Programs

The Department Art and Design provides a diverse array of degree programs catering to students' interests and career goals. Undergraduate options include the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), while postgraduate pursuits encompass the Master of Arts (M.A.), the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), and the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degrees.

At the undergraduate level, students pursuing a B.A. can specialize in various concentrations such as Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Global Art Histories, or Visual Arts. Meanwhile, those opting for a B.F.A. have the choice of Art Education, Graphic Design, Photography, or Studio Arts concentrations.

For graduate studies, the department offers an M.A. program with a focus on Art History, providing specializations in concentrations including African American - African Diaspora Art Histories, African American and African Diaspora Art Histories with a Museum Studies Certificate, Egyptian Art and Archaeology, General Art History, or Museum Practices. Likewise, the M.F.A. program offers concentrations in Ceramics, Graphic Design, Painting, Printmaking and Photography, or Sculpture.

For aspiring educators, the M.A.T. program provides certification in Art Education.

In addition to degree programs, the department offers Graduate Certificates in Graphic Design and Museum Studies. An Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s pathway is available for those interested in Graphic Design. Minors are also offered in Art History, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Graphic Design, Photography, Studio Arts, and Web Design, catering to students seeking a supplementary area of study alongside their primary focus.

Undergraduate Catalog > Graduate Catalog >

Undergraduate Programs

Foundation Studies
Students focus on developing a strong artistic and conceptual foundation across various disciplines in the visual arts. The program serves as a stepping stone, providing students with a broad understanding of fundamental concepts, skills, and techniques before they specialize in a specific field of study.

Art Education, B.F.A.
Students focus on developing the knowledge, skills, and pedagogical approaches necessary to become effective art teachers. The program encompasses a combination of artistic exploration, pedagogical theory, practical teaching and civic engagement experiences.

Fashion Design, B.A.
Students focus on developing the skills, knowledge, and creative vision necessary to design and create garments and fashion collections. Students gain proficiency in industry-standard design software and learn how to apply these tools to their design projects. Throughout the program, they immerse themselves in a range of areas that shape their understanding and abilities in fashion design.

Fashion Merchandising, B.A.
Students focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry and acquiring the skills needed for successful merchandising and retail management. Throughout their coursework, they delve into various aspects of the business side of fashion, from trend analysis and buying strategies to marketing and visual merchandising.

Global Art Histories, B.A.
Students focus on studying the history, theory, and analysis of art. Throughout their studies, they delve into various artistic periods, styles, and cultural contexts, aiming to develop a deep understanding of the visual arts.

Graphic Design, B.F.A.
Students focus on developing a solid foundation in the principles and techniques of graphic design. They learn about the elements of design, such as line, shape, color, texture, and typography, and how to use them effectively to create visually appealing and meaningful communications. Students gain proficiency in industry-standard design software and learn how to apply these tools to their design projects.

Photography, B.F.A.
Students focus on developing technical skills, artistic vision, and a comprehensive understanding of photography as a medium. Throughout their studies, they delve into various aspects of photography, honing their abilities to capture compelling images and convey meaningful narratives.

Studio Arts, B.F.A.
Students focus on developing their artistic skills, exploring various media, and cultivating their creative expression. Through a combination of hands-on studio work, art history courses, and critical feedback, students focus on honing their artistic skills, expanding their artistic vocabulary, and deepening their understanding of the art world.

Visual Arts, B.A.
Students focus on honing their artistic skills, expanding their creative expression, and developing a conceptual understanding of the visual arts. Through a combination of studio practice, art history studies, and critical analysis, students engage in a variety of disciplines and media to cultivate their artistic voice.

Graphic Design Accelerated B.F.A./M.F.A

Graduate Programs

African American - African Diaspora Art Histories, M.A.
Students focus on the in-depth study and critical analysis of art and visual culture related to African American and African Diaspora communities. The curriculum is designed to explore the historical, cultural, social, and political contexts that shape the artistic expressions of these marginalized communities. Throughout the program, students examine a wide range of visual art forms, including traditional art, contemporary art, photography, sculpture, painting, and other forms of creative representation.

African American - African Diaspora Art Histories with a Museum Studies Certificate, M.A.
Students focus on the intersection of art history, African American and African Diaspora studies, and museum practices. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in art history while also offering specialized training in museum studies. Throughout the program, students explore the visual culture and artistic expressions of African American and African Diaspora communities, examining the historical, cultural, and social contexts that have influenced these artworks.

Art Education, M.A.T.
Students focus on a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills. The curriculum is designed to prepare aspiring art educators to excel in their roles as teachers and mentors. Throughout the program, students delve into various subjects, including art history and contemporary art practices. They also explore different teaching methodologies and strategies, learning how to develop engaging lesson plans and tailor instruction to diverse learners.

Ceramics, M.F.A.
Students focus on advancing their technical skills, artistic vision, and conceptual understanding within the field of ceramics. Building upon their foundational knowledge from undergraduate studies, students engage in a rigorous exploration of ceramic materials, techniques, and artistic expression.

Egyptian Art and Archeology, M.A.
Students immerse themselves in the millennia-long cultural history of ancient Egypt spanning the time from its formative state formation in the predynastic period to the era of Roman rule. Through rigorous academic study under the guidance of a distinguished faculty of Egyptologists, students learn how to critically assess and contextualize ancient Egyptian art while acquiring proficiency in Middle Egyptian language and texts enabling them to directly access primary sources and to conduct in-depth research in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the culture.

General Art History, M.A.
Students focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of art across different time periods, cultures, and artistic movements. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad and in-depth education in art history, covering various art forms, styles, and contexts. Throughout the program, students study the evolution of art from antiquity to contemporary times, exploring the contributions of different artists, art movements, and cultural influences.

Graphic Design, M.F.A.
Students focus on advancing their skills, knowledge, and critical thinking in the field of graphic design. Building upon their undergraduate foundation, students delve deeper into design theory, research, and practical application. The program encourages students to explore innovative approaches, push the boundaries of design, and develop a unique design voice.

Museum Practices, M.A.
Students focus on acquiring specialized knowledge and skills related to the practical aspects of museum work and curatorial practices. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, with an emphasis on curation, exhibition design, collections management, and audience engagement. Throughout the program, students study the principles of museum organization and management, exploring topics such as museum ethics, conservation, provenance research, and the legal and ethical considerations of handling art and cultural objects.

Painting, M.F.A.
Students focus on advancing their technical skills, artistic vision, and conceptual understanding within the medium of painting. The program provides a supportive environment for students to further develop their personal artistic voice, explore new directions in painting, and engage in critical discourse surrounding contemporary painting practices.

Printmaking and Photography, M.F.A.
Students focus on advancing their technical skills, conceptual understanding, and creative expression within the fields of photography and printmaking. The program offers a unique combination of both media, allowing students to explore the intersections, connections, and potential synergies between printmaking and photography.

Sculpture, M.F.A.
Students focus on advancing their skills, conceptual understanding, and artistic vision within the field of sculpture. Building upon their foundational knowledge from undergraduate studies, students engage in a deep exploration of sculptural materials, techniques, and artistic expression.

Graphic Design Accelerated B.F.A./M.F.A

Museum Studies Graduate Certificate

The University of Memphis Department of Art and Design is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).