Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Art (Major, Minor) | BA

  • Art History
  • School: MGSA
  • Program Code: 080
  • Degree Type: BA
  • Program Type: Minor, Major
  • Program Summary: The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in visual arts gives you the opportunity to explore the materials, techniques, places, events, and images that form the basis for understanding the artist’s position in the modern world. School of Arts and Sciences students can undertake a B.A. major in visual arts upon acceptance by the Visual Arts Department. Students are not required to declare a concentration; rather the program emphasizes the fundamental principals of visual arts both in studio courses and in art history. Proximity to New York and Philadelphia gives you access to a faculty of renowned professional artists and designers, prestigious museums, galleries, visiting artists, and critics. You'll begin with foundation studio courses, which will familiarize you with core concepts and basic skills in preparation for a rigorous studio practice. The curriculum emphasizes the study of drawing, color, and composition and the exploration of spatial dynamics and temporal qualities while encouraging experimentation and critical inquiry.

  • Department Approval- Students must submit a portfolio for review by the MGSA Visual Arts faculty before they can declare a major in Art. Submitting a portfolio does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Portfolio review dates usually can be found on MGSA website. Students are not accepted for the spring semester. Students can find portfolio requirements on the Mason Gross website under "Your Portfolio." Students must also have a cumulative average of 2.0.

  • Department Approval- Students must submit a statement of purpose for admission to the art minor. Statements should be uploaded to https://forms.gle/3ZqPmrtxcbfPrTmC8. Please submit a statement, maximum 650 words, which includes a description of who you are and your experiences of art. It should also set out your major academic goals, including your reasons for becoming an art minor. Be sure to include your name, Rutgers ID number, class year, school, major, Rutgers email and cell phone number after your statement.

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this: 


    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

     

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Department

    Introroduction to Art History, Prehistory to 1400

    01:082:105

    3

    		 Art History (082)

    Introduction to Art History, 1400 to present

    01:082:106

    3

    		 Art History (082)

     

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Chemistry of Art 01:160:127 3 Chemistry (160)
    General Psychology 01:830:101 3 Psychology (830)
    Dinosaurs 01:460:206 3 Geological Sciences (460)

     

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects. 

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.

    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:

    American Studies (050)

    African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Languages and Literatures (013)

    History (510)

    Psychology (830)

    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed

    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering. 

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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