An education in the arts lies between the practices of making, intellectual reflection, and an understanding of the relationship between visual media and society. 

At Grand Valley State University, the Department of Visual and Media Arts encourages majors to explore and develop their individual sense of place as human beings in relationship to the world around them. The degree programs integrate the values of a liberal education while preparing graduates for intensive engagement with the production and examination of the visual arts.

 

Discover Your Potential at VMA

 

  • BA in Art Education
  • BS in Art Education

 

  • BA in Art History
  • Minor in Art History

 

  • BA in Film and Video Production
  • BS in Film and Video Production

 

  • BA in Photography
  • BS in Photography
  • Minor in Photography

 

  • BA in Studio Art
  • BS in Studio Art
  • BFA in Studio Art (emphasis in Ceramics, Graphic Design, Illustration, Jewelry/Metalsmithing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Studies)
  • Minor in Studio Art


Want to take an art and media class? Check out these options!

WE'RE HIRING!

The Department of Visual and Media Arts has two active searches for tenure-track faculty to start in August 2024. Both positions are part of the cluster hire in Society, Technology, and Environment. We also seek applications for the 2024-25 Stuart and Barbara Padnos Distinguished Artist-in-Residence.

All positions are designed to enhance the experiences of students in the Department of Visual and Media Arts, both majors and non-majors, at Grand Valley State University.

Open Positions

Calder

VMA Events

There are no upcoming Events at this time

View More Events

Visit the Padnos Gallery

Padnos Gallery Exhibition

 

Visit the Stuart B. and Barbara H. Padnos Student Gallery to experience the works on display this semester. The Padnos Gallery is located on the lower level of Calder Art Center.

New Studio Art BFA Curriculum

Laptop of Banner App

Beginning fall 2022, requirements and courses in the Studio Art BFA degree have been updated.

Click for More Information and the Advising Guide 

“"I had always been an art kid. The problem solving involved in graphic design is what drew me into that specific emphasis. I love turning an ambiguous landscape into a creative solution."”

Sarah Brockett, graphic design emphasis alumna, 2014

Why study Visual and Media Arts at GVSU?

 

More than 25,000 students have chosen to study at Grand Valley, making us one of the largest universities in Michigan. We're big enough to have the impact of a major university and small enough to give you the support and resources you need to move forward and succeed. Read below why an arts education at GVSU will prepare you to succeed after graduation.

 

Find Your Voice

1. You will find your voice here



We support you during your exciting and challenging transition from learning in the classroom to learning in personal and professional worlds. Students are introduced to many avenues for their creative practice and develop the required skills to succeed in their field. Watch the video above that illustrates what the Department  has to offer.

(Shot and edited by alum, Nick Beardslee, Film & Video Production, 2017)

Liberal Arts Education

General Education Program at GVSU

 

Grand Valley's liberal education focus prepares students for life in a fast-changing world. It fosters a commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability and an inclusive campus that values diversity. Through this forward-thinking education, students are empowered to positively affect the global community now and in the future.
 

Scholarships

The Dirk Koning Memorial Scholarship is available for Film & Video Production Students


Scholarships help ensure that the best and brightest students can access a Grand Valley education and enrich our campus, regardless of their socioeconomic situation. They are a great resource to help reduce your reliance on student loans. Grand Valley has a wide variety of scholarships available to new and returning students. 

Scholarships for Visual and Media Arts Students

 

 

10 Questions for our alumni

Zac Freeland, BFA, Graphic Design, 2016 Spotlight

Zac Freeland, BFA, Graphic Design, 2016

"Always let your desires for success and knowledge outweigh your fear of failure."

BreeAnn Veenstra, BFA, Studio Art (Illustration), 2009 Spotlight

BreeAnn Veenstra, BFA, Studio Art (Illustration), 2009

"Every piece of art you create is just practice for the next one. Or in other words, it's okay to make mistakes because those mistakes teach you something that makes the next time a little easier (and better)."

Matt Lavere, BA, Photography, 2010 Spotlight

Matt Lavere, BA, Photography, 2010

"Failure is expected. If you think you know everything - you don't. There's always something to be learned or get better at."

View More 10 Questions for our alumni

Student works

 

The Department of Visual and Media Arts belongs to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Through our commitment to liberal education, CLAS strives to be an inclusive and equitable community of inquiry where students, staff and faculty collaborate to pursue and create knowledge, to enact global citizenship, and to engage and support our many communities.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Website

 



Page last modified November 13, 2023