART 130, ART 131, ART 140, a beginning studio course at the 200-level, and an upper-level 300 studio course, or have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for these same courses and pass a department portfolio review conducted by a faculty committee. Transfer students will be required to meet the second of these two options. Any student denied entrance in their initial portfolio review and having less than 36 hours in art and art history, while maintaining a 2.5 GPA in the continuing art courses, may reapply once. Prior to meeting these standards, students pursuing the BFA will be designated as reference number 514P.

The major offers four concentrations, Animation, Graphic Design, Studio, and UX Design. All concentrations require the following Art & Design Foundations courses:

Course List
Required Courses
ART 105History of Art to 1300 13
ART 106History of Art Since 1300 13
ART 130Two-Dimensional Design 13
ART 131Three-Dimensional Design 13
ART 140Drawing 13
Total Hours15
1

Students may have no more than one "D" for a final grade.

Additionally, students must take the following courses for each concentration:

Studio Concentration

Course List
Beginning-Level Studio Courses
Select four of the following:12
ANIM 210
Introduction to Computer Animation
or ANIM 220
3D Modeling I: Environment
ART 220
Ceramics
ART 231
Graphic Design I: Typography
or ART 243
Digital Media
ART 250
Printmaking
ART 260
Painting
ART 270
Sculpture Survey I
ART 280
Weaving
Required Drawing Courses9
ART 240
Drawing
ART 340
Drawing
ART 341
Drawing
Studio Area of Focus
Select seven upper-level studio courses from one of the following disciplines21
Ceramics
ART 321
Ceramics
ART 420
Ceramics
ART 421
Ceramics
ART 422
Ceramics
ART 423
Pottery Wheel Techniques
ART 424
Ceramic Glaze Composition
ART 425
Ceramic Studio Equipment Design
ART 426
Special Firing Techniques
Printmaking Practices
ART 350
Printmaking
ART 351
Printmaking
ART 450
Printmaking
ART 451
Printmaking
ART 452
Printmaking
ART 453
Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 454
Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 455
Advanced Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 456
Advanced Senior Composition in Printmaking
Painting Practices
ART 360
Painting
ART 361
Painting
ART 460
Painting
ART 461
Painting
ART 462
Painting
ART 463
Senior Painting Studio I
ART 464
Senior Painting Studio II
ART 465
Advanced Senior Painting Studio I
ART 466
Advanced Senior Painting Studio II
Sculpture and 3D Practices
ART 370
Sculpture Survey II
ART 371
Sculpture Methods, Welding I
ART 372
Sculpture, Figurative Studies
ART 470
Sculpture
ART 471
Sculpture Methods, Foundry I
ART 472
Sculpture
ART 474
Sculpture Methods, Wood
ART 475
Sculpture Methods, Welding II
ART 476
Sculpture Methods, Foundry II
Weaving
ART 380
Weaving
ART 381
Weaving
ART 480
Weaving
ART 481
Weaving
ART 482
Weaving
ART 483
Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 484
Senior Fiber Composition
ART 485
Advanced Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 486
Advanced Senior Fiber Composition
Studio Upper-Level Electives
Select three upper-level studio course electives (not from focus area)9
ART 321
Ceramics
ART 420
Ceramics
ART 421
Ceramics
ART 422
Ceramics
ART 423
Pottery Wheel Techniques
ART 424
Ceramic Glaze Composition
ART 425
Ceramic Studio Equipment Design
ART 426
Special Firing Techniques
ART 330
Graphic Design II: Layout & Information Design
ART 331
Visual Thinking
ART 334
Survey of Graphic Design
ART 343
Digital Media: Time-Based
ART 430
Graphic Design III: Advanced Graphic Design
ART 431
Illustration
ART 433
Package Design
ART 436
Digital Illustration
ART 438
Advanced Media Design
ART 440
Drawing
ART 350
Printmaking
ART 351
Printmaking
ART 450
Printmaking
ART 451
Printmaking
ART 452
Printmaking
ART 453
Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 454
Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 455
Advanced Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 456
Advanced Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 360
Painting
ART 361
Painting
ART 460
Painting
ART 461
Painting
ART 462
Painting
ART 463
Senior Painting Studio I
ART 464
Senior Painting Studio II
ART 465
Advanced Senior Painting Studio I
ART 466
Advanced Senior Painting Studio II
ART 370
Sculpture Survey II
ART 371
Sculpture Methods, Welding I
ART 372
Sculpture, Figurative Studies
ART 470
Sculpture
ART 471
Sculpture Methods, Foundry I
ART 472
Sculpture
ART 474
Sculpture Methods, Wood
ART 475
Sculpture Methods, Welding II
ART 476
Sculpture Methods, Foundry II
ART 380
Weaving
ART 381
Weaving
ART 480
Weaving
ART 481
Weaving
ART 482
Weaving
ART 483
Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 484
Senior Fiber Composition
ART 485
Advanced Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 486
Advanced Senior Fiber Composition
ART 373
Installation Art
ART 377
Design to Prototype I
ART 477
Design to Prototype II
ART 496
Special Topics in Studio Art
ART 497
Special Topics in Animation
ART 498
Special Topics in Graphic Design
ANIM 310
Computer Animation I
ANIM 320
3D Modeling II: Character Design and Development
ANIM 330
Sound and Image
ANIM 344
Computer Animation II
Art History Upper-Level Electives
Select three of the following (either ART 405 or ART 390 is required):9
ART 305
Ancient Greek and Roman Art
ART 312
Art of the United States to 1865
ART 313
Art of the United States Since 1865
ART 314
Southern Baroque Art
ART 315
Northern Baroque Art
ART 316
Medieval Art & Architecture
ART 317
Art and Power
ART 318
Art and Landscape
ART 325
Art of Asia, Africa, and the Americas
ART 334
Survey of Graphic Design
ART 390
Contemporary Art
ART 395
A Cultural History of Alcohol
ART 401
Art of the Italian Renaissance
ART 403
Northern Renaissance Art
ART 405
Art Theory and Criticism
ART 407
Islamic Art and Architecture
ART 408
European Art, 1700-1848
ART 409
European Art, 1848-1900
ART 410
European Art, 1900-1945
ART 445
American Architectural History
ART 494
Seminar in Art History
Final Semester:
ART 432Portfolio3
ART 434Capstone Seminar1
Total Hours64

Animation Concentration

Course List
Beginning-Level Studio Courses
Select two of the following:6
ART 220
Ceramics
ART 231
Graphic Design I: Typography
ART 250
Printmaking
ART 260
Painting
ART 270
Sculpture Survey I
ART 280
Weaving
Required Beginning-Level Course3
ART 243
Digital Media
Required Drawing/Illustration Courses (select two of the following):6
ART 240
Drawing
ART 340
Drawing
ART 431
Illustration
Select two Upper-Level Elective Studio Courses6
ART 321
Ceramics
ART 420
Ceramics
ART 421
Ceramics
ART 422
Ceramics
ART 423
Pottery Wheel Techniques
ART 424
Ceramic Glaze Composition
ART 425
Ceramic Studio Equipment Design
ART 426
Special Firing Techniques
ART 330
Graphic Design II: Layout & Information Design
ART 331
Visual Thinking
ART 334
Survey of Graphic Design
ART 343
Digital Media: Time-Based
ART 430
Graphic Design III: Advanced Graphic Design
ART 431
Illustration
ART 433
Package Design
ART 436
Digital Illustration
ART 438
Advanced Media Design
ART 341
Drawing
ART 440
Drawing
ART 350
Printmaking
ART 351
Printmaking
ART 450
Printmaking
ART 451
Printmaking
ART 452
Printmaking
ART 453
Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 454
Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 455
Advanced Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 456
Advanced Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 360
Painting
ART 361
Painting
ART 460
Painting
ART 461
Painting
ART 462
Painting
ART 463
Senior Painting Studio I
ART 464
Senior Painting Studio II
ART 465
Advanced Senior Painting Studio I
ART 466
Advanced Senior Painting Studio II
ART 370
Sculpture Survey II
ART 371
Sculpture Methods, Welding I
ART 372
Sculpture, Figurative Studies
ART 470
Sculpture
ART 471
Sculpture Methods, Foundry I
ART 472
Sculpture
ART 474
Sculpture Methods, Wood
ART 475
Sculpture Methods, Welding II
ART 476
Sculpture Methods, Foundry II
ART 380
Weaving
ART 381
Weaving
ART 480
Weaving
ART 481
Weaving
ART 482
Weaving
ART 483
Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 484
Senior Fiber Composition
ART 485
Advanced Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 486
Advanced Senior Fiber Composition
ART 373
Installation Art
ART 377
Design to Prototype I
ART 477
Design to Prototype II
ART 496
Special Topics in Studio Art
ART 498
Special Topics in Graphic Design
Animation Concentration Focus:
Basic Animation Courses12
FILM 100
Film Industry and Aesthetics
FILM 202
Basic Film Production
ANIM 210
Introduction to Computer Animation
ANIM 220
3D Modeling I: Environment
Advanced Animation Requirements18
ANIM 310
Computer Animation I
ANIM 320
3D Modeling II: Character Design and Development
ANIM 344
Computer Animation II
ART 444
Computer Animation III
ANIM 330
Sound and Image
ART 497
Special Topics in Animation
Animation Restricted Electives (select 2 of the following)6
ART 340
Drawing
ART 341
Drawing
ART 431
Illustration
ART 436
Digital Illustration
ART 497
Special Topics in Animation
UX 330
User Interface Design
BCOM 394
Film Animation
CS 301
Game Programming
FILM 355
Film Sound
Final Semester
ART 434Capstone Seminar1
Upper-Level Art History Requirements
Select two of the following:6
ART 305
Ancient Greek and Roman Art
ART 312
Art of the United States to 1865
ART 313
Art of the United States Since 1865
ART 314
Southern Baroque Art
ART 315
Northern Baroque Art
ART 316
Medieval Art & Architecture
ART 317
Art and Power
ART 318
Art and Landscape
ART 325
Art of Asia, Africa, and the Americas
ART 390
Contemporary Art
ART 395
A Cultural History of Alcohol
ART 401
Art of the Italian Renaissance
ART 403
Northern Renaissance Art
ART 405
Art Theory and Criticism
ART 407
Islamic Art and Architecture
ART 408
European Art, 1700-1848
ART 409
European Art, 1848-1900
ART 410
European Art, 1900-1945
ART 445
American Architectural History
ART 494
Seminar in Art History
Total Hours64

Graphic Design Concentration

Course List
Beginning-Level Studio Courses
Select two of the following:6
ANIM 210
Introduction to Computer Animation
or ANIM 220
3D Modeling I: Environment
ART 220
Ceramics
ART 250
Printmaking
ART 260
Painting
ART 270
Sculpture Survey I
ART 280
Weaving
Required Beginning-Level Course3
UX 300
User Experience Strategy & Content Creation
Required Drawing/Illustration Courses (select two of the following)6
ART 240
Drawing
ART 340
Drawing
ART 431
Illustration
Select two Upper-Level Elective Studio Courses6
ART 321
Ceramics
ART 420
Ceramics
ART 421
Ceramics
ART 422
Ceramics
ART 423
Pottery Wheel Techniques
ART 424
Ceramic Glaze Composition
ART 425
Ceramic Studio Equipment Design
ART 426
Special Firing Techniques
ART 341
Drawing
ART 440
Drawing
ART 350
Printmaking
ART 351
Printmaking
ART 450
Printmaking
ART 451
Printmaking
ART 452
Printmaking
ART 453
Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 454
Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 455
Advanced Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 456
Advanced Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 360
Painting
ART 361
Painting
ART 460
Painting
ART 461
Painting
ART 462
Painting
ART 463
Senior Painting Studio I
ART 464
Senior Painting Studio II
ART 465
Advanced Senior Painting Studio I
ART 466
Advanced Senior Painting Studio II
ART 370
Sculpture Survey II
ART 371
Sculpture Methods, Welding I
ART 372
Sculpture, Figurative Studies
ART 470
Sculpture
ART 471
Sculpture Methods, Foundry I
ART 472
Sculpture
ART 474
Sculpture Methods, Wood
ART 475
Sculpture Methods, Welding II
ART 476
Sculpture Methods, Foundry II
ART 380
Weaving
ART 381
Weaving
ART 480
Weaving
ART 481
Weaving
ART 482
Weaving
ART 483
Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 484
Senior Fiber Composition
ART 485
Advanced Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 486
Advanced Senior Fiber Composition
ART 373
Installation Art
ART 377
Design to Prototype I
ART 477
Design to Prototype II
ART 496
Special Topics in Studio Art
ART 497
Special Topics in Animation
ART 498
Special Topics in Graphic Design
ANIM 310
Computer Animation I
ANIM 320
3D Modeling II: Character Design and Development
ANIM 330
Sound and Image
ANIM 344
Computer Animation II
Graphic Design Concentration Focus:
Beginning Graphic Design Courses6
ART 243
Digital Media
ART 231
Graphic Design I: Typography
Intermediate Graphic Design Courses9
UX 330
User Interface Design
ART 330
Graphic Design II: Layout & Information Design
ART 331
Visual Thinking
Advanced Graphic Design Requirements6
ART 430
Graphic Design III: Advanced Graphic Design
ART 438
Advanced Media Design
Final Semester4
ART 432
Portfolio
ART 434
Capstone Seminar
Restricted Electives (select three of the following)9
ART 340
Drawing
ART 343
Digital Media: Time-Based
ART 377
Design to Prototype I
ART 399
Professional Work
ART 431
Illustration
ART 433
Package Design
ART 436
Digital Illustration
ART 498
Special Topics in Graphic Design
ART 499
Career Experience in Art
UX 340
Introduction to Developing and Prototyping for Interactive Design
Upper-Level Art History Requirements
ART 334Survey of Graphic Design3
Select two of the following:6
ART 305
Ancient Greek and Roman Art
ART 312
Art of the United States to 1865
ART 313
Art of the United States Since 1865
ART 314
Southern Baroque Art
ART 315
Northern Baroque Art
ART 316
Medieval Art & Architecture
ART 317
Art and Power
ART 318
Art and Landscape
ART 325
Art of Asia, Africa, and the Americas
ART 390
Contemporary Art
ART 395
A Cultural History of Alcohol
ART 401
Art of the Italian Renaissance
ART 403
Northern Renaissance Art
ART 405
Art Theory and Criticism
ART 407
Islamic Art and Architecture
ART 408
European Art, 1700-1848
ART 409
European Art, 1848-1900
ART 410
European Art, 1900-1945
ART 445
American Architectural History
ART 494
Seminar in Art History
Total Hours64

UX Design Concentration

Course List
Beginning-Level Studio Courses
Select two of the following:6
ANIM 210
Introduction to Computer Animation
or ANIM 220
3D Modeling I: Environment
ART 220
Ceramics
ART 231
Graphic Design I: Typography
ART 250
Printmaking
ART 260
Painting
ART 270
Sculpture Survey I
ART 280
Weaving
Required Beginning-Level Course3
ART 243
Digital Media
Required Drawing/Illustration Courses9
ART 240
Drawing
ART 436
Digital Illustration
ART 340
Drawing
or ART 431
Illustration
Select two Upper-Level Elective Studio Courses6
ART 321
Ceramics
ART 420
Ceramics
ART 421
Ceramics
ART 422
Ceramics
ART 423
Pottery Wheel Techniques
ART 424
Ceramic Glaze Composition
ART 425
Ceramic Studio Equipment Design
ART 426
Special Firing Techniques
ART 330
Graphic Design II: Layout & Information Design
ART 343
Digital Media: Time-Based
ART 430
Graphic Design III: Advanced Graphic Design
ART 433
Package Design
ART 438
Advanced Media Design
ART 341
Drawing
ART 440
Drawing
ART 350
Printmaking
ART 351
Printmaking
ART 450
Printmaking
ART 451
Printmaking
ART 452
Printmaking
ART 453
Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 454
Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 455
Advanced Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 456
Advanced Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 360
Painting
ART 361
Painting
ART 460
Painting
ART 461
Painting
ART 462
Painting
ART 463
Senior Painting Studio I
ART 464
Senior Painting Studio II
ART 465
Advanced Senior Painting Studio I
ART 466
Advanced Senior Painting Studio II
ART 370
Sculpture Survey II
ART 371
Sculpture Methods, Welding I
ART 372
Sculpture, Figurative Studies
ART 470
Sculpture
ART 471
Sculpture Methods, Foundry I
ART 472
Sculpture
ART 474
Sculpture Methods, Wood
ART 475
Sculpture Methods, Welding II
ART 476
Sculpture Methods, Foundry II
ART 380
Weaving
ART 381
Weaving
ART 480
Weaving
ART 481
Weaving
ART 482
Weaving
ART 483
Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 484
Senior Fiber Composition
ART 485
Advanced Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 486
Advanced Senior Fiber Composition
ART 373
Installation Art
ART 377
Design to Prototype I
ART 477
Design to Prototype II
ART 496
Special Topics in Studio Art
ART 497
Special Topics in Animation
ART 498
Special Topics in Graphic Design
ANIM 310
Computer Animation I
ANIM 320
3D Modeling II: Character Design and Development
ANIM 330
Sound and Image
ANIM 344
Computer Animation II
UX Design Concentration Focus:
Basic UX Design Courses3
UX 220
Introduction to User Experience Design
Intermediate UX Design Courses12
UX 310
Future Design
UX 330
User Interface Design
UX 340
Introduction to Developing and Prototyping for Interactive Design
ART 331
Visual Thinking
Advanced UX Design Requirements12
UX 400
User Experience Advanced Studio I
UX 430
Advanced User Interface Design
UX 440
Advanced Developing and Testing for Interactive Design
UX 450
User Experience Advanced Studio II
Final Semester
ART 434Capstone Seminar1
Restricted Electives (select two of the following)6
UX 300
User Experience Strategy & Content Creation
ART 340
Drawing
ART 377
Design to Prototype I
ART 399
Professional Work
ART 431
Illustration
ART 432
Portfolio
ART 499
Career Experience in Art
ART 498
Special Topics in Graphic Design
PSYS 333
Cognitive Psychology
PSYS 350
Social Psychology
PSYS 363
Sensory and Perceptual Systems
PSYS 433
Judgment and Decision Making
Upper-Level Art History Requirements
Select two of the following:6
ART 334
Survey of Graphic Design
ART 305
Ancient Greek and Roman Art
ART 312
Art of the United States to 1865
ART 313
Art of the United States Since 1865
ART 314
Southern Baroque Art
ART 315
Northern Baroque Art
ART 316
Medieval Art & Architecture
ART 317
Art and Power
ART 318
Art and Landscape
ART 325
Art of Asia, Africa, and the Americas
ART 390
Contemporary Art
ART 395
A Cultural History of Alcohol
ART 401
Art of the Italian Renaissance
ART 403
Northern Renaissance Art
ART 405
Art Theory and Criticism
ART 407
Islamic Art and Architecture
ART 408
European Art, 1700-1848
ART 409
European Art, 1848-1900
ART 410
European Art, 1900-1945
ART 445
American Architectural History
ART 494
Seminar in Art History
Total Hours64

Finish in Four Plans

Studio 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 1053ART 1063
ART 1303ART 1313
ART 1403Beginning Studio #1 (200 level)3
ENG 1003MATH 1093
HIST 101 or HIST 1023COMM 1453
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Beginning Studio #2 (200 level)3Beginning Studio #4 (200 level)3
Beginning Studio #3 (200 level)3ART 317 (or other Connections: Systems Course or ART 318 or other Connections: Local to Global)3
ART 2403ART 3403
ENG 2003Upper Level Studio in Concentration #1 (300-400 Level)3
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral3Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 3413Upper Level Studio in Concentration #3 (300-400 Level)3
Upper Level Studio in Concentration #2 (300-400 Level)3Upper Level Studio in Concentration #4 (300-400 Level)3
Upper Level Studio Elective #1 (300-400 Level)3Upper Level Studio Elective #2 (300-400 Level)3
ENG 3003Upper Level Art History3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab3Colonnade - Social & Cultural3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Upper Level Studio in Concentration #5 (300-400 Level)3ART 4341
Upper Level Studio in Concentration #6 (300-400 Level)3Upper Level Studio in Concentration #7 (300-400 Level)3
ART 317 ( or other Connections: Systems Course or ART 318 or Connections: Local to Global)3Upper Level Studio in Concentration #8 (300-400 Level)3
World Language Requirement or General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 General Elective3
 15 16
Total Hours 121

Graphic Design

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 1053ART 1063
ART 1303ART 1313
ART 1403ART 2433
ENG 1003MATH 1093
HIST 101 or HIST 1023COMM 1453
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 2403Major Elective (ART 340 or ART 431 recommended)3
ART 2313UX 3003
Basic (200 Level) Studio #13ART 3303
ENG 2003Upper Level Art History #13
PSY 100 or PSYS 1003ASTR 104 or PHYS 103 (recommended (Colonnade - Natural and Physical Sciences w/ lab))3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 3313Upper Level Art History #23
ART 3343ART 4303
Basic (200 Level) Studio #33Colonnade - Social & Cultural 3
ENG 3003Upper Level Studio #13
UX 3303Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 4333ART 4341
Upper Level Studio #23ART 4323
Major Elective3Colonnade - Systems3
ART 4383Major Elective3
Colonnade - Local to Global3General Elective3
 General Elective3
 15 16
Total Hours 121

UX Design

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 1053ART 1063
ART 1303ART 1313
ART 1403ART 2433
ENG 1003MATH 1093
HIST 101 or HIST 1023COMM 1453
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
UX 2203ART 340 or ART 431 (Illustration)3
ART 2403UX 3103
Basic (200 Level) Studio #13UX 3303
ENG 2003Upper Level Art History #13
PSY 100 or PSYS 1003ASTR 104 or PHYS 103 (recommended (Colonnade - Natural and Physical Sciences w/ lab))3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 3313UX 4003
UX 3403UX 4303
Basic (200 Level) Studio #33ART 4363
ENG 3003Colonnade - Social & Cultural 3
Upper Level Studio #13Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Upper Level Studio #23UX 4503
UX 4403ART 4341
Upper Level Art History #23Colonnade - Systems3
Major Elective3Major Elective3
Colonnade - Local to Global3General Elective3
 General Elective3
 15 16
Total Hours 121

Animation

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 1053ART 1063
ART 1303ART 1313
ART 1403ART 2433
ENG 1003MATH 1093
FILM 1003COMM 1453
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ANIM 2103ANIM 3103
ANIM 2203ANIM 3203
FILM 2023ART 2403
HIST 1013Upper Level Art History #13
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral3Colonnade - Natural & Physical Science with Lab3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Basic Studio #13Basic Studio #23
ART 340 or ART 4313ANIM 3303
ANIM 3443ANIM Elective3
ENG 2003Upper Level Studio #13
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Science3Colonnade - Social & Behavioral3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 4973ART 4443
Upper Level Studio #23Upper Level Art History #23
Colonnade - Local to Global3Colonnade - Systems3
Animation Elective3General Elective3
ENG 3003General Elective3
 ART 4341
 15 16
Total Hours 121

Visual Studies, Bachelor of Arts (509)


  • Academic LevelUndergraduate
  • DegreeAB
  • CollegeArts & Letters
  • DepartmentArt

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Visual Studies is a liberal arts degree intended to provide students with a wide range of art experience and knowledge. This degree has two concentrations: studio art and art education. The studio concentration includes a breadth of courses in fine art, graphic design, and animation. The art education concentration is a professional education degree, leading to KY P-12 visual arts certification. This certification is reciprocal with many states in the US.

Students interested in art education should contact Dr. Miwon Choe, miwon.choe@wku.edu, (270)-745-7052.

Concentrations

  • Art Education (ARED)
  • Studio (ARSO)

Program Requirements (49 hours - Studio Art Concentration, 63 hours - Art Education Concentration, plus professional education courses)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

Studio Concentration

The AB in Visual Studies-Studio concentration requires 49 semester hours of study. It allows students to pursue a wide breadth of studio interests and pair them with additional curricular experiences.

Course List
Required Foundation Courses:
ART 105History of Art to 13003
ART 106History of Art Since 13003
ART 130Two-Dimensional Design3
ART 131Three-Dimensional Design3
ART 140Drawing3
Select three Beginning-Level Studio Courses:9
ART 220
Ceramics
ART 231
Graphic Design I: Typography
or ART 243
Digital Media
ART 240
Drawing
ANIM 210
Introduction to Computer Animation
or ANIM 220
3D Modeling I: Environment
ART 250
Printmaking
ART 260
Painting
ART 270
Sculpture Survey I
ART 280
Weaving
UX 220
Introduction to User Experience Design
Select six Upper-Level Studio Courses:18
ART 321
Ceramics
ART 330
Graphic Design II: Layout & Information Design
ART 331
Visual Thinking
ART 340
Drawing
ART 341
Drawing
ART 343
Digital Media: Time-Based
ART 350
Printmaking
ART 351
Printmaking
ART 430
Graphic Design III: Advanced Graphic Design
ART 431
Illustration
ART 433
Package Design
ART 436
Digital Illustration
ART 438
Advanced Media Design
ART 420
Ceramics
ART 421
Ceramics
ART 422
Ceramics
ART 423
Pottery Wheel Techniques
ART 424
Ceramic Glaze Composition
ART 425
Ceramic Studio Equipment Design
ART 426
Special Firing Techniques
ART 440
Drawing
ART 444
Computer Animation III
ART 450
Printmaking
ART 451
Printmaking
ART 452
Printmaking
ART 453
Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 455
Advanced Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 456
Advanced Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 360
Painting
ART 361
Painting
ART 460
Painting
ART 461
Painting
ART 462
Painting
ART 463
Senior Painting Studio I
ART 464
Senior Painting Studio II
ART 465
Advanced Senior Painting Studio I
ART 466
Advanced Senior Painting Studio II
ART 370
Sculpture Survey II
ART 371
Sculpture Methods, Welding I
ART 372
Sculpture, Figurative Studies
ART 373
Installation Art
ART 377
Design to Prototype I
ART 470
Sculpture
ART 471
Sculpture Methods, Foundry I
ART 472
Sculpture
ART 474
Sculpture Methods, Wood
ART 475
Sculpture Methods, Welding II
ART 476
Sculpture Methods, Foundry II
ART 477
Design to Prototype II
ART 380
Weaving
ART 381
Weaving
ART 480
Weaving
ART 481
Weaving
ART 482
Weaving
ART 483
Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 484
Senior Fiber Composition
ART 485
Advanced Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 486
Advanced Senior Fiber Composition
ART 490
Special Problems
ART 491
Special Studies
ART 496
Special Topics in Studio Art
ART 497
Special Topics in Animation
ART 498
Special Topics in Graphic Design
ART 399
Professional Work
ART 499
Career Experience in Art
ANIM 310
Computer Animation I
ANIM 320
3D Modeling II: Character Design and Development
ANIM 330
Sound and Image
ANIM 344
Computer Animation II
UX 330
User Interface Design
UX 430
Advanced User Interface Design
UX 340
Introduction to Developing and Prototyping for Interactive Design
UX 440
Advanced Developing and Testing for Interactive Design
UX 400
User Experience Advanced Studio I
UX 450
User Experience Advanced Studio II
Select two Upper-Level Art History Courses:6
ART 305
Ancient Greek and Roman Art
ART 312
Art of the United States to 1865
ART 313
Art of the United States Since 1865
ART 314
Southern Baroque Art
ART 315
Northern Baroque Art
ART 316
Medieval Art & Architecture
ART 317
Art and Power
ART 318
Art and Landscape
ART 325
Art of Asia, Africa, and the Americas
ART 334
Survey of Graphic Design
ART 390
Contemporary Art
ART 395
A Cultural History of Alcohol
ART 401
Art of the Italian Renaissance
ART 403
Northern Renaissance Art
ART 405
Art Theory and Criticism
ART 407
Islamic Art and Architecture
ART 408
European Art, 1700-1848
ART 409
European Art, 1848-1900
ART 410
European Art, 1900-1945
ART 445
American Architectural History
ART 494
Seminar in Art History
Required Capstone Course: 1
ART 434
Capstone Seminar
Total Hours49

Art Education Concentration

The AB in Visual Studies, Art Education concentration equips knowledgeable and creative art teachers to meet state and national standards on elementary and secondary levels. This degree, requiring a combined total of 88 semester hours in art and professional education courses, prepares students for P-12 certification and is a common requirement for entry into a Master of Arts in Education degree program. 

Course List
Required Foundation Courses:
ART 105History of Art to 13003
ART 106History of Art Since 13003
ART 130Two-Dimensional Design3
ART 131Three-Dimensional Design3
ART 140Drawing3
Choose four of Beginning-Level Studio Courses:12
ART 220
Ceramics
ART 231
Graphic Design I: Typography
or ART 243
Digital Media
ART 240
Drawing
ANIM 210
Introduction to Computer Animation
or ANIM 220
3D Modeling I: Environment
ART 250
Printmaking
ART 260
Painting
ART 270
Sculpture Survey I
ART 280
Weaving
Choose five Upper-Level Studio Electives:15
ART 340
Drawing
ART 341
Drawing
ART 440
Drawing
ART 444
Computer Animation III
ART 321
Ceramics
ART 420
Ceramics
ART 421
Ceramics
ART 422
Ceramics
ART 423
Pottery Wheel Techniques
ART 424
Ceramic Glaze Composition
ART 425
Ceramic Studio Equipment Design
ART 426
Special Firing Techniques
ART 330
Graphic Design II: Layout & Information Design
ART 331
Visual Thinking
ART 343
Digital Media: Time-Based
ART 430
Graphic Design III: Advanced Graphic Design
ART 431
Illustration
ART 433
Package Design
ART 436
Digital Illustration
ART 438
Advanced Media Design
ART 350
Printmaking
ART 351
Printmaking
ART 450
Printmaking
ART 451
Printmaking
ART 452
Printmaking
ART 453
Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 454
Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 455
Advanced Senior Techniques in Printmaking
ART 456
Advanced Senior Composition in Printmaking
ART 360
Painting
ART 361
Painting
ART 460
Painting
ART 461
Painting
ART 462
Painting
ART 463
Senior Painting Studio I
ART 464
Senior Painting Studio II
ART 465
Advanced Senior Painting Studio I
ART 466
Advanced Senior Painting Studio II
ART 370
Sculpture Survey II
ART 371
Sculpture Methods, Welding I
ART 372
Sculpture, Figurative Studies
ART 373
Installation Art
ART 377
Design to Prototype I
ART 470
Sculpture
ART 471
Sculpture Methods, Foundry I
ART 472
Sculpture
ART 474
Sculpture Methods, Wood
ART 475
Sculpture Methods, Welding II
ART 476
Sculpture Methods, Foundry II
ART 477
Design to Prototype II
ART 380
Weaving
ART 381
Weaving
ART 480
Weaving
ART 481
Weaving
ART 482
Weaving
ART 483
Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 484
Senior Fiber Composition
ART 485
Advanced Senior Fiber Techniques
ART 486
Advanced Senior Fiber Composition
ART 490
Special Problems
ART 491
Special Studies
ART 497
Special Topics in Animation
ART 498
Special Topics in Graphic Design
ART 399
Professional Work
ART 499
Career Experience in Art
ANIM 310
Computer Animation I
ANIM 320
3D Modeling II: Character Design and Development
ANIM 330
Sound and Image
ANIM 344
Computer Animation II
Select 2 Upper-Level Art History Electives:6
ART 305
Ancient Greek and Roman Art
ART 312
Art of the United States to 1865
ART 313
Art of the United States Since 1865
ART 314
Southern Baroque Art
ART 315
Northern Baroque Art
ART 316
Medieval Art & Architecture
ART 317
Art and Power
ART 318
Art and Landscape
ART 325
Art of Asia, Africa, and the Americas
ART 334
Survey of Graphic Design
ART 390
Contemporary Art
ART 395
A Cultural History of Alcohol
ART 401
Art of the Italian Renaissance
ART 403
Northern Renaissance Art
ART 405
Art Theory and Criticism
ART 407
Islamic Art and Architecture
ART 408
European Art, 1700-1848
ART 409
European Art, 1848-1900
ART 410
European Art, 1900-1945
ART 445
American Architectural History
ART 494
Seminar in Art History
PHIL 305
Aesthetics
Required Art Education Pedagogy Courses:
ART 311Foundations of Art Education and Methods I3
ART 411Foundations of Art Education and Methods II3
ART 413Foundations of Art Education and Methods III3
Required Capstone Courses:
ART 432Portfolio3
ART 496Special Topics in Studio Art3
Total Hours63

Professional Education Requirements

Course List
An additional 25 semester hours in Professional Education courses are required for state certification purposes.
EDU 250Discover Teaching: Introduction to Teacher Education3
PSY 310Educational Psychology: Development and Learning3
EDU 350Student Diversity and Differentiation3
EDU 360Behavior and Classroom Management in Education3
LTCY 497Literacy Competencies for Middle and High School Classroom Teachers0
EDU 489Student Teaching Seminar3
Choose two courses at 5 hours each:10
ELED 490
Student Teaching
SEC 490
Student Teaching
MGE 490
Student Teaching
Total Hours25

Finish in Four Plans


Art Education

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 1053ART 1063
ART 1303ART 1313
ART 1403Basic Studio #1 (200 level)3
ENG 1003MATH 1093
HIST 101 or HIST 1023COMM 1453
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Basic Studio #2 (200 level)3Basic Studio #4 (200 level)3
Basic Studio #3 (200 level)3Colonnade - Local to Global or Systems3
Upper Level Art History (ART 317 or ART 318 recommended)3Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3
ENG 2003EDU 2503
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral Studies3PSY 3103
ART 3113 
 18 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Upper Level Studio Elective #1 (300-400 Level)3Upper Level Studio Elective #3 (300-400 Level)3
Upper Level Studio Elective #2 (300-400 Level)3Upper Level Studio Elective #4 (300-400 Level)3
EDU 3503ART 4113
EDU 3603ART 4133
ENG 3003Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Upper Level Studio Elective #5 (300-400 Level)3ART 4323
Colonnade - Social & Cultural3EDU 4893
ART 4963Choose two: SEC 490 or ELED 490 or MGE 49010
Upper Level Art History (300-400 Level)3 
LTCY 4970 
 12 16
Total Hours 121

Studio Art  

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ART 1053ART 1063
ART 1303ART 1313
ART 1403MATH 1093
ENG 1003COMM 1453
HIST 101 or HIST 1023Basic Studio #1 (200 level)3
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Basic Studio #2 (200 level)3Upper Level Studio #1 (300-400 level)3
Basic Studio #3 (200 level)3Colonnade - Local to Global or Systems3
ART 318 or ART 3173Colonnade - Social & Behavioral3
ENG 2003Upper Level Studio #2 (300-400 level)3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective3Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3
 
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Upper Level Studio #3 (300-400 level)3Upper Level Studio #4 (300-400 level)3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective3Upper Level Studio Elective #5 (300-400 Level)3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective3Upper Level Art History3
ENG 3003Colonnade - Social & Cultural3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab32nd Major/Minor/Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Upper Level Studio Elective #6 (300-400 Level)3ART 4341
Colonnade - Local to Global or Systems32nd Major/Minor/Elective3
World Language Requirement or General Elective32nd Major/Minor/Elective3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective32nd Major/Minor/Elective3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective32nd Major/Minor/Elective3
 2nd Major/Minor/Elective3
 15 16
Total Hours 121

 

MINORS

Art History, Minor (316)


  • Academic LevelUndergraduate
  • CollegeArts & Letters
  • DepartmentArt

Program Requirements (21 hours)

Course List
ART 105History of Art to 13003
ART 106History of Art Since 13003
ART 405Art Theory and Criticism3
ART 494Seminar in Art History3
Select three of the following:9
ART 305
Ancient Greek and Roman Art
ART 312
Art of the United States to 1865
ART 313
Art of the United States Since 1865
ART 314
Southern Baroque Art
ART 315
Northern Baroque Art
ART 316
Medieval Art & Architecture
ART 317
Art and Power
ART 318
Art and Landscape
ART 325
Art of Asia, Africa, and the Americas
ART 334
Survey of Graphic Design
ART 390
Contemporary Art
ART 395
A Cultural History of Alcohol
ART 401
Art of the Italian Renaissance
ART 403
Northern Renaissance Art
ART 407
Islamic Art and Architecture
ART 408
European Art, 1700-1848
ART 409
European Art, 1848-1900
ART 410
European Art, 1900-1945
ART 445
American Architectural History
Total Hours21

See course descriptions for further details.

Computer Animation, Minor (352)


  • Academic LevelUndergraduate
  • CollegeArts & Letters
  • DepartmentArt

Program Requirements (21 hours)

The computer animation minor is dedicated to the creation of time-based artistic productions by means of emerging computer technologies and processes.

Course List
Select one of the following introductory courses:3
ART 130
Two-Dimensional Design
ART 131
Three-Dimensional Design
ART 140
Drawing
Required:12
ANIM 210
Introduction to Computer Animation
ANIM 220
3D Modeling I: Environment
ANIM 310
Computer Animation I
ANIM 344
Computer Animation II
Select two of the following restricted electives:6
ANIM 320
3D Modeling II: Character Design and Development
ART 444
Computer Animation III
ANIM 330
Sound and Image
ART 497
Special Topics in Animation
BCOM 394
Film Animation
CS 301
Game Programming
Total Hours21

Graphic Design, Minor (385)

Program Requirements (24 hours)

The Graphic Design program at Western Kentucky University prepares students to thrive as creatives in a fast-changing design industry. From your first studio class to your senior portfolio, you’ll sharpen your ability to solve problems, think conceptually, and deliver high-quality work that stands out.

View Program Requirements

Studio Art, Minor (312)

Program Requirements (30 hours)

Studio Art is our professional program in fine arts that includes tracks in ceramics, painting/drawing, printmaking, sculpture, weaving, and a self-designed track where disciplines can be combined. This program emphasizes both concept and application, with a focus on the development of an individual, professional studio practice and/or graduate work, as well as work in a range of fields and industries that make use of critical thinking and artistic skills.

View Program Requirements

 

CERTIFICATES

Game Design, Certificate (1761)


  • Academic LevelUndergraduate
  • CollegeArts & Letters
  • DepartmentArt

Overview

Game Design is an interdisciplinary certificate including coursework in design, animation, and programming. It is open to all students with an interest in computer game design.

Program Requirements (21 hours)

Game Design is an interdisciplinary certificate including departments from PCAL and OCSE. It is open to all students with an interest in computer game design.
 
Students who successfully complete the certificate will:
  • Work in an interdisciplinary team to design and build a functioning game.
  • Demonstrate practical skills in at least one industry-standard programming language.
  • Explore at least one industry-standard game design engine.
  • Demonstrate the ability to successfully use the elements and principles of design to visually communicate ideas.
  • Demonstrate logical thinking, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving.
This 7-course, 21-hour Game Design Certificate includes one introductory course (GAME 200), two foundations-level animation courses (ANIM 210 and ANIM 220), an interactive design course (UX 330), a capstone course (GAME 400) and two restricted electives. For their elective courses, students can either select functional coursework in Computer Science (CS 290 and CS 301) or design and development coursework in Art & Design (UX 340 and GAME 302).
 
Course List
Required Courses (15 hours)
GAME 200The Theory, History, and Practice of Game Design3
ANIM 210Introduction to Computer Animation3
ANIM 2203D Modeling I: Environment3
UX 330User Interface Design3
GAME 400Game Design & Development Capstone3
Select one of the following coding courses (3 - 4 hours)
CS 290Computer Science II3-4
or UX 340 Introduction to Developing and Prototyping for Interactive Design
Select one course from the following game development courses (3 hours)
CS 301Game Programming3
or GAME 302 Game Design and Development
Total Hours21-22

Graphic Design, Certificate (1762)


  • Academic LevelUndergraduate
  • CollegeArts & Letters
  • DepartmentArt

Program Requirements (18 hours)

This 6-course, 18-hour Graphic Design Certificate includes four required courses and two restricted electives, all taught in the Department of Art. Required courses are ART 130 OR ART 140 ; ART 243; ART 231; and ART 334 (an art history course). Electives can be selected from ART 330; ART 331; ART 430; ART 431; ART 432; ART 433; ART 436 and ART 438. 100-level courses are prerequisites for 200-level courses; 200-levels are prerequisites for 300-levels; and 300-levels are prerequisites for 400-levels. If no 400- level courses are selected, the certificate can be completed in three semesters, or two semesters and a summer / winter session.
 
This certificate will teach students to become more effective visual communicators. Students will learn the basic tenets, strategies and tools of visual communication and graphic design, including how to generate and edit images and visually-based multimedia content. Students will learn industry-standard tools and software for both analog and computer-aided design for digital, print and web applications; including page layout, image editing, and illustration. Students will gain experience in creating assets for use in book and scientific illustration and layout, advertising or marketing campaigns, and infographics. Elective courses allow students to cater to more specific interests (for example illustration) if desired. This certificate can be paired with any major that would benefit from an enhanced ability in visual communication, including studio art, professional writing, marketing, advertising, journalism, broadcasting, film, entrepreneurship, and biology, among others.
Course List
Required Courses (12 hours)
ART 130Two-Dimensional Design3
or ART 140 Drawing
ART 243Digital Media3
ART 231Graphic Design I: Typography3
ART 334Survey of Graphic Design3
Restricted Electives (6 hours)6
Select two courses from the following Art courses:
ART 330
Graphic Design II: Layout & Information Design
ART 331
Visual Thinking
ART 430
Graphic Design III: Advanced Graphic Design
ART 431
Illustration
ART 432
Portfolio
ART 433
Package Design
ART 436
Digital Illustration
ART 438
Advanced Media Design
Total Hours18

User Experience, Certificate (1747)


  • Academic LevelUndergraduate
  • CollegeArts & Letters
  • DepartmentArt

Overview

The Certificate in User Experience prepares students for fields that incorporate interactive platform design and function.

Program Requirements (18 hours)

Course List
Introductory Course:3
ART 243
Digital Media
Required Courses12
UX 220
Introduction to User Experience Design
UX 330
User Interface Design
UX 340
Introduction to Developing and Prototyping for Interactive Design
UX 400
User Experience Advanced Studio I
Restricted Electives (Pick 1)3
UX 300
User Experience Strategy & Content Creation
ART 331
Visual Thinking
UX 430
Advanced User Interface Design
UX 440
Advanced Developing and Testing for Interactive Design
UX 310
Future Design
Total Hours18
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Student OrganizationsOn-Site Imagewest Internships

 

 


Arts & Humanities Courses

ART 105    History of Art to 1300    
3 Hours (FALL ONLY)

A selective chronological study of the visual arts from prehistoric through Gothic times. The course is designed as an introduction to the basic terminology and problems of art history and to methods of analyzing and interpreting individual works of art. 


ART 106    History of Art Since 1300    
3 Hours (SPRING ONLY)

A selective chronological study of the major visual arts from renaissance through modern times. 


ART 100    Art Appreciation    
3 Hours

An introductory study of the visual arts. 


ART 102    Introduction to Making Art & Making Meaning    
3 Hours

A hands-on material-specific course for non-art majors. Explores the formal elements, techniques, concepts and vocabulary of visual art through physical manipulation of one or more art materials (for example ceramics, paint, metals, or fibers). Examines art’s central and proactive role in the articulation of culture and its important function in determining societal norms and shifts throughout time.

 

ART 317    Art and Power    
3 Hours

A systematic consideration of the means through which the visual arts embody and promote ideologies and shape human societies. 

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

ART 318    Art and Landscape    
3 Hours

Critical examination of the theme of landscape in the visual arts. 

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

ART 407    Islamic Art and Architecture    3 Hours

A survey of art and architecture in the Islamic world from 622 through the present day. Colonnade K-SC

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

ART 445    American Architectural History    3 Hours

An interdisciplinary survey of American architectural history, including trends and styles, architect designed and manufactured structures and elements, and the social history of American architecture.

Equivalent(s): FLK 445


ART 490    Special Problems    3-6 Hours

Independent course work done on an individual basis under the guidance of a selected faculty member.


ART 491    Special Studies    3 Hours

Independent course work done on an individual basis under the guidance of a selected faculty member. 


ART 496    Special Topics in Studio Art    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Investigates different topics in art through process or technique in a studio practice.

Course Fee: $75

 


 

 


  • 270-745-3944
  • kristina.arnold@wku.edu
  • Western Kentucky University
    Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center, 4th Floor
    1906 College Heights Blvd
    Bowling Green, KY 42101


 


 

accreditations


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 Last Modified 9/10/25