Discover Visual Arts at UIS
What We Offer
At the University of Illinois Springfield, the Visual Arts program empowers students to explore both hands-on studio disciplines and the rich contexts—historical, cultural, philosophical—that frame creative work. Whether you're drawn to painting, design, photography, sculpture, or art history, the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts lets you develop technical skills, sharpen your creative vision, and tailor your studies toward your goals: be it professional art practice, gallery exhibition, further study, or interdisciplinary work.
Students majoring in Visual Arts work with faculty mentors, complete a portfolio review in their senior year, and present a Senior Exhibition. Support is available through scholarships, exhibitions, and experiential learning opportunities.
Minor Options
UIS also offers three minors within Visual Arts:
- Visual Arts Minor – 15-16 credit hours, including studio and art history courses. You’ll choose several studio courses plus at least one upper-division art history or studio class.
- Art History Minor – A 15-16 credit program focused on understanding art through time and culture. Includes core history of art courses, a capstone, and additional upper-division art history classes.
- Art Therapy Minor – A partnership between Visual Arts and Psychology, this minor meets foundational requirements for graduate art therapy programs. You’ll take studio art and psychology courses to build a strong base for working in therapeutic or community arts settings.
For Education Majors: preparing for a Subsequent Endorsement
If you're pursuing a major in Elementary, Middle Grades, or Secondary Education, UIS offers you the chance to prepare for the Subsequent Endorsement content exam in art by completing a focused set of courses. These foundational art courses give you both skills and content knowledge and include:
- ART 102 Two-Dimensional Design
- ART 112 Three-Dimensional Design
- ART 236 Introduction to Graphic Design
- ART 113 Drawing I
- ART 261 History of Art 1
- ART 262 History of Art 2
*Adding one upper division course to this would grant you to minor in Visual Arts.
