ART PROGRAM

The Art Program of the Fine Arts Department at Mississippi Valley State University offers cultural opportunities for the University and the community.  The Art Program's offerings are available to all segments of the population regardless of nationality, race, ethnic background, or religious affiliation.  The Art Program draws the majority of its students, as does the University, from the Mississippi Delta.

The academic program in art provides opportunities for concentrated study in art leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree for two-dimensional design and graphic design.  Opportunities to pursue artistic study are also available to non-art majors, pre-college art students, and the general public.

OUR DEGREE

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art provides students with a broad foundation in the visual arts while encouraging creative exploration, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. This program is designed for students who want a flexible approach to studying art, combining studio practice with art history, theory, and general education. A Bachelor of Arts in Art prepares graduates for diverse career paths in the arts, education, creative industries, or for further study at the graduate level.

Our graphic design concentration emphasizes visual communication, design principles, and digital tools. Students build skills in typography, branding, illustration, and interactive media, preparing them for careers in design industries or further study. You can view the curriculum map for this concentration here.

Our two-dimensional concentration focuses on the principles and practices of two-dimensional art, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and composition. Students develop strong technical foundations and artistic expression, preparing them for diverse creative fields or advanced study in the arts. You can view the curriculum map for this concentration here.

ACCREDITATION

Mississippi Valley State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

The NASM National Office and NASAD National Office are both located at 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, Virginia 20190-5248 and can be reached by phone at (703) 437-0700. The CAEP National Office is at 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 and can be reached by phone at (202) 223-0077.