Art - Programs

College of the Arts


Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Art
Option in Studio Art (code ART_BA01) (120 units)

This program is for students who seek a broad understanding and application in art. Total Art units required: 27 lower division, 36 upper division.

Requirements

Lower Division: AH 113A or 113B or 111C, 111A, 111B; ART 10, 130, 131, 149, 181, 184, 187, plus one course selected from: ART 141, 151A, 151B, 161, 263, 270, 271.

Upper Division:
1. ART 320;
2. Six units of Art History only three of which may be AH 438 or 439;
3. One course from two of the following programs to total 6 units: Drawing and Painting, Printmaking, Illustration , Photography, Graphic Design;
4. One course from two of the following programs to total six units: Ceramics, Fiber, Metal , Sculpture, or Wood;
5. Plus an additional 12 units upper division from one of the following programs: Art History, Art Education, Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, Fiber, Graphic Design, Illustration, Metal, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Wood.

Option in Art History (code ART_BA02) (120 units)

This program is for students who wish to specialize in the study of the history of art.

Lower Division: AH 113A, 113B, 111A, 111B, 111C; ART 10, 130, 181; HIST 131, 132, plus one course selected from ART 131, 184, 187, or 263.

Upper Division Art History: AH 307, 497, plus one course selected from AH 308, 309, concentration in “major” field (3 courses from one of the following groups plus required AH 497), plus one course from each of the remaining five groups: I: AH 408, 409, 410; II: AH 423, 424, 425, 426, 427; III: AH 401, 402, 436, 437, 438, 439; IV: AH 466, 467, 468, 469, 470A/B, 471A/B; V: AH 455, 456, 457, 458, 459; VI: AH 416, 417, 465.
Other: A score of 450 in either French or German on the Graduate School Foreign Language Test or complete two years of French or German with an average grade of “B” or better.

Option in Art Education (code ART_BA03) (120 units)

The Option in Art Education is a four year degree program for students who wish to become art teachers at the middle and secondary school levels (or art specialists at the elementary level). Completion of this major meets the subject matter competence requirement for the Preliminary Single Subject Credential.

Requirements

Lower Division: AH 113A or 113B or 111C; AH 111A, 111B, ART 10, 130, 131, 151A, 151B, 181, 184, 187.

Upper Division: ART 300, 301, 305, 407, 412, 415: Art History: one course selected from AH 455, 456, 457, 458, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470A, 470B, 471A, 471B, and AH 438 or 439; one course selected from ART 381, 383, 384, 385, 387; course selected from ART 328A, 355, 356, 357A, 357B, 358A, 359A, 362A, 363; one course selected from ART 340, 349, 370, 371A; and one course selected from ART 317, 341A, 341B, 450A.

Single Subject Art Education Credential (code 110)

In addition to meeting the subject matter competence requirement for the Preliminary Single Subject Credential in Art, prospective art teachers are also required to complete 44 units of professional preparation in the Single Subject Credential Program, including student teaching. Students may begin the professional preparation courses as early as the junior year. With careful planning, it is possible to complete all of the credential program courses, except for student teaching, as an undergraduate. Courses may also be completed as post-baccalaureate student. Refer to the Single Subject Teacher Education section of this Catalog or the Single Subject Credential Program website (www.ced.csulb.edu/single-subject) for a description of the professional preparation requirements, courses, and application procedures. Prospective students should consult the department's Art Education Advisor early to plan their program. Before student teaching in art, students must pass a portfolio review. A passing score on the CBEST is also required. For information concerning requirements for the B.A. program, teacher preparation, as well as the fifth year for the credential, consult the art education advisor.

The Option in Art Education Subject Matter Program is being revised to meet new state standards. When the revised program has been approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the new course requirements will be in effect and supersede current requirements.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is offered for the student eventually seeking a Master of Fine Arts degree, the position of a professional artist or designer, and for the student seeking a career of teaching studio art within a selected specialization. The B.F.A. degree program is demanding, requiring high quality performance in order to develop the professional competence of talented students toward successful entrance into the professional art field. There are seven professionally-oriented specialized programs leading to the B.F.A. degree. Total art and support units required: 70 (30 lower division, 40 upper division). Total units for graduation: 132.

Option in Art Photography (code ART_BF01) (132 units)

Lower Division: AH 113A or 113B or 111C; AH 111A, 111B; ART 10, 130, 131, 141,149, 181; select one from ART 161 or 184.

Upper Division: ART 320, 340, 342A, 406A, 444, 447, 491C, 499V; 473 for a total of 6 units; select one from ART 349, 436A, 475; select two courses from ART 406B, 414, 449; AH 411 and one from AH 438 or 439; and six units outside of specialization.

Option in Ceramics (code ART_BF02) (132 units)

Lower Division: AH 113A or 113B or 111C; AH 111A, 111B; ART 10, 130, 131, 151A, 151B, 161 or 184, 181, 187.

Upper Division: ART 320, 341A, 341B, 343A, 343B, 352A, 352B, 451A, 451B, 491A: AH 364 and 6 additional units of Art History only 3 of which may be AH 438 or 439; and 9 units outside the specialization.

Option in Drawing and Painting (code ART_BF03) (132 units)

Lower Division: AH 113A or 113B or 111C; AH 111A, 111B; ART 10, 130, 131, 181, 184, 187, plus one course selected from: ART 151A, 151B, 161, 263.

Upper Division: ART 320, 381, 383, 384, 387, 388.

Pathway A: ART 483, 484, 492F, 492Z, 481 or 487; AH 6 units, 6 units outside the specialization.
Pathway B: ART 483 or 484, 492G, 481, 487; AH 6 units and 9 units outside of the specialization.

Capstone: ART 496A, 496B, 491G.

Option in Illustration (code ART_BF04) (132 units)

Lower Division: AH 113A or 113B or 111C; 111A, 111B; ART 10, 130, 131, 181, 184, 187, 223, 271.

Upper Division: ART 371A, 372, 383, 482; AH 6 units; 9 units outside the specialization.

Pathway A: ART 390, 391A, 391B, 393, 472, 499F; 6 units from ART 373, 385, 483, 371B.
Pathway B: ART 371B, 471A, 471B, 382, 322A; 374A or 499F; 6 units from ART 373, 385, 483, 391A.

Option in 3-D Media (Fiber, Metal or Wood) (code ART_BF05) (132 units)

Lower Division: AH 113A or 113B or 111C, 111A, 111B; ART 10, 130, 131, 151A or 151B, 161 or 184, 181, 187, 263.

Upper Division: ART 320, 381, 491B; plus one of the following specializations:

Fiber: ART 316, 317, 328A, 428A, 432, 499N; select 3 units from ART 328B, 428B or 430; 6 units of Art History (AH) to include DESN 368; and 9 units outside the specialization.

Metal: ART 357A, 357B, 358A, 358B, 458A, 458B; select 3 units from: ART 355, 356, 359A, 359B, or 499J; 6 units of Art History (AH) to include DESN 368; and 9 units outside the specialization.

Wood: ART 354A, 354B, 454A, 454B, 499B for 9 units; 6 units of Art History (AH) to include DESN 368; and 9 units outside the specialization.

Option in Printmaking (code ART_BF06) (132 units)

Lower Division: AH 113A or 113B or 111C; AH 111A, 111B; ART 10, 130, 131, 141 or 149, 181, 184, 187.

Upper Division: ART 320, 370, 376, 377, 378, 379, 381, 475, 480, 499R, 491P; AH 365, 439, and 3 units elective upper division Art History (AH) plus 12 units outside the specialization.

Option in Sculpture (code ART_BF07) (132 units)

Lower Division: AH 113A or 113B or 111C; AH 111A, 111B; ART 10, 130, 131, 141, 161, 181, 184, 187, 263;

Upper Division: ART 320, 360A, 360B, 362A, 363, 450A, 491F; select two courses from the following: ART 361, 362B, 436A, 436B; AH 438 and 439, and 3 units elective upper division Art History, and 12 units outside the specialization.

Option in Graphic Design (code ART_BF08) (132 units)

Lower Division: AH 113A or 113B or 111C, 111A, 111B; ART 10, 130, 131, 181, 184, 187, 223.

Upper Division: ART 318, 322A, 322B, 323, 325, 326, 329, 331, 422A, 422B; Select 6 units from the following: ART 420, 442, 499S; DESN 368 and 3 units of Art History (AH); and 6 units outside the specialization.

Certificate Program in Biomedical Art (code ART_CT01)

The Certificate Program in Biomedical Art is an interdisciplinary program sponsored by the Art and Biological Sciences Departments.

Biomedical art is commissioned principally by (1) hospitals or individual researchers for publication, (2) by publishers and film and television producers serving the biomedical professions, (3) by producers of educational aids for biomedicine. Therefore, proficiency in commercial art and printing procedures including photography and typography is required.

Special permission is not required for a student to pursue the Certificate in Biomedical Art. The student may apply for certification upon completion of the following CSULB course work and conditions:

Requirements
1. A major in art or biology:
2. A 2.75 overall GPA and 3.25 in the major:
3. 34 units as listed: ART 141 (3), 149 (3), 181 (3), 184 (3), 271 (3), 372 (2), 374A (3), 374B (3), 499F (3); and BIOL 200 (4), 208 (4): the BIOL 200 is waived for Biology majors.

Co-directors of the CSULB Biomedical Art program are in Art: Peter Mendez; and in Biological Sciences: Dr. Kenneth Gregory. Questions may be addressed to them during office hours which are listed in the respective departmental offices.

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Art (code ART_MA01)
Master of Fine Arts in Art (code ART_MF01)

The Department of Art offers the Master of Arts degree with a Studio Art concentration (33 units), an Art Education concentration (30 units) and an Art History concentration (36 units). The Department also offers the Master of Fine Arts degree with a Studio Art concentration (60 units). Studio Art concentrations include emphases in: Ceramics, Drawing & Painting, Fiber, Illustration, Metals, Photography/Digital, Printmaking, Sculpture/Intermedia, and Wood.
Departmental Review Process

Admission to a degree program at CSULB is a two-part process that requires acceptance by both the department and the University into a specific degree program. (See the detailed information on CSULB graduate application and admission requirements earlier in this catalog.)

For graduate programs, the Art Department accepts applications for Fall admission only, with applications being accepted January 1 through February 1. Application forms are available on the web (www.art.csulb.edu). Application materials must be sent to the Art Department Student Services Office, FA4 - 106, not to the individual Art Department programs. Some art programs may conduct applicant interviews, in which case they will contact you directly. Acceptance decisions are normally sent out by March 15th.

Acceptance to a degree program in Art: After submitting the Art Department application materials, those who pass the program review are recommended by the faculty to be admitted as either Classified or Conditionally Classified. A Classified Graduate has satisfied all prerequisites. A Conditionally Classified Graduate has outstanding prerequisites to complete. Acceptance is not complete until the applicant files a CSU Graduate Application at the Enrollment Services Office and has received a formal letter of acceptance from this office.

NOTE: The Art Department requires a GPA of 3.0 in upper division (junior and senior level) art prerequisite units for acceptance to our graduate program. All applicants must be accepted by the Art Department in order to be officially accepted by the University. There is no fee for the departmental application process.

Foreign Students must be accepted by the Art Department and pass the TOEFL examination (minimum score of 550) before they can be admitted to the University. Foreign students must apply to CSULB through the Center for International Education at (562) 985-5476.

Degree Outside Art: Those who have a degree in another field need to complete the required Studio Art and/or Art History prerequisites to qualify for applying for the Department of Art MA or MFA degrees.

University Admissions Process: Applicants must file a complete application as described in the California State University Graduate Admissions booklet. CSU general requirements include: a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; a grade point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester units taken; and good standing at the last college attended.

The open filing periods (at the Enrollment Services Office, Brotman Hall) begin: October 1st for the following Fall semester. Call (562) 985-4145 or 1655 to obtain a CSU application booklet or apply online at www.csumentor.edu There is a $55.00 fee for the University application process. (Do not send the Art Department this fee; we will send it back to you.)

MA and MFA Prerequisites
1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. A minimum of 36 units in Art, including at least 30 at the upper division (300-400) level, and a GPA of 3.0 in upper division Art and Art History units.

Specific prerequisites for each major:

Art Education applicants must complete 36 units in a combination of Studio Art, Education and Art History classes comparable to those required for an Art Education major at this university:

15 upper division units (junior & senior level) approved by the Art Education faculty
9 upper division units of Art or Education electives
12 units Art History (6 may be lower division, 6 must be upper division)
36 total units required

Art History applicants must complete 36 units comparable to those required for an Art History major at this university:
15 upper division units in Art History, which must include
AH 307- Historiography in Art and either AH 308 - Art Theory or
AH 309 - Art Criticism.
9 upper division units of Art or Art History electives
12 units (or the equivalent) of foreign language
36 total units required

NOTE: Art History majors must complete two years (or a minimum of 12 units) of college-level French or German with an average grade of “B” or better, or pass the Art History In-house Foreign Language Exam within the first year of study. (With approval from the Art History faculty, another language may be substituted.)

Studio Art applicants must complete 36 units in Studio Art and Art History comparable to those required for a Studio Art major at this university:
15 (for MA) or 18 (for MFA) upper division units in the specific program area plus the prerequisites for those courses
9 (for MA) or 6 (for MFA) upper division units of Art electives
12 units Art History (6 may be lower division, 6 must be upper division)
36 total units required

Departmental Application Requirements

Art Education: Submit the Department of Art application, a writing sample, a portfolio of studio work, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation

Art History: Submit the Department of Art application, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation

Studio Art: Submit the Department of Art application, a portfolio of studio work, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation

A faculty list is available on the website; contact the appropriate professor if you need particular information on a specific program.

Transcripts

When you formally apply to the University, two official (sealed) sets are required; send one to Enrollment Services and one to the Art Department.

Transfer Units

With faculty approval, up to six post-baccalaureate units from another university may be accepted into the MA degree program and up to 24 units (for example, from a previous MA degree) into the MFA degree program. In the case of an existing MA degree from CSULB, the total of 30 units will be accepted into the MFA degree.

MA and MFA Degree Requirements

1. Successful completion of all MA or MFA course requirements (selection of classes determined by the student and the three faculty members on their Graduate Committee). These include:
Art Education Concentration for the MA

30 units of approved graduate and asterisked (*) upper division units to include a minimum of 18 in the major. At least 60% of the 30 units must be 500/600 level courses taken at CSULB, and must include ART 509A or 509B, 601A and 601B. 6 units of graduate level Art History beyond the 12 units taken as prerequisites, to complete a cumulative total of 18 units. Final requirements are the completion of a written Thesis or a Project with a Project Report, documentation, orals and comprehensive exam (ART 698A).

Art History Concentration for the MA

36 units of approved graduate and asterisked (*) upper division units to include a minimum of 18 units in the major, and 6 units in AH 597 Seminar. At least 60% of the 30 units must be 500/600 level courses taken at CSULB. Satisfying foreign language proficiency (see Advancement requirements below). The final requirement is the completion of a written Thesis (AH 698). For advancement candidacy, a student must exhibit writing and research skills.

Museum Studies Emphasis

36 units of approved graduate and asterisked (*) upper division units to include 18 units of specially tracked 500 level courses in museum studies and practices, which include an internship and exhibition. Three Art History courses are also required (AH 310*, 539, and 597). A minimum of 3 additional units in upper division Art History or another approved elective is also required. Satisfying foreign language proficiency as outlined by the MA in Art History. The final requirement is the completion of a written Thesis (AH 698).

Studio Art Concentration for the MA

33 units of approved graduate and asterisked (*) upper division units to include a minimum of 21 in the major. 6 units of graduate level Art History beyond the 12 units taken as prerequisites, to complete a cumulative total of 18 units. Final requirements are the completion of a Project (ART 698B) and presentation of a Project Exhibition (ART 692) with a written Artist’s Statement.

Studio Art Concentration for the MFA

60 units of approved graduate and asterisked (*) upper division units to include a minimum of 36 in the major. At least 60% of the 60 units must be 500/600 numbers taken at CSULB. Six units of graduate level Art History beyond the 12 units taken as prerequisites are required, for a cumulative total of 18 units. Six units in Art Department Graduate Seminar courses 690A & B are also required for the MFA program. Final requirements are the completion of a Project and Project Report (ART 699), and the Project Exhibition (ART 692).

2. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0, with no grade below a "C".
3. Successful fulfillment of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR), usually completed in the first semester in residence at CSULB and required to be fulfilled prior to Advancement to Candidacy.
4. Successful completion of an Advancement to Candidacy review. Reviews occur after taking 15 MA units or 30 MFA units and require the submission of a complete list of coursework for the master’s degree. Additional advancement requirements:

• Art Education majors satisfy assigned written topics and prepare an oral defense of their research.
• Art History majors present a qualifying paper and satisfy the language requirement in either French or German (or an approved substitution).
• Studio Art majors participate in a group exhibition in the Art Department galleries and present an oral defense of their work.

If all scheduled units for the MA or MFA degree have been completed but the final written component has not been approved and submitted, registration in GS-700 (I unit, no credit) through University Extension is required in order to maintain in enrollment until the semester of graduation. Care should be taken not to exceed the University limit of seven years for all masters’ degrees.

Additional information may be found in the “Department of Art Graduate Guidelines,” given to each student accepted into a master’s program.

Graduate Certificate Program in Museum Studies (code ART_CT02)

The Certificate Program in Museum Studies is primarily directed toward graduate students in Art History and the visual arts, but does not exclude students in other fields. The specifically tracked course of study has an emphasis placed primarily on contemporary art. The certificate can be pursued on its own or as a complement to the M.A. or M.F.A. degree. Admission to the program is by permission of the Museum Studies faculty and the head of the Art History Program. Interested students are directed to the Art History Graduate Advisor for an application.

Requirements

A total of 30 units to include: ART 545A-B, AH 530, 531, 542 (Museum Internship), 539, and 597; plus one course selected from AH 307 or 310, and additional units selected from AH 599Q or other art history courses, subject to the approval of the Museum Studies faculty.