In a culture in which the dominant form of communication is logical and verbal, art explores the power of visual imagery for personal and public communication. The Art Department provides students with the means to pursue this imagery with a foundation in visual studies. This foundation is necessary for students to develop practical and theoretical knowledge about a broad range of visual activity, both past and present; students are offered courses that expose them to the complex relationship between theory and practice.
Transfer Students: your requirements will vary based on transfer credits you are bringing in. The art advisor will create an individualized academic plan for you based on your transfer credits and share this with you prior to your enrollment for Fall. In the meantime, you may refer to the general catalog for a generic sample plan.
The art program at UC Santa Cruz is composed of courses in drawing, animation, painting, photography, sculpture, print media, intermedia, critical theory, electronic art, public art, environmental art, social art practice, and interactive technologies. Elena Baskin Visual Arts Studios provide world-class facilities for art production in these areas.
The Art Department is committed to pursuing a continuing dialogue about what constitutes basic preparation in the arts while offering students experiences in established practices, new genres, and new technologies. Upper division Art Studios are only open to fully declared art majors.
Students graduating with a major in art may become professional artists or pursue careers in such diverse areas as arts management, museum administration, arts management, museum education, art direction, communication design, web design, digital imaging, curating, art education, multi-media specialist, industry consultant, model maker, and publishing. Many students who want to teach at the college level continue their education in graduate school.
Art Undergraduate Program Learning Outcomes
Students who earn a B.A. in Art will gain the skills, knowledge, and understanding that will enable them to:
1. Demonstrate proficiency in a range of techniques and media.
2. Demonstrate the ability to imagine, create and resolve a work of art.
3. Demonstrate communication through familiarity with and ability to analyze, both verbally and in writing, issues and forms of contemporary art with a clear understanding of historical precedents; and
4. Demonstrate critical thinking through the ability to articulate an insightful response and analysis of a work of art in order to participate in discussions and studio critiques.
For More Information
Contact the Art Department undergraduate advisor Melissa Fike
Email: artadvisor@ucsc.edu
Office: E-104 Baskin Visual Arts Studios