Want to share your love of art with others? Through UVU’s art education program, you can. The Bachelor of Science in art education prepares students to qualify for teaching licensure for 7-12th grade. Curriculum is designed to give students a background in general education, as well as secondary education. Students can also focus on a single studio area within visual arts such as painting/drawing, illustration, photography, graphic design, or printmaking.
Will the BS-Art Education degree meet the educational requirements for the professional credential in the state or US territory you might choose to live in during or after completing your UVU degree? Visit the UVU Professional Licensure website to learn more!
BS in Art Education, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
Learn More
In the words of Albert Einstein, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” At Utah Valley University, we greatly value the power of art education to foster creativity, imagination, and innovation, as well as skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem solving.
The Bachelor of Science in art education prepares students to qualify for teaching licensure for 7-12th grade. Curriculum is designed to give students a background in general education, as well as secondary education. Students can also focus on a single studio area within visual arts such as painting/drawing, sculpture/ceramics, illustration, or printmaking. Students in the art education program at UVU will work closely with The Department of Art & Design, as well as the School of Education.
Teaching art in a public, private, or charter school, K-12 is the most traditional way of using an art education degree. Other options students might consider include teaching online; teaching preschool (or daycare); teaching private lessons to adults or children; teaching art at an after-school program; running education programs; teaching classes at art museums; starting a non-profit arts organization; teaching at a non-traditional organization; becoming a guest artist or teacher, teaching assistant, or retail craft coordinator; substitute teaching; tutoring; writing about art; or becoming a consultant for an art supply catalog or store.
Art Education Resources:
National Art Education Association
Utah Art Education Association
Art history unlocks the understanding of visual culture, human achievement, and human expression. The art history program at UVU offers the opportunity of studying a wide range of artistic styles, movements, and trends from ancient cultures to the contemporary era. The Bachelor of Art in art history degree helps students to prepare for an array of arts-related jobs, including art dealership, art directorship, and work in museums and galleries. It also provides the necessary foundation for graduate studies in art history, which in turn helps students to prepare for a career in post-secondary teaching, museum curatorship, and museum directorship.
BA in Art History, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
Because art history is cross-disciplinary by nature, a minor in art history would complement almost any degree, whether within or outside of the arts. The minor requires 18 credits of art history courses, including the survey classes Art to and from the Renaissance, as well as four upper division electives, ranging from ancient to contemporary art history. The minor creates a more diverse skill set for students of the visual arts, as well as a more culturally rich educational experience for students outside of the arts.
Minor in Art History, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
Learn More
Edgar Degas once noted, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Indeed, this is the ambition of the art historian — helping others to see, as well as to understand, to evaluate, and to appreciate. The study of art history unlocks the understanding of visual culture, human achievement, and human expression. Interdisciplinary by nature, art history links the study of history, aesthetics, philosophy, and even psychology, economics, and the sciences.
Art history is an academic discipline with a strong literary focus. Research is the primary method of communication for art historians, who share their findings through the written and spoken word. In this connection, students are encouraged to participate in conferences and symposia, to seek publication opportunities, to cultivate research partnerships (with faculty and peers), as well as to develop internship opportunities on local and national levels.
To support the art history area, UVU offers highly popular summer study abroad programs; a biennial art history symposium, a spring tradition since 2010; and an online journal of student research:
Artemisia: An Undergraduate Journal for Art Research and Criticism Vol. 1 2021
Artemisia: An Undergraduate Journal for Art Research and Criticism Vol. 2 2022
Artemisia: An Undergraduate Journal for Art Research and Criticism Vol. 3 2023
Utah Valley University offers strong support for student research:
UCUR: The Utah Conference for Undergraduate Research
NCUR: The National Conference for Undergraduate Research
A successful career in entertainment design requires a limitless imagination, the ability to invent and conceptualize new realities, and an understanding of the traditional and technological tools used to do so. This interdisciplinary degree encompasses concept, character, story, place, and time relevant to the entertainment industry. Students can expect to learn the skills and creative ability required of concept artists in the disciplines of character and story development, such as character design, storyboarding, motion sequencing, and art direction. As an entertainment designer, you will create realities and experiences that excite minds by combining art and technology to bring extraordinary experiences to life in toys, games, comics, movies, environments, and more.
BFA in Entertainment Design, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
AAS in Entertainment Design, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
Learn More
A successful career in entertainment design requires a limitless imagination, the ability to invent and conceptualize new realities, and an understanding of the traditional and technological tools used to do so. This interdisciplinary degree encompasses concept, character, story, place, and time relevancy to the entertainment industry. Students can expect to learn the skills and creative ability required of concept artists in the disciplines of character and story development such as character design, storyboarding, motion sequencing, and art direction. As an entertainment designer, you will create realities and experiences that excite minds by combining art and technology to bring extraordinary experiences to life in toys, games, comics, movies, environments, and more.
The graphic design program provides a detailed exploration of communication, form, and expression through analog and digital methodologies. Students will be prepared to adapt to the change of the professional landscape as it continues to advance and develop. They will engage in critical thinking to communicate visually through rigorous research methods and to develop a personal process. The program provides exposure to the discipline through technical competence, investigation of theory and art history, collaboration, professional practice, play, and conceptual thinking. These principles provide students with the ability to become creative leaders in a variety of disciplines within the design field. This competitive program prepares the students for the challenges of a design career and future graduate education.
BFA in Graphic Design, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
AAS in Entertainment Design, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
Learn More
The graphic design program provides a detailed exploration of communication, form, and expression through analog and digital methodologies. Students will be prepared to adapt to the change of the professional landscape as it continues to advance and develop. They will engage in critical thinking to communicate visually through rigorous research methods and to develop a personal process.
The program provides exposure to the discipline through technical competence, investigation of theory and art history, collaboration, professional practice, play, and conceptual thinking. These principles provide students with the ability to become creative leaders in a variety of disciplines within the design field. This competitive program prepares the students for the challenges of a design career and future graduate education.
Jefferson Smith
At UVU students in the illustration program benefit from interaction with instructors who are nationally known professional illustrators. This program is ideal for students wanting to pursue careers in traditional illustration, digital illustration, or animation. In addition to working with faculty who are professionals in their fields, students have access to the best software in the industry. Courses in figure drawing, children’s book illustration, anatomy and figure structure, flash animation, 3-D computer rendering, and advanced illustration are just a few of the classes available to students. The courses offer a well-rounded and practical learning experience.
BFA in Illustration, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
The Applied Associate in Science is a two-year work-ready degree that helps prepare students for entry level jobs within the illustration industry. The degree and credits earned can be used to further their studies in a Bachelor of Fine Arts or other programs. Students are prepared to compete for production design/entry level employment at advertising agencies, design studios, in-house design departments, publishing firms, printing firms, and for freelance consulting work (self-employed).
AAS in Design/Illustration, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
Learn More
An illustrator develops the ability and skill to solve visual problems, create expressive ideas, and infuse visual voice upon complex stories. UVU’s illustration program helps students develop through diligent effort, skills based in traditional figurative realism that inform imaginative conceptualization, and storytelling. Mastery of tools and artistic vernacular allow for freedom of expression and clarity of concept. Student ideas are most effectively realized by coupling traditional media and skills with new media and technology.
The BFA in illustration is a professional degree in which internationally recognized artists prepare students for careers in narrative, conceptual, editorial, entertainment, and decorative arts. It includes but is not limited to the following areas: magazines, app design, websites, books, children’s books, graphic novels, comics, product, packaging, posters, cards, crafts, traditional gallery painting, film, animation, and video games. For those interested, it also prepares them for furthering their education in graduate school. With many artists today moving beyond traditional clients and opportunities, it is important for illustration students to understand their role as creatives and to develop as entrepreneurs, professionals, and opportunists at the forefront of communication and innovation.
Students are required to research and investigate current events and trends as well as the rich history of illustration and to understand the important influences of past and present in the creation of today’s art. Sir Joshua Reynolds said, “Nothing comes from nothing—invention, strictly speaking, is little more than a new combination of those images which have been previously gathered and deposited in the memory.”
The student led UVU illustration club actively meets, motivates, and mentors students. Check out their Facebook Page and the UVU Illustration Facebook Group.
The UVU painting and drawing students study, experiment, and develop skills in a range of media to create expression of ideas and emotions through 2-D art. Within the painting/drawing program, students emphasize one of four areas: drawing, watermedia, painting, or printmaking. In their senior year, BFA students receive one-on-one instruction from the professor of their choice. Students explore their personal artistic identity while learning the rigor and attention to detail needed to put together a solo exhibition as their culminating experience. Students are prepared to compete in the arts arena typically via self-employment by promoting their work through galleries, museums, exhibitions, and competitions. Other opportunities include arts administration, private enterprise, teaching K-12 art, and working in related fields in museums and galleries. Some students also choose to pursue graduate studies to further their development or to prepare them to teach in higher education.
BFA in Painting & Drawing, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
Learn More
The painting program provides instruction in a range of traditional painting techniques through contemporary approaches to this medium. Examination of historical content and applications in painting media provides students with broad understanding and skills in development of personal expression.
Drawing is an essential center and launching point for most fine arts media. Courses focus on development of observational drawing skills, analysis of form, and understanding of content, communication, and personal expression. A wide range of media are taught including graphite, charcoal, pastel, ink, and mixed media projects.
Utah Valley University is unique in having courses dedicated solely to the study of watermedia. Watermedia I is a general elective course available for students throughout the Utah Valley University campus. Traditional foundational techniques in watercolor are explored in depth.
Printmaking courses at Utah Valley University encourage students to express their individual creative ideas, concepts, and designs through the various printmaking media. Traditional and contemporary approaches to fine art printmaking are explored through unique, consistent, and variable editions of hand-pulled prints. Students work in a variety of printmaking media, including the following: woodcut/linoleum block relief printing, intaglio, collagraphy, chin collé, monotype/monoprinting, pronto plates, solarplates, and color reductive printing.
Printmaking facilities include a large Takach press, a Conrad etching press, and a Conrad lithography press, plate cutter, two drying racks, numerous inking stations for black and color inks, ultraviolet light boxes for solarplate, and a professional hotplate.
Following are links related to fine art printmaking organizations.
Southern Graphics Council International (SGC)
Rocky Mountain Printmaking Alliance (RMPA)
In UVU’s photography program, students learn by doing. With faculty members who are active photographers in the commercial and fine arts fields, the program is growing into one of the strongest in the state of Utah. Partnerships with local businesses, lectures by some of the biggest names in photography, and on-site travel course experiences push students outside their comfort zone and expose them to a wide variety of photographic approaches and styles. Photography students have interned with leading photographers in New York and Los Angeles and traveled to countries such as Samoa and Ecuador in service-oriented programs. Students also have access to equipment, darkrooms, and a studio where they can experiment with lighting and processing techniques.
BFA in Photography, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
The Applied Associate in Science is a two-year work-ready degree that helps prepare students for entry level jobs within the photography industry. These could include serving as a photographer’s assistant, free-lance work in areas such as advertising, stock images, weddings, documentary, portraiture, etc. Entry level jobs at in-house photography departments or studios are also possibilities. Students may also choose to promote their work to galleries, museums, exhibitions, and commissions.
If you like getting your hands dirty, a BFA in sculpture and ceramics from UVU might be for you. UVU’s program helps students build a strong foundation of design fundamentals, technical skills, and the use of materials. Whether throwing clay on a potter’s wheel or listening to a class lecture, students discover endless sources of creative ideas while taking courses in low-fire ceramics, mold making, casting, ceramic technologies, and more.
BFA in Sculpture & Ceramics, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
Learn More
An emphasis in sculpture & ceramics at Utah Valley University is a professional degree which focuses on a strong foundation of design fundamentals, technical skills, and use of materials. This degree develops students’ understanding of artistic concepts and a functional knowledge of ceramic traditions within the history of art.
Students will discover their potential in the visual arts by developing creative abilities, problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and the ability to demonstrate their competency by developing a body of work.
Students in the sculpture emphasis investigate specific problems involving technical, aesthetic, and conceptual considerations of sculpture. Students will develop their own direction based on their experience with form, materials, and techniques, in addition to their understanding of traditions and contemporary issues.
Graduates will prepare themselves for careers in studio production, art education, and further education in graduate studies.
A degree in art provides training in creative and critical thinking, problem solving and visual communication, providing a sound background for careers both in and outside of the arts. Students who elect to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree are required to complete a foreign language requirement, while those who earn a Bachelor of Science degree have the option to take more electives. These degrees allow students to explore a few areas within the department and gain a more well-rounded education in the visual arts. Careers could include working with arts organizations, museums, or non-profit groups. While the BFA degrees provide specific professional training, Bachelor of Art/Science students who have taken a number of classes in a specific area may also be qualified for jobs in the fields of graphic design, photography, and illustration, or opportunities to submit work to galleries, museums, exhibitions, commissions fairs, and festivals.
BA in Art & Design, UVU CatalogBS in Art & Design, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
A degree in art provides training in creative and critical thinking, problem solving, and visual communication, providing a sound background for careers both in and outside of the arts. Students who elect to earn an Associate of Arts degree are required to complete a foreign language requirement, while those who earn an Associate of Science degree have the option to take more electives. These degrees allow students to explore a few areas within the department and gain a well-rounded education in the visual arts.
AA in Art & Design, UVU CatalogAS in Art & Design, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
The Art & Design Certificate of Completion provides basic instruction in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional approaches using both traditional and digital tools. This certificate is designed to build basic core skills for art and design. This could enhance abilities for someone working in a field that needs to better understand art to fulfill his/her responsibilities. Students can also use this certificate as a stepping stone to both two- and four-year programs within The Department of Art & Design.
Certificate of Completion in Art & Design, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>
This certificate is available for all UVU students, with a particular focus designed to provide high school students an opportunity to obtain a certificate of proficiency in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) field while still enrolled in high school and stack into certificate, associate, and bachelor's degrees at UVU. This certificate is meant to help students become college ready; it does not prepare them to be job ready.
Certificate of Proficiency in Art & Design, UVU CatalogProgram Learning Outcomes >>