The art program instructs students in the mastery of art skills and concepts, establishes a foundation for critical thinking, and develops each student’s creative potential. Four integrated academic units form the art program: studio art, graphic design, art education, and art history. Introductory courses in design and drawing prepare students for entry into areas of concentration within the major. These areas of concentration are designed to develop advanced technical and conceptual skills. In order to enhance their understanding of the visual arts, all art students complete a sequence of art history courses. Ultimately, the goal of the art program is to prepare each student to become a contributing member of the art profession, the community, and society as a whole.

Both the B.A. and the B.S. degrees in Art and in Education are offered in the art program. Within the art degree, students choose an emphasis in studio art (ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, or woodworking), graphic design, illustration, or interactive media design. Students seeking an Art Education degree select either an all-grade (K-12) or high school certification. Minors in art, art history, and art education also are available.

The art program serves to define professional goals and to provide entry into career fields or graduate study. Upon the completion of their studies at USI, many art majors have been accepted into graduate programs at prestigious institutions throughout the country. The art faculty takes pride in the accomplishments of its graduates, who have achieved success as graphic designers, artists, elementary- to university-level teachers, museum and gallery personnel, and art historians.

The art program is affiliated with the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art, which provides continuous art exhibitions during the academic year and hosts the Senior Seminar Exhibition in January. An internship program allows senior art students to work in professional settings at design firms, museums, and galleries in the area. The culmination of each year’s work is the student art exhibition held on campus each spring.