UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2023-2024

Mission Statement

The CSUN Department of Art and Design is committed to providing students with the necessary knowledge, skills, perspectives and understandings associated with the visual arts to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

About the Department

The goals of the Department of Art and Design are to establish and develop for students an inclusive and balanced program in visual art, which encompass three areas of study: art education, art history and visual arts.

Students are taught to experience and value visual thinking and creative problem solving in art, as well as to recognize the concurrent importance of perception, experimentation, innovation and critical thinking. Students will also understand the history and traditions of art, with their relevance to social and community concerns, as well as the art of different cultures.

Primary areas of study include animation, art education, art history, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, illustration, painting, photography/video, printmaking and sculpture.

Academic Advisement

All Art majors are recommended to meet with a faculty advisor each semester. Lower division Art majors (29-59 units) will have a mandatory hold placed on their class registration each semester, requiring an appointment with the department academic advisor for clearance. All students are highly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor and faculty advisor to ensure the completion of requirements for graduation. Appointments are booked through the Art Advisement Center located in AC 100, (818) 677-2348.

Careers

The programs in the Department of Art and Design prepare students for a range of opportunities in the creative economy. Students develop careers in a wide variety of academic, professional and entertainment fields, including animation, game design, branding, graphic design, illustration, photography, video, public art, studio arts, museum and gallery practices, art writing, art publishing and art education. In addition to coursework, internships, exhibitions, portfolio reviews, club events and guest speakers teach students real-world professional practices for the field.

Accreditation

The department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

International Studies

The Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication supports the concept of international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the college and/or certain general education requirements.

Students should consult the International Programs Bulletin, which is available through the International and Exchange Student Center departmental advisor, or the campus International Programs advisor, for more information.

Contact

Department of Art and Design
Chair: Samantha Fields
Art and Design Center (ADC) 120
(818) 677-2242