BA in Art

Making an impact through Art.

At Carlow University, we view creativity and the visual arts as foundational to our society. Our art program is designed to empower the next generation of artists, designers, educators, art therapists and curators with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation to transform their creativity into a force for social change. Situated in the heart of a vibrant city, Carlow University offers unparalleled access to a vibrant art community, prestigious museums, and a rich cultural ecosystem, setting the stage for an immersive educational experience.

As a an art major, you can choose to focus your studies in the following areas:  

• Studio Art (2D, 3D, Ceramics) 
• Graphic Design 
• Media Art and Animation 
• Art Therapy 
• Art Education 
• Curatorial and Visual Studies 

Art Major Curriculum

Carlow’s Art + Design Program  is a hub for innovation, creativity, and practical skill development through an emphasis on experiential learning. Studio art making and praxis lie at the core of our program. We understand that practice is essential for growth and development as an artist. Our studios, fabrication laboratory, and professional art gallery provide dynamic environments for you to experiment, explore new techniques, allowing you to manifest your ideas into tangible forms of expression. . 

The art program part of the highly interdisciplinary Department of Art, Communication and English. As such we center storytelling and curating as vital skills in the art world, and our program recognizes their significance. Whether you aspire to become a curator, designer, or art educator, our courses in art history and curatorial studies will immerse you in the world of art narratives, cultural heritage, and exhibition curation. You’ll learn how to communicate the story behind artworks, contextualize them within historical and cultural frameworks, and curate engaging exhibitions that captivate audiences. 

Artists, designers and creatives thrive in a supportive community where they can exchange ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Through group projects, collaborative exhibitions, and interdisciplinary workshops, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists, designers, and scholars, expanding your horizons and enriching your artistic practice and professional networks. 

In addition to honing your artistic abilities, our program emphasizes the development of essential skills such as information literacy, critical thinking, and design thinking. We believe that artists have a unique ability to solve complex problems and make a positive impact on society. Our curriculum integrates ethics and social justice, allowing you to explore the role of art in promoting equality, inclusivity, and social change. 

With our comprehensive undergraduate program serving as a strong foundation, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue advanced studies through our master’s degree program. Our master’s program provides a unique platform for you to specialize further in your chosen field of art. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty mentors, you’ll undertake advanced coursework, engage in critical discourse, and produce a culminating thesis or project that reflects your artistic vision and research interests.  

The Art Program and Department of Art, Communication, and English aim to create an ethical, equitable, career-focused and student-centered academic institution for the 21^st century. 

The curriculum has enough flexibility to allow you to customize your studies to fit your career or academic goals. One of the keystones to the bachelor’s in Art program is its emphasis on high-impact, experiential learning. Facilities include the interdisciplinary University Art Gallery, Soda kiln (one of three in the region), 2D and 3D art studios, digital lab and fab lab. 

Areas of focus 

• Studio Art – 2D, 3D Art and Ceramics (An immersive educational experience in the visual arts, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of various artistic mediums and techniques, alongside opportunities for personal creative expression and professional portfolio development.) 
•  Graphic Design (Equips students with the creative, technical, and critical thinking skills needed to produce visual concepts and communicate ideas through typography, imagery, color, and form in various multimedia contexts.) 
• Media Art and Animation (Create compelling visual narratives and digital animations using cutting-edge technology and software, preparing students for careers in film, gaming, and various digital media industries.) 
• Art Therapy (An interdisciplinary educational path that combines the principles of art and psychology to train students in using artistic expression as a therapeutic tool to help individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.) 
• Art Education (Prepares students to teach art, encompassing both practical artistic skills and pedagogical techniques, aimed at fostering creativity and critical thinking in students of all ages. 
• Curatorial and Visual Studies (Combines the analytical and practical aspects of curating art exhibitions and arts management with a critical examination of visual culture, equipping students with the skills to interpret, manage, and present artworks within historical and contemporary contexts to effectively engage with art collections and audiences.) 

Experiential and interdisciplinary learning (graphic design, exhibition-making, field placement in Art Therapy and Art Education, capstone project) are built into the art major curriculum  

Community partnerships include:
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
The Warhol Museum
Carnegie Museum of Art
Assemble PGH
The Documentary Works 

Quick facts

• Choose an art track for your specific learning focus 
• Learn from studio work and hands-on opportunities 
• Gain professional experience at our on-campus art gallery 
• Tap into Pittsburgh’s thriving arts scene 
• Pursue a graduate degree in Studio Art, Art Education, and Expressive Arts Therapy 

Admission requirements and application process

Art faculty

Amy Bowman-McElhone, PhD Chair, Program Director, Assistant Professor, Art

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer