Additional Studio Art and Graphic Design 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 Science in Studio Art is for students who choose to pursue a breadth of experience and understanding in art rather than professional specialization in any one studio area. This degree allows for elective credits that can be taken in the liberal arts, art, or Art History.
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 BS Studio Art Program will be able to:
- demonstrate making as a way of thinking. They will develop the ability to explore a diverse range of mediums experimenting with concepts and ideas through shaping, transforming and re-contextualizing materials.
- demonstrate research-based critical and creative exploration focused on content, process, voice, intellectual breadth, and an expanded liberal arts experience.
- critically analyze art and texts related to art, decode visual rhetoric, situate their artwork within artistic and theoretical contexts both past and contemporary, and understand how material, process, and media impact form and content.
- demonstrate fluency and proficiency in articulating ideas through oral, written, and visual communication skills. Ultimately, they will demonstrate confidence and sophistication in their social, personal and professional communication that will help to advance life-long learning in a career focused on visual thinking and the arts.
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 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:
Studio Art, BS
Program Requirements:
BS in Studio Art (68 credits)
Major Requirements (52 credits):
Choose three studio areas out of the following four:
Choose three advanced studio courses in an area of concentration:
| ART 4XX | Painting & Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture | 9 |
Required Art History Courses (16 Credits):
Choose one of the following eight:
Choose one of the following eight:
Students must receive a C or better in all required art courses in order to meet the prerequisite for the next level and to advance in the program.
Transfer students must take one level of drawing at The College of Saint Rose.
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 a minimum of 122 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 several ART courses are part of a sequence that must be followed. Your faculty advisor will help you make any necessary adjustments during advisement.
Year 1: Fall requirements should be supplemented with 4 credits of Liberal Education courses. Spring requirements should be supplemented with 3 credits of Liberal Education courses.
Fall (15 credits)
ART 100 coLAB Foundation Seminar (1 cr)
ART 101 Intro. to Art & Design (0 cr)
ART 113 Drawing 1 (3 cr)
ART 110 Two-D Concepts (3 cr)
ENG 105 Expos. Writing, Oral Com... (4 cr)
Spring (16 credits)
ART 213 Drawing 2 (3 cr)
AHI 208 Intro. to Art History (4 cr)
ART 112 Three-D Concepts (3 cr)
Choose from level one printmaking or photography: (3 cr)
ART 225/226/228 OR ART 232
Year 2: Fall requirements should be supplemented with 3 credits of Liberal Education courses. Spring requirements should be supplemented with 3 credits of Liberal Education courses.
Fall (16 credits)
ART 215 Painting 1 (3 cr)
ART 220 Sculpture 1 (3 cr)
Choose the other level one area:
ART 225/226/228 OR ART 232 (3 cr)
AHI Group A (see below) (4 cr)
Spring (16 credits)
Choose 3 of the following 4 level two:
ART 216 OR ART 221 OR ART 233 OR ART 325/326/328 (9 cr)
AHI 247 History of Modern Art (4 cr)
Year 3: Fall requirements should be supplemented with 3 Liberal Education courses. Spring requirements should be supplemented with Liberal Education courses.
Fall (16 credits)
ART 323 Critical Concepts (3 cr)
Advanced Studio 1 (3 cr)
ART Studio Elective (3 cr)
ART 301 Junior Review (0 cr)
AHI Group B (see below) (4 cr) < OR >
Spring (16 credits)
Advanced Studio 2 (3 cr)
ART 390 Studio Art Internship (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)
AHI Group B (see below) (4 cr)
Summer (0 credits)
ART 391 Studio Art Internship Fieldwork (0 cr)
Year 4: Fall requirements should be supplemented with 7 credits of Liberal Education courses. Spring requirements should be supplemented with Liberal Education courses or electives.
Fall (16 credits)
Advanced Studio 3 (3 cr)
ART 489 Studio Seminar (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)
Spring (14-16 credits)
ART 496 Senior Capstone (0 or 1 cr)
Elective (3 cr)
Elective or Art History Elective (3-4 cr)
NOTE: This degree enables students to pursue electives in liberal arts, art or art history.
< OR > means that these courses are offered both Fall and Spring and are interchangeable.
AHI Group A – choose one: Courses include: AHI 200, 211, 238, 280, 285, 295, 390, 399
AHI Group B – choose one: Courses include: AHI 300, 344, 347, 350, 366, 380, 388, 390, 498
Eligible students may enroll in a fifth Art History course to earn an Art History Minor.
Internship/Field Experiences/Study Abroad/Service:
Required 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, Spain, England, Italy, France, Cuba, and Ecuador.
Culminating Academic Experiences:
Required Courses:
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/
Opportunities and Graduate Study:
Graduate school is an opportunity for emerging artists to further develop their work. While pursuing an advanced degree is important for studio art graduates, the master’s degree is not necessarily undertaken immediately after receiving the bachelor’s degree. Some of the prestigious schools that our alumni have attended include:
• Boston Museum School
• School of Visual Arts
• Cranbrook Academy of Art
• University of Michigan
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Yale University
• University of Indiana at Bloomington
• The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture
• Montclair State University
• Rutgers University
• Alfred University
• Rhode Island School of Design
• The State University of New York at Albany
• The State University of New York at New Paltz
Some careers/opportunities related to the field of studio arts include:
• Art critic
• Art historian
• Art restoration
• Art therapist
• Artist-in-residence
• Artist’s apprentice
• College professor
• College studio technician
• Commercial photographer
• Commercial textile screen printing
• Digital archivist
• Display artist
• Fine arts painter, photographer, sculptor, printmaker
• Fine arts studio assistant
• Furniture designer
• Gallery director
• Mural painter
• Museum/gallery curator
• Museum technician
• Photojournalist
• Portrait photographer
• Product and food photography
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.
Find Out More: