ArtFest 2025

Join us Friday, May 16 for a day of art and community. More info.

Art & Design at WOU

Western Oregon University’s Art & Design program offers BA and BFA degrees. You can focus on studio art, visual communication design, or art education. Explore a combination of traditional art making and digital design tools, choosing from classes and degree options that fit your goals and interests.

Students thrive at WOU thanks to small class sizes, personalized support, and individual attention. Together we build the skills and creative thinking that guide a life of communication and expression.

Apply now! Admission to WOU is the only requirement for entering the Art & Design program.

For more information, please send us an email: art@mail.wou.edu

Art & Design faculty are happy to answer your questions, schedule a Zoom meeting or phone call, or give you a tour of our facilities on the beautiful WOU campus in Monmouth, Oregon.

This is a caring and welcoming community where fine art and professional design are interconnected. Whether you’re just beginning college, transferring from another school, or coming back after some time away, this program is designed for you.

Degree options in Art & Design

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art & Design is a flexible degree that expands your creative skillset and lets you choose from a wide range of courses.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art & Design goes further in depth, with additional studio courses and art history.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Visual Communication Design shares the same foundations as the Art & Design BA, and then focuses intensely on graphic design and digital media in advanced coursework.

Art & Design Education Concentration is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art & Design that combines studio art & design with Education courses, leading directly to licensure for K-12 teaching. Perfect if you want to teach Art & Design in K-12 schools. Specific academic advising is required (contact Professor Jodie Garrison: garrisonj@wou.edu).

Apply now! Admission to WOU is all that is necessary to enter the Art & Design program.

Areas of study

Regularly offered courses include:

Graphic design
Drawing & illustration
Video & animation
Painting
Art education
Ceramics
Printmaking
Sculpture
Art history
Digital images & photography
Web design
Print design
Other special topics

The Art & Design program is broad and flexible, but also allows for specialization. It’s well-suited to serve as a four-year experience, or as a continuation of community college studies. Each degree path blends hands-on studio work with key knowledge of context.

As a student, you’ll first build a solid base in design fundamentals and art history. Then, you’ll explore a wide variety of ideas and techniques. Next, you’ll choose your favorite topics and skills to study in-depth. And finally, you’ll cap your experience with valuable professional preparation.

Apply now! Admission to WOU is all that is necessary to enter the Art & Design program.