Northern State University Department of Art, Aberdeen, SD, USA.
Philosophy and Mission
As a department, we strive to prepare our students through a diverse mix of foundational study and explorative research. In a continual search for quality, students work towards revealing new ideas, creative insights and imaginative expressions. We provide an environment and tools necessary to help our students along their path of exploration and visual problem solving. In addition to the foundational drawing and design courses, students take 4 semesters of Art History and have an opportunity to explore myriad mediums during their academic tenure at Northern State University.
Degree Programs
The NSU Art Department offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with specializations in Advertising Design, Multimedia Design and Visual Fine Arts. We also offer a Bachelors of Science (BSED) in Art Education and two Associate of Science (AS) degrees in Commercial Art and Multimedia Design. In addition, there 2 minor programs in Digital Art and Fine Art.
Advertising Design Specialization (BA)
The Advertising Design program of study will prepare students for a career in the graphic design industry. Specialized course topics include graphic design, advertising design, digital illustration, typography and pre-press production. In addition to digital courses, students can take traditional studio courses as electives.
Art Education (BSED)
Students wanting to teach art in the K-12 school system will have the rigor of both foundation art courses and teaching education courses. Specialized classes include art teaching methods, design, painting, photography and ceramics.
Multimedia Design (BA)
This program of study prepares students for the multimedia design industry which includes web design, interactive design, video and animation. In conjunction with foundation courses, students in this specialization have the opportunity to take courses such as 3D animation, 2D motion graphics, digital video design and web design.
Visual Fine Art (BA)
The specialization of Visual Fine Art is the traditional art program that allows students to explore numerous media including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, and mixed-media plus the opportunity to take digital courses as electives. Students can focus on one or more areas of interest to create a body of artwork that will prepare them for the art world, graduate school or other career fields in the arts.
Facilities
The NSU art facilities offer a wide range of equipment and lab space. There are spacious lab areas for traditional 2D and 3D media as well as semi-private studio spaces for upper-level students. The Multimedia lab features the most up-to-date Apple desktop computers, video and sound equipment, as well as the professional software needed for any facet of the graphic design and multimedia industry. The Multimedia lab has over 25 computers with dual monitors. All the art studios allow for 24-hour access via a swipe-card system.
Galleries & Visiting Artists
Northern Galleries not only hosts rotating art exhibitions of contemporary, professional artists but also hosts a visiting artist program that allows NSU art students to interact and learn from professional artists from all over the world. The NSU Galleries are comprised of 3 main venues throughout the campus which also feature student exhibitions and other art events.
Scholarships
NSU Art Students in good standing are eligible to apply for variety of scholarship awards administered annually by the art department.
Activities and Clubs
In additional to annual Art Department activities, such as the Art Department Halloween Party and Spring Picnic, the Art Department has a student-run organization called the Art Club. The Art Club hosts several activities and workshops throughout the year as well as an annual trip to a major art center. Cities visited in the recent past include Chicago, Minneapolis and New York.
For More Information
NSU Art Dept. Coordinator
1200 S. Jay St.
Aberdeen, SD 57401
605.626.2514
northern.edu
