Art (BA)

The Department of Art offers its students an education in the visual arts as an integral part of a comprehensive educational experience. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art programs offer intense, professional education in the aesthetics and theories of the visual arts. Students will be trained in the skills and intellectual awareness that are the basis for a future of creative and professional achievement in the visual arts.

Please see the UNLV College of Fine Arts, Department of Art web page for information about department programs, faculty and facilities.  Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available on the UNLV Degrees Directory.

Available Options

Concentration in Painting, Drawing and Printmaking

The Painting, Drawing & Printmaking concentration at UNLV focuses on the exploration of two-dimensional areas. Students have the opportunity to encounter a variety of processes including intaglio, lithography, the drawing techniques and media of watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. Communication skills are developed through periodical critiques. Historical and contemporary examples are presented and discussed in class, resulting in a thorough investigation within the concentration.

Concentration in Photography

The Photography Area of Concentration provides students with a solid foundation in technical, aesthetic, conceptual, critical and practical skills necessary to thrive in the challenging and diverse world of photography. Students in this area work in traditional and non-­traditional mediums with a pluralistic approach to picture making, learning both film-­based and digital technology with emphasis placed on photography as a Fine Art. Students will define their individual photographic style in terms of both content and approach, and once technical and conceptual skills are solidified, students develop a portfolio that shows their unique personal view of image making.

Concentration in Sculpture

The B.A. in Art with a concentration in Sculpture at UNLV centers around practical knowledge and conceptual development. Students attain the skills to fabricate artworks in traditional media such as wood, metal and plaster, and later expand to more conceptually challenging questions and methods. Critique skills are developed as a class, while historical and contemporary examples are discussed through lectures. Students leave the program with physical and conceptual skills that can lead to the beginning of an art practice, employment or advanced learning opportunities.

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate functional levels of drawing skills with varied media.
2. Recognize and be able to interpret major works of art pertaining to the art history courses taken.
3. Demonstrate working knowledge of the elements and principles of students’ chosen area of concentration.
4. Articulate and critically respond to both familiar and unfamiliar works of art through critical dialogue.
5. Understand the function of presentation and/or the exhibition process of personal works in public gallery or other cultural venue.

Career Possibilities

Concentration in Painting, Drawing and Printmaking

Students are prepared for a variety of careers in the visual arts from practicing studio artist to gallery and museum work, illustration. The BA in Art with a concentration in painting, drawing and printmaking also prepares students for graduate study on the MA or MFA level.

Concentration in Photography

The options for employment in the field of photography are many and varied. Students who want to work in the field discover that there are a wide variety of options; here are just a few of the job titles that are available in the field of photography today.

Fine Art Photographer Photographer’s Assistant Studio Photographer Wedding Photographer Photographic Stylist Freelance Photographer

Digital Image Specialist Portrait Photographer Lab Technician Editorial Photographer Industrial/Corporate Photographer

Product Photographer Fashion Photographer Photojournalist Studio Owner/Manager Photographic Sales Stock Photographer

Concentration in Sculpture

The B.A. in Art with a concentration in sculptural practices from UNLV prepares students for careers in the arts and the workplace. The conceptual and practical skills students acquire provide them opportunities in careers such as, but not limited to; gallery, museum and commission based artist, museum or gallery exhibit preparator, custom fabricator, art fabricator, wood or metal shop employee, artist’s studio assistant, the fields of carpentry, welding and more.