Additional Studio Art Degree Programs:
Program Overview:
The Center for Art and Design at The College of Saint Rose prepares creative and critical thinkers for careers in Studio Art and Graphic Design. The faculty of professional artists, designers, educators, and scholars are dedicated to the development of each student’s informed creative voice. The carefully developed sequence of studio and art history courses advances each student from a strong foundation to a focus on conceptual and expressive inventiveness. Art students benefit from the rare combination of a rigorous curriculum enhanced by a strong liberal arts commitment and sound intellectual discourse.
The Center for Art and Design’s programs of study focus on fostering strong artists and designers and encouraging students to become leaders in their fields and communities. The faculty believe that individualized attention, a strong curriculum, the expectation of disciplined work, and the encouragement of leadership offer the best environment for learning, achieving success, and making a lasting impact on the world.
Mission Statement
Visual, creative, cultural, and design literacy are fundamental to a liberal arts education and necessary for navigating competitive professional environments. The Center for Art and Design promotes these essential literacies through disciplined studio and research practices, intellectual challenge, and interdisciplinary exchange. The faculty are committed to each student’s ability to see aesthetically, act creatively, think critically, and make lasting contributions as innovative artists, designers, educators, scholars, and leaders.
Program Goals
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design program is for those students whose aim is a professional career in graphic design and the visual arts. The professional preparation of the BFA degree in graphic design at The College of Saint Rose allows students to find rewarding employment in this field without the need for advanced study. However, if students choose to pursue a graduate career, they will be well prepared to succeed.
The Center for Art and Design aims to:
- foster each student’s personal voice and informed visual education.
- prepare students for careers in the fields of art and graphic design by promoting opportunities for creativity, critical thinking and innovative problem solving.
- inspire students to pursue intellectual opportunities in the world of art and design and become life-long learners and leaders in their fields.
Students who successfully complete the BFA Graphic Design program will be able to:
- Create and develop visual responses to communication problems within the graphic and interaction design professions.
- Demonstrate a range of traditional and digital skills in the creation of design that is an effective combination of research, concept, media, and craft.
- Demonstrate the ability to incorporate historical, social, and cultural contexts in their creative and intellectual processes.
- Develop business and communication practices to function productively in a professional and collaborative environment.
- Create a portfolio of work that meets professional standards in the graphic and interaction design fields.
Program Sequence
All graphic design majors take a year-long Foundations Program and begin the graphic design sequence of coursework in the fall semester of sophomore year. The graphic design program is a three-year sequence of coursework. Students must receive a C or better in all required graphic design courses in order to meet the prerequisite for the next level and to advance in the program.
Application Process
In addition to The College of Saint Rose academic admissions requirements, all applicants to programs offered by The Center for Art and Design are required to submit a portfolio as part of the admission materials. All art applicants (Studio Art and Graphic Design) should follow the same format when preparing their portfolio.
Portfolio Preparation Guidelines
The Center for Art and Design prefers to review the actual art, but digital portfolio submissions are also acceptable. Three-dimensional work may be presented digitally, however, more than one view is desired.
Applicant portfolios containing images in jpg format (between 150-350 dpi) may be submitted through the Art and Design Slide Room account at strose.slideroom.com. The portfolio may also be submitted to the Art and Design Admissions Liaison for review. Images on CDs, websites or flash drives are acceptable. Submissions in any of these formats must be accompanied by a separate numerical inventory that lists the size, medium and date completed for each of the works.
The applicant’s portfolio should consist of 15 – 20 examples of artwork. Work produced within the past two years is preferred, as it will best reflect technical ability and interests.
- 50% Drawing: Fifty percent of the portfolio should be drawing and approximately half of these drawings should reflect work from direct observation, not from photographs. Examples could include still–life, interior space, landscape and figure drawing.
- Concerning media and style: A variety of media may be represented. Be sure to include finished drawings in your portfolio. This means work that demonstrates refinement, development of detail and time invested. However, including a few examples of more quickly produced work, such as contour or gesture drawings, is helpful in assessing efficiency when working within a time limitation.
- 50% Personal strength: This component of the portfolio is your chance to showcase your personal style and creativity. You may choose to present a series of works in a single discipline or explore a variety of techniques, media and concepts. This is your opportunity to showcase your unique vision.
- Independent or Experimental work: Consider including examples of working outside of your comfort zone as an opportunity to discuss ideas and creative goals.
- Sketchbook or Journal: A sketchbook is an important addition to your portfolio. The sketchbook demonstrates your creative process and information gathering methods, as well as providing insight into your visual editing skills and intuitive approach to art making.
A Note for Transfer Students
The Center for Art and Design welcomes transfer students; however, all transfer credits in art are subject to portfolio review. Those students who have not completed the equivalent of the first two years of our program before transferring may not be able to complete the program in two years.
For purposes of evaluation and placement, transfer students seeking credit for a studio or graphic design course taken at another institution will need to include additional work to represent the content covered in each class for which the student is applying for transfer credit.
Transfer students should consult The College of Saint Rose Transfer Equivalency Database at: www.strose.edu/officesandresources/registrar/transferequivalency to review transfer equivalency agreements between their former institution and The College of Saint Rose.
Program Contacts:
Kristine Tolmie
Art Department Chair
Email: tolmiek@mail.strose.edu
Marian Chilson
Undergraduate Admissions Liaison for Art
Email: chilsonm@mail.strose.edu
Sarah Grzymala
Art Department Coordinator
Email: grzymals@strose.edu
Program Webpage:
Graphic Design, BFA
Program Requirements:
BFA in Graphic Design (89 credits)
All students intending to be Graphic Design majors must begin the program in the spring of their freshman year in order to follow the prescribed sequence of course work. Students who select graphic design after that point are not guaranteed completion of the program in 4 years. Students must receive a C or better in all required Graphic Design courses in order to meet the prerequisite for the next level and to advance in the program.
Major Requirements (73 credits):
Required Art History Courses (16 credits):
Choose one of the following eight courses:
Choose one of the following eight courses:
Suggested 4 Year Course Plan:
This suggested plan is designed to give students an idea of how to balance their coursework over 8 semesters and to graduate within 4 years. Most students will need to take a minimum of 30 credits each year in order to meet the graduation requirement of 127 overall credits for this degree. It should be used along with your Degree Works worksheet and in consultation with your faculty advisor. It is meant as a guide to help in scheduling. Please note that ART courses noted with an * must be taken concurrently and in sequence. Your faculty advisor will help you make any necessary adjustments during advisement.
Year 1: Fall requirements should be supplemented with 6 credits of Liberal Education courses. Spring requirements should be supplemented with 4 credits of Liberal Education.
Fall (17 credits)
ART 100 coLAB Art & Design Seminar (1 cr)
ART 101 Intro. to Art & Design (0 cr)
ART 110 Two-D Concepts (3 cr)
ART 113 Drawing 1 (3 cr)
ENG 105 Expos. Writing, Oral… (4 cr)
Spring (17 credits)
ART 111 Color Theory (3 cr)
ART 213 Drawing 2 (3 cr)
ART 112 Three-D Concepts (3 cr) **
AHI 208 Intro to Art History (4 cr)
Year 2: Fall requirements should be supplemented with 4 credits of Liberal Education courses. Spring requirements should be supplemented with 8 credits of Liberal Education.
Fall (17 credits)
ART 239 Graphic Design 1 (3 cr) *
ART 235 Sequential Design (3 cr) *
ART 225 Screen Printing 1 (3 cr) <OR>
AHI Group A (see below) (4 cr)
Spring (17 credits)
ART 240 Graphic Design 2 (3 cr) *
ART 252 Typography 1 (3 cr) *
ART 232 Photography 1 (3 cr)
Fall (18 credits)
ART 352 Typography 2 (3 cr) *
ART 444 Experimental Imaging (3 cr) *
ART 356 Interaction Design (3 cr) *
ART 233 Photography 2 (3 cr)
ART 392 Internship Prepartation (2) *
AHI 247 History of Modern Art (4)
Spring (14 credits)
ART 354 Typography 3 (3 cr) *
ART 353 App. in Graphic Design (3 cr) *
ART 466 User Exp. Design OR L06 (3 cr)
ART 301 Junior Review (0 cr)
ART 393 Internship Application (1 cr) *
AHI Group B (see below) (4 cr)
Summer (0 credits)
ART 394 Graphic Design Fieldwork
Year 4: Fall requirements should be supplemented with 6 credits of Liberal Education courses. Spring requirements should be supplemented with 3 credits of Liberal Education courses.
Fall (15 credits)
ART 459 Adv. App. in Graphic Design (3 cr) *
ART 466 User Exp. Design OR L06 (3 cr)
ART 493 Internship Presentation (0 cr) *
ART Elective (3 cr) <OR>
Spring (12 credits)
ART 460 Senior Graphic Design (3 cr) *
ART 462 Graphic Design Port. Sem. (3 cr) *
ART 496 Senior Capstone (0 or 1 cr)
ART 433 Studio Photography (3 cr)
NOTES:
* Graphic Design courses are required to be taken in the sequence as shown. This is only a recommended sequence for the liberal arts courses, studio courses and art history courses.
** ART 112 may be taken in Fall or Spring semester.
AHI Group A – choose one: Courses include: AHI 200, 211, 238, 280, 285, 295, 298, 390, 399
AHI Group B – choose one: Courses include AHI 300, 344, 347, 350, 366, 380, 388, 390, 498
‹ OR › means that these courses are offered both Fall and Spring and are interchangeable.
Eligible students may enroll in a fifth Art History course to earn an Art History minor.
Internship/Field Experiences/Study Abroad/Service:
Internship Experiences
One 3-credit professional internship at either a local, regional, national or international placement is required of every graphic design major. The extensive internship opportunities often lead to full or part-time employment and provide students with a competitive edge. Internship placements have included top graphic design studios, advertising agencies, publishing houses, television studios and corporate design offices.
Some of the internship opportunities have included:
- ESPN Productions, Bristol, CT
- Hasbro Inc., Pawtucket, RI
- LRXD, Denver, CO
- MTV Networks, NY, NY
- Pentagram, NY, NY
- Ptarmark Inc., Austin, TX
- Redbook Magazine, NY, NY
- St. Martin’s Press, NY, NY
- Victoria’s Secret, NY, NY
Required Internship Courses
Study Abroad
The Center for Art and Design encourages global study through study abroad experiences. Students interested in pursuing study abroad opportunities may enroll in Studio or Art History Special Topics courses, participate in a faculty-led program, attend Studio Art Centers International (SACI) or explore international study programs offered through the College’s Center for International Programs. The Center for Art and Design faculty-led programs provide offerings annually and have traveled to: China, Cuba, Ecuador, England, France, Italy, and Spain.
Culminating Academic Experiences:
Required Course
| ART 496 | Senior Capstone:Exhibit & Port | 0 or 1 |
Senior Exhibition is a graduation requirement for all BS and BFA students. It is held annually at the Massry Center for the Arts in the Esther Massry Gallery and Standish Atrium Gallery. Students must consult with faculty in their discipline(s) to select qualified work for exhibition. Students must complete the Senior Show contract with appropriate faculty signatures approving the work for exhibition. Students are required to consult with the Esther Massry Gallery Director when necessary; follow through with all exhibition requirements; consult the planning schedule as outlined and meet all deadlines; and participate with the organization (this may include installation and de-installation as assigned) of this capstone exhibition.
Students also submit a capstone digital portfolio of professional and academic writing along with images to the professor of record (not the Gallery Director). The portfolio will be used to assess students’ outcomes and to demonstrate that they are ready to navigate competitive professional environments and/or graduate school.
Exhibition fee. Spring Semester.
Professional Accreditation:
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
The Center for Art and Design at The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Programs offered by The College of Saint Rose for the preparation of all school professionals, leading to initial and advanced certifications, are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://www.ncate.org/
New York State Education Department (NYSED)
The College of Saint Rose, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province, is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State. All of its degrees and programs are registered and its professional programs fully approved by the Board of Regents through the New York State Education Department.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://www.msche.org/
Career Opportunities and Graduate Study:
Careers in Graphic Design
Almost 100% of the graphic design graduates achieve full employment in their field within one year of graduation. Senior students attend national job fairs and portfolio reviews, including an open portfolio night where prospective employers meet students and view portfolios at The College of Saint Rose. In addition, there is a vibrant alumni community that offers both internship placement and job placement opportunities.
The broad employment opportunities available to graphic design graduates from The College of Saint Rose include:
Abercrombie & Fitch, OH
Anthropologie, Philadelphia, PA
BBC America, NY, NY
Haddad Brands, NY, NY
Hallmark, Inc., Kansas City, MO
Kikkerland Design Inc., NY, NY
McCann Erickson Worldwide, NY, NY
Motiv Design, Boston, MA
MTV Networks, NY, NY
Natural Resource Defense Council, NY, NY
The New York Times, NY, NY
Nike, Portland, OR
Ralph Lauren Polo, NY, NY
Sports Illustrated, NY, NY
Washington Times, Washington, DC
Preparation for Graduate Studies
The professional preparation of the BFA degree in graphic design at The College of Saint Rose allows students to find rewarding employment in this field without the need for advanced study. However, if students choose to pursue a graduate career, they will be well prepared to succeed. Graduates have been accepted by some of the most prominent design programs in the country including:
Kent State University, Kent, OH
Minneapolis College of Art, Minneapolis, MN
Portfolio Center, Atlanta, GA
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
The School of Visual Arts, NY, NY
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Tyler School of Art of Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Yale University, New Haven, CT
Admissions and Financial Aid Information:
The Undergraduate Admissions Office begins review of Freshman applications each fall in late September for the following Fall. Students are encouraged to submit a complete an application as early as November. The Admissions Team will return a decision on complete applications within just three weeks. The College awards academic scholarships at the same time.
What Makes an Application Complete
- Online or Paper application (fee waived for online applicants!)
- Official High School Transcripts
- Official Transcripts for any College Level Courses
- SAT or ACT scores (See Test Optional FAQ's)
- Letter of Recommendation from a Counselor or Teacher
- Essay or Graded Paper
- Applicants may also apply via the Common Application Online.
- Art applicants are required to complete a portfolio review.
Admissions contact information (telephone number, admissions web pages)
Scholarships and Financial Aid
See Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid section for more information.
The Bottom Line
The total cost of The College of Saint Rose (including tuition, fees, room and board) is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast, and we still award more than $25 million in Saint Rose scholarships, grants and financial aid.
Take a look at our bottom line, and view a cost comparison with a four-year public institution.
More about Financial Aid
Financial Aid is defined as any grant, scholarship, loan, or employment opportunity given with the express purpose of assisting you with education-related expenses to make you education affordable. Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of student need and the availability of funds.
The Admission and Financial Aid teams have designed a Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid to help prospective students and families get to the bottom line and find that The College of Saint Rose is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast--while maintaining powerful academic opportunities.
Additional Art Admissions Information:
Portfolio Preparation Guidelines
In addition to The College of Saint Rose academic admissions requirements, all applicants to programs offered by The Center for Art and Design are required to submit a portfolio as part of the admission materials. All art applicants (Studio Art and Graphic Design) should follow the same format when preparing their portfolio.
The Center for Art and Design prefers to review the actual art, but digital portfolio submissions are also acceptable. Three-dimensional work may be presented digitally, however, more than one view is desired.
Applicant portfolios containing images in jpg format (between 150-350 dpi) may be submitted through the Art and Design Slide Room account at strose.slideroom.com. The portfolio may also be submitted to the Art and Design Admissions Liaison for review. Images on CDs, websites or flash drives are acceptable. Submissions in any of these formats must be accompanied by a separate numerical inventory that lists the size, medium and date completed for each of the works.
The applicant’s portfolio should consist of 15 – 20 examples of artwork. Work produced within the past two years is preferred, as it will best reflect technical ability and interests.
- 50% Drawing: Fifty percent of the portfolio should be drawing and approximately half of these drawings should reflect work from direct observation, not from photographs. Examples could include still–life, interior space, landscape and figure drawing.
- Concerning media and style: A variety of media may be represented. Be sure to include finished drawings in your portfolio. This means work that demonstrates refinement, development of detail and time invested. However, including a few examples of more quickly produced work, such as contour or gesture drawings, is helpful in assessing efficiency when working within a time limitation.
- 50% Personal strength: This component of the portfolio is your chance to showcase your personal style and creativity. You may choose to present a series of works in a single discipline or explore a variety of techniques, media and concepts. This is your opportunity to showcase your unique vision.
- Independent or Experimental work: Consider including examples of working outside of your comfort zone as an opportunity to discuss ideas and creative goals.
- Sketchbook or Journal: A sketchbook is an important addition to your portfolio. The sketchbook demonstrates your creative process and information gathering methods, as well as providing insight into your visual editing skills and intuitive approach to art making.
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