Frequently Asked Questions
Why Study Art at CSU?
Our well-rounded approach to teaching art will help you grow, reach your potential, and make an impact on your communities and the world. Our program balances big ideas with practical skills so you learn both the “how” and the “why” behind your art. As a department in the College of Liberal Arts, we engage with humanity’s biggest questions and explore what it means to be human in the present moment and what it means for the future of our world.
We offer four different degrees and 10 studio concentrations, which allows you to experiment with different art-making mediums, research the history of art, develop a personal studio practice, and gain invaluable skills for life and career.
What will the first year be like?
When you first start studying art at CSU, you’ll be immersed in our Foundations program. This program is designed to spark your creativity and encourage you to think across different disciplines. You'll explore what it really means to be creative by experimenting, researching, and connecting with art history as you begin developing your unique studio practice.
Not only will you grow your ideas, but you'll also pick up new skills and techniques in various mediums. You'll learn about color, observation, form, composition, time, structure, materials, and space in hands-on ways.
The Foundations Program is all about helping you think critically, take creative risks, explore both yourself and the world around you, and get involved with both traditional and modern art-making techniques.
How Do I Find Other People Like Me?
As an incoming art major, you will find a warm and welcoming community of artists, makers, thinkers, and scholars who are dedicated to the pursuits of artmaking, education, design, and research. We believe in the transformative nature of community and encourage our students to engage in the arts community on local, regional, national, and international levels.
What About Financial Aid and Scholarships?
Campus life at CSU is rich, with ample opportunities to meet other passionate, dedicated students. Many of our students participate in internships or service-learning opportunities relating directly to their area of study or enjoy the collegiality offered through student art organizations.
Incoming first-year students have the option to join the Arts & Creative Expression (ACE) community, a residential learning community housed in Parmelee Hall.
ADDITIONALLY, CSU IS HOME TO MANY ORGANIZATIONS AND CENTERS THAT PROVIDE SUPPORT TO STUDENTS DURING THEIR TIME AT CSU
What art facilities does CSU have?
Our building, the Visual Arts Building, is a laboratory. It provides space for professional quality artmaking practices, collaboration with peers and faculty, original research, and hands-on learning. Each of our concentrations has their own dedicated spaces and equipment that house tools to master traditional fine art and craft techniques alongside innovative technologies such as digital fabrication and 3D printing.
Our Digital Fabrication Lab supports all our students in bringing their abstract vision to concrete reality. Plus, the Nancy Richardson Design Center is right across the street, allowing you to discover technologies that support your studies and your career.
Are there galleries to show my work?
Yes! We have a dedicated space, the Mini Gallery, that exclusively exhibits student work. There are new shows every week during the school year, and it provides our students with the chance to conceptualize, curate, design, and hang their own show, either on their own or in collaboration with other students.
The five galleries housed in the Visual Arts Building give our students access to the works of visiting artists and allow an intimate look at the work of faculty and graduate students.
Also, there are numerous, first-hand experiences of art through the many galleries and museums on campus. Our partnership with the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art offers an immersive experience in art history and theory. Many of our students do an internship with the museum staff, or take classes that provide them with direct museum-based experience.
What Minors are available?
There are so many minors to choose from to enhance your studies.
Certificate of Art History
Intended for students enrolled in studio art, the Certificate of Art History offers visual literacy and research and writing skills that will complement a studio artist’s or an art educator’s primary course of study.
The Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies Certificate
The Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies Certificate provides students with a broad background in museum and cultural heritage studies. Offered by Anthropology & Geography, it is excellent preparation for entry-level careers in museums and similar venues that promote public outreach and education.
Minor in Business
Offered by the College of Business, the Minor in Business Administration will help you develop a broad overview of professional skills, or you can simultaneously earn a certificate in business-to-business sales or entrepreneurship.
The College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts offers 35 minors that can enhance any course of study. Popular minors include Information Science & Technology, Global Environmental Sustainability, Media Studies, Music, Stage & Sports Production, and Creative Writing.
What can I do with an
art degree?
As working artists, art historians, educators, and researchers, we know the challenges of what it means to be passionate about the arts in our culture today. Our faculty and staff come from diverse backgrounds and are full of specialized knowledge that supports our students’ curiosity, expression, research, and craft. We have all followed our own paths and we want to help you start on yours.
From art director to web designer, curator to small business owner, our alumni choose varying career paths and are engaged in exciting and interesting work all over the world.
How does the art department help me build my career?
All our degree programs provide our students with a wide range of desirable job skills. They include time management and organization; basic project management; research; visual, written, and verbal communication skills; emotional intelligence; giving and receiving constructive criticism; problem solving; and critical thinking, among many others.
In every class, you will have conversations with faculty and learn how to utilize the skills you’ve learned in class in your career. Our Undergrad Professional Practices Seminar is a how-to, behind the scenes look at supporting yourself as an artist. Topics include strategic planning, statement, resume/CV building, networking, documenting work, gallery submissions, artwork installation and shipping practices, finances, and marketing.
WILL THERE BE REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES?
Our elective internship program provides valuable real-life experience with trusted employers in and around the Fort Collins community. With the support of a faculty sponsor and through self-reflection exercises, you’ll learn how your classwork connects to the day-to-day responsibilities of a job and understand how valuable your skills are to employers.
as part of the college of liberal arts, you will have access to career resources to help you build a resume, find jobs, and get career counseling
How do i get in?
Our admissions requirements have the same procedure and academic standard as the rest of the university.
Applications are accepted through the university’s online system at the link below, which includes information on how, where, and what you need to apply, as well as current deadlines. We do not currently require an entrance portfolio for undergraduate students.
What financial aid is available?
Our scholarships are generously funded by both donors and the university. Currently, the art-specific scholarships are intended for students enrolled in Art and Art History but there are general CSU scholarships available for incoming freshman. We hope to change this in the future but for now, please refer to the CSU’s general information for financial aid and scholarship page.
The Blake Leadership Scholars Program is rewarded to first-time incoming students who have applied for admission to a major in the College of Liberal Arts. It recognizes outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and community engagement in high school. The program enriches the participant’s education with $12,000 worth of scholarship funding over 4 years and provides access to internships, study abroad options, faculty mentorship, and opportunities for undergraduate research. Art and Art History has had 6 of our students participate in the program, and we encourage all qualified incoming students to apply.
