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Art

Painting. Drawing. Sculpting. Designing. Creative pursuits driven by skill and vision. If you have a passion for crafting your vision into works of art, consider an art degree from Dordt. It will prepare you to turn your passion into a career.

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Female student working outside on a drawing

Program Overview

As an art major at Dordt, you’ll learn how to compose eye-catching designs. Designs that convey emotion. Creativity. Skill. And professionalism. You won’t simply make art. You'll learn how your skills can craft a response of praise to God. You’ll learn to create beauty in the world around you.

Dordt’s art and design coursework includes a balance of classroom learning, training in digital media programs, and hands-on work. You’ll have opportunities for internships. You’ll design for local companies and organizations. And you’ll create real, practical work before you graduate, so you’re ready to succeed in the workforce.

Female student sits with her drawing while listening to her professor

What can I do with an art degree from Dordt University?

After graduating from Dordt, you'll be ready to pursue a career in fine art, graphic design, art education, or architecture. You’ll have opportunities to combine your love for creativity with a rewarding professional future. Most importantly, Dordt’s professors will help you understand how you can use the creativity process to glorify God in everything you do.

Dordt’s art and design degree offers a Christ-centered art program where your creativity reflects the glory of God. Our program had a career outcome rate of 100 percent in 2021. Why? Because we focus on preparing students for a successful career and helping them pursue a job they’ll love.

Artist

An Artist uses their expertise and creative mind to create different forms and pieces of art.

Art Director

An Art Director is responsible for determining which photographs, art, or other design elements to use in different layouts.

Animator

An Animator will typically use illustrations and computer programs to create graphics and animations.

Program Options

Art & Design Major

Through Dordt's art program, you'll be prepared to take the next step in your career, whether that looks like graduate school, entering the workforce, or perfecting your craft.

With a degree in art, initially, you'll take courses that will help you develop your fundamentals in all aspects of art, including design, painting, photography, drawing, and more. As you move through the program, you'll lean into your specific interests, as you work toward perfecting your craft.

Art majors have opportunities to find internships at local companies and production firms and can choose to participate in the Chicago Semester Program, where you will work in an internship, build your portfolio, and gain practical experience.

To learn more, you can also view the program strengths and learning outcomes for this program.

Our graduates work as designers, publishers, printers, teachers, and studio artists. Combining art with another major such as psychology could lead to a career in art therapy, while art and businesses or communication could lead to marketing or art director positions.

Graduates from Dordt’s art program have worked for businesses like Global Reach, Lemonly, Staples Promotional Products, and Unitron.

The career outcome rate for our art and design graduates in 2021 was 100 percent.

A degree in art will require students to complete classes in a variety of topics including design theory, drawing, and art history. These classes include various studios and hands-on experience. In addition, each student will choose an emphasis with additional classes in their area of interest.

Design Theory: Manipulation of two-dimensional design through the use of the basic art elements: line, shape, value, color, texture, and space. The course is intended to develop a visual vocabulary and an imaginative approach to design.

Drawing I: Acquiring the basic skills of drawing through an objective investigation of reality. Common media and tools are used.

Art History: Contemporary Art and Architecture: This is the third course in a historical survey of art and architecture. The course will begin with the foundations of modernism in the last half of the 19th century and then cover the plurality of styles in the 20th century.

Senior Seminar in Art: A critical examination of contemporary problems and trends in the field of art. The course will include readings, discussions, a paper or presentation, critique of current exhibitions, and a senior art show.

See the course catalog for more information.

Art Minor

Dordt’s art and design minor offers a Christ-centered art education where your creativity reflects the glory of God. It also combines fluidly with a number of majors Dordt offers, helping you become a well-rounded and successful professional in the working world.

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Two female students sit outside and draw next to each other

Education Emphasis

If teaching and art are your passions, there are many options to combine an education degree with an art specialization at Dordt. This combination will prepare you for a career as an art teacher.

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Female student sits outside and sketches on a sunny day

Ready to take the next step?

Faculty

With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed.

Student Stories

Dordt students and alumni use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Check out their stories to see how Defender Nation lives out our mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

A picture of Hope Kramer

Leap of Faith

Hope Kramer

After struggling with the practicality of art being a career, Hope's first year at Dordt allowed her to take the leap of faith she needed to pursue God's calling and develop the skills and relationships that would last her a lifetime.

Hope Kramer

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A picture of Jenna Stephens

Taking Chances

Jenna Stephens

Coming to Dordt with little art experience, Jenna was able to learn and grow as an artist over her four years and develop all the skills she needed to find a successful career after college.

Jenna Stephens

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A picture of Sara De Waal

Looking the World Back to Grace

Sara de Waal

Sara overcomes challenging task to finish her degree

Sara de Waal

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Connect with us

Submit your information to request more information about Dordt and this program. We'll also use this information to connect you with your admissions counselor!

Plus, we'll send you our e-book, "Top Things to Look for in an Art & Design Program." 🙌

Related Programs

Still looking for the right fit? Here are some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.