Art & Design Major: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Program Type: Undergraduate

Degree Awarded: B.A. in Art and Design | B.F.A. in Art and Design | B.S. in Art and Design

Areas of Study:

Because expression and communication are everything, we have art and we have design.

Our faculty is comprised of professional artists, designers and art historians who are committed to the teaching mission of NKU. They bring their creative and scholarly interests to the classroom and studio in ways that provide exciting and thought-provoking ideas that both inform and challenge.

At the heart of every creative person is the need to be seen and heard. Whether educating, creating art, expressing ideas, or communicating messages through media or experiences, enriching communities and the world is the outcome. At SOTA, you will grow in knowledge, craft, creativity, and strength of vision. And the power of our curriculum is built on its profound connections. From personal student-faculty and peer-to-peer relationships that endure well past graduation to collaborations that transform you into thinkers and practitioners, Art and Design is the program for those searching for life-long achievement.

Program Contacts

Brad McCombs
Program Head
mccombsr1@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Gina Erardi

Graduating Year: 2020

Education: BFA Painting

"I chose NKU's Visual Arts program first and foremost because of its professors. I researched their personal artwork and found a diverse array of styles unified by their respective excellence. I believed that these artists and teachers could expand my perspective and lead me towards a path that would elevate my own unique skill set, which is exactly what happened. I am eternally grateful for Kevin Muente, JeeEun Lee, Marc Leone, and Steven Finke."

Gina recently brought her mural design for the Newport Flood Wall on Dave Cowens Drive to completion for the city's 225th Anniversary! This mural, entitled "Education Empowers", tells the story of the Southgate Street School; the original building stands today and is now the home of the Newport History Museum. It was the first and only school for Black children in Newport immediately following the Civil War. The 19-panel wall will eventually become a chronological timeline of Newport's rich history.

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Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

Student working on a painting in classroom.

Professional exposure through industry-focused internships from galleries, design studios, agencies, and assisting artists.
Programs led by award-winning, experienced faculty of practicing artists, designers, animators, and photographers.
The curriculum focuses on creativity and pragmatism that build foundations and help jump-start your career in the $760 billion arts economy.
Our Visual Communication Design program is rated the best graphic design program in Kentucky. * 2022 rankings released by Animation Career Review.

Keep Exploring. Visit the Art & Design Website.