2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Art and Design
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Cynthia Clabough, Chair
233B Tyler Hall
315-312-2111
www.oswego.edu/art
Directory of Professors
At Oswego, we strive to empower students to navigate their projects and research interests by offering programs that support both breadth and depth of study. Studio offerings include Drawing, Design, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interaction Design, Multimedia Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Ceramics, Sculpture, and Web Design.
Our Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees are designed to foster interdisciplinary learning for students interested in a broad range of study options. These degrees, rooted in the Liberal Arts tradition, allow students to explore other areas of interest or emerging career options that require a general understanding of various disciplines. The possibilities are endless, with options like arts management, expressive arts therapy, psychology, broadcasting, public relations, communications, cinema; screen study, marketing, and technology — to name a few.
For students who are passionate about Art and design and want a degree that will enhance their creative skills, our Bachelor of Fine Art (B.F.A.) degree programs are the perfect choice. These programs offer intense study of various design theories, practices, and mediums, preparing students for professional careers in Fine Arts, Illustration, Graphic Design, and Interaction Design.
Students in the B.F.A. Fine Arts track must complete a concentration in a specific area. Choices include Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Art Education, and Interdisciplinary. Students wanting to be K-12 educators typically pursue the Master of Art Teaching (M.A.T.) in Art. Students in the illustration track select from courses in traditional media, digital media, and 3-D modeling, as well as elective study in various classes that relate to their interests.
Students in the B.F.A. Graphic Design program concentrate on the study and practice of contemporary graphic design theory, techniques, and applications. The program prepares graduates for positions in the visual communications industry. It focuses on graphic design from a traditional perspective but also allows elective study in web, interaction design, multimedia design, photography, and illustration. Graduates of the program have found employment in several graphic communication fields in large and small companies and institutions throughout the country.
Interaction Design B.F.A. students explore the intersection of storytelling, technology, communication, and design. The study includes a combination of theory and practice that moves beyond the visual to explore all interaction and motion design aspects. Program graduates may enter fields such as UX (user experience), UI (user interface), XR (extended reality), multimedia design, motion design, web design, product design, 3-D design and printing, and other emerging fields.
B.F.A. studies also focus on the latest developments in art theory, criticism, and art history. Students are introduced to various media through intensive, hands-on classroom experience in well-equipped studio facilities. Through discussions and critiques, students advance from foundation studies to specialize in a medium of their choice. In addition, students use the numerous work-study, assistantship, and study-abroad programs to gain valuable practical experience. Graduates of the program have been accepted into well-known M.F.A. programs. Students often go on to become K-12 teachers, college professors, gallery workers, illustrators, animators, motion graphic artists, and self-employed artists, to name a few.
The B.F.A.degree programs are competitive, and interested students must submit a portfolio to be accepted. Prospective students should direct questions to the Department of Art and Design office. Incoming students can apply through the SUNY Oswego Application Portal. Oswego students seeking admission to a B.F.A. degree after coming to Oswego are accepted through an applicaton process directed by the department. Students can submit a B.F.A. application online at www.oswego.edu/art/admissions-0
Facilities
The Department of Art and Design is located in Tyler Hall and Hewitt Hall.
Tyler Hall
Tyler Hall is filled with vibrant and creative activity, offering dedicated studios for foundation design, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, painting, printmaking, and photography. This inspiring building also boasts three state-of-the-art digital imaging labs, a fully equipped woodshop, and a student gallery, alongside the prestigious Tyler Art Gallery. Throughout the academic year, these spaces come alive with a rich array of exhibitions, showcasing the talents and innovative works of our artist community.
Hewitt Hall
Hewitt Hall is a dynamic hub for the Art & Design Department, dedicated to nurturing creativity and innovation in our Graphic Design, Interaction Design, and Illustration programs. This inspiring environment not only supports our established curricula but also encourages exploration of cutting-edge media, empowering students to push boundaries and expand their artistic horizons.
Our studios are fully equipped to support all areas of study within our department. Our state-of-the-art digital labs facilitate a variety of activities that align with contemporary standards and emerging media forms. Students have access to these facilities seven days a week and can apply for on-campus studio space. Additionally, our department offers “maker spaces” to help students prepare their portfolios and provides resources for framing, printing (including 2D, 3D, laser, and fabric), digital photography, audio/video production, and sensor technology for interactive projects.
The Department of Art and Design cosponsors the following programs.
Major
Minor
Microcredential
Art
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