Advising

After you declare your major in one of the visual and media arts programs you are assigned a major advisor from the faculty. Majors should meet with their advisors before each class registration period to plan their schedules and evaluate their degree progress. You can find the name and email of your advisor in Banner or consult the list in the departments main office, CAC 1105. The guides and checklists below will help you to prepare for meetings with your advisor and track completed credits towards graduation.

Understanding the Degree Types

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)/ Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.)

The B.A. and B.S. degrees are focused on the breadth of general studies. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree requires a three-semester proficiency in a foreign language. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree requires that you complete the following three science courses.

B.A. or B.S. Degrees are available in the following majors:

Art Education
Art History (B.A. only)
Film & Video Production
Photography
Studio Art

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

The B.F.A. degree is focused on the student's professional preparation. Students pursuing a B.F.A. develop the knowledge, skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to professional life.

The B.F.A. degree is available in the Studio Art major only. Students can choose the following areas of emphasis:

Ceramics
Graphic Design
Illustration
Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Painting
Printmaking
Sculpture
Visual Studies

Minor

A minor is an opportunity for the student to strengthen their education in the major, or an opportunity to develop a side passion. Choosing a minor is as big of a decision as choosing your major.

Minor degrees are available in the following areas:

Art History
Photography
Studio Art

Degree/Major Guides

Gen. Ed. Double Dip Guide

A list of one GVSU courses that will count for 2 classes.

General Education "Double-Dip" Guide

Art Education - B.A./B.S.

If you are a student interested in becoming an Art Educator.

B.A./B.S. in Art Education Information

Art History - B.A.

If you are a student interested in becoming an Art Historian.

B.A. in Art History Information

Film and Video Production - B.A./B.S.

Read this guide for a first-rate experience in the program.

B.A./B.S. in Film and Video Production - Guide to the major

Photography - B.A./B.S.

Interested in Photography as a Major! Find the Major requirements here!

B.A./B.S. in Photography Information

Studio Art - B.A./B.S. and B.F.A.

If you are a student in the Studio Art B.F.A. (Ceramics, Graphic Design, Illustration, Jewelry and Metalsmithing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, or Visual Studies) read this Guide to the Major.

B.A./B.S. in Studio Art information B.F.A. in Studio Art Information

Incoming Student Information

During their first years in the Department of Visual and Media Arts, majors may need to complete a set of core classes that are tailored to their area of study. No matter what area of study, these courses are essential in the preparation for advanced courses and emphasize critical inquiry, discipline-specific methods, and hands-on experiences.

As students continue in the department, they continue to hone these skills in developing a personal body of work under the supervision of faculty mentors in the area. The self-direction nurtured early in the program is reinforced throughout your time at GVSU.

Do You Need a Personal Computer?

Students are not required to have their own equipment to complete their studies at GVSU. The facilities in Lake Superior Hall and the Calder Arts Center provide the right software and hardware you will need to succeed in the program. Many students find it more convenient to purchase their own computers for coursework. Though not required, majors purchasing a computer should consider a laptop as they give considerable flexibility for working in classrooms, the library, and other research venues.

Art Education - B.A./B.S.

Students interested in pursing an Art Education Degree must first submit work through the Art Education Portfolio Review Process.

Apply- Art Education Portfolio Review

Art History - B.A.

Students planning to major in art history simply need to apply, be admitted to GVSU, and declare their major. You do not need to apply separately to the Department of Art and Design or prepare a portfolio for review.

Art History First-Year Student Advising Guide

Film and Video Production - B.A./B.S.

Students should take the following courses during their first semester:

FVP 123 - Survey of Media Production Modes
FVP 125 - Media Production I

Students should apply to the major in the second semester. In addition, you will want to take the following courses in the following semester or academic year:

FVP 226 - Media Production II
FVP 227 - Digital Media Lab

(Please contact your advisor immediately if sections close during registration.)

Photography - B.A./B.S.

Students should take in the first semester of their first year the following courses:

PHO 170 - Introduction to Photography
PHO 266 - History of Photography I

Students should take in the second semester of their first year the following courses:

ART 149 - Introduction to Visual Composition
PHO 172 - Photography II

Studio Art - B.A./B.S.

Students planning to major in studio art simply need to apply, be admitted to GVSU, and declare their major. You do not need to apply separately to the Department of Art and Design or prepare a portfolio for review.

First-Year Student Advising Guide - Studio Art (B.A./B.S.)

Studio Art - B.F.A.

First-Year Student Advising Guide - Studio Art (B.F.A.)

Advising Documents

Reminder: Determine Your Catalog Year

Both your university requirements (general education, supplemental writing skills, etc.) and major and minor requirements are tied to your specific catalog year. Major requirements may change yearly. You must meet the requirements for your particular catalog year to be able to graduate.

Your can find out your listed catalog in your myPath report