Curriculum
Department of Arts Degree Pathway Overview
Fine Arts Major (B.A.) and Graphic Arts Major (B.A.)
Students who pursue the Graphic Arts B.A. are typically interested in creative work that connects directly to industry, including design, branding, product development, UX/VR/AR and digital media. Students who choose the Fine Arts B.A. focus on individual studio practice and creative expression, though they may also engage in design and digital work through their selected concentrations. Both degrees share a strong foundation in traditional and digital arts, with guided advising to help students choose pathways that fit their goals and to prepare for professional creative fields or future studies.
Example 1: A Fine Arts B.A. student might pair the Studio Arts concentration with Intermedia and Photography.
Example 2: A Graphic Arts B.A. student might combine Experience and Product Design (AI/UX/UI) with Communication Design (Brand Systems, Publishing, Arts Management).
Required Foundations Courses (12 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| AR-127 | Intro to the Visual Arts | 3 |
| AR-159 | 2-D Design/Color Theory | 3 |
| AR-204 | Digital Arts Foundations | 3 |
| AR-430 | Senior Thesis / Portfolio | 3 |
| Presentation (Final Requirement) |
Two Concentrations Requirement:
Choose Two (24 credits). Three concentrations possible with advisor approval.
| Two Concentrations (12 credits each) — see approved options below | 24 | |
| Open Arts Electives (advisor-approved): | 9 | |
| Credit Summary: | ||
| Total Major Credits | 45 | |
| University Core Curriculum | 45 | |
| Open Electives | 30 | |
| Total Degree Credits | 30 | |
| Required Courses (12 credits) | 120 |
Concentrations (Choose Two – 12 Credits Each)
Intermedia & Photography – 12 Credits
This concentration develops a comprehensive foundation in lens-based and hybrid image-making across traditional, digital, and emerging media. Coursework integrates photographic principles, studio and location lighting, time-based processes, and advanced post-production to support work in fine art, documentary, editorial, and design contexts. Students learn to move fluidly between still and moving images, explore narrative and conceptual strategies, and build a professional workflow suitable for contemporary creative industries. This concentration is ideal for students pursuing careers in media production, advertising and design, digital content creation, gallery and museum practice, or independent fine art work.
Open to both Fine Arts and Graphic Arts majors.
| AR-155 | Intro to Photography | 3 |
| AR-258 | Studio Photography | 3 |
| AR-375 | Camera RAW | 3 |
| AR-369 | 3D Printing & Sculpting | 3 |
| OR | Advisor‑Approved Substitution | 3 |
Experience & Product Design (AI/UX/UI) – 12 Credits
Focuses on user‑centered design and interactive systems with hands‑on work in web, mobile, and prototyping. Best for students interested in UX/UI design, digital product development, or creative technology careers that connect art, design, and functionality.
Open to both Fine Arts and Graphic Arts majors.
| AR-350 | Typography & Infographics | 3 |
| AR-381 | Art of Web Design | 3 |
| AR-370 | Mobile App Design | 3 |
| AR-391 | User Experience | 3 |
| OR | Advisor‑Approved Substitution | 3 |
Immersive & Spatial Media (AI/AR/VR & Fabrication) – 12 Credits
Blends augmented/mixed reality with 3D fabrication and spatial design to connect digital and material experience. Students explore virtual environments, installations, and physical computing to create interactive, spatially aware works. Best for students passionate about emerging media, immersive storytelling, spatial computing, or AR/VR design for education, entertainment, or public art. This is a flagship, future‑facing concentration that strengthens Saint Peter’s leadership in creative technology.
Open to both Fine Arts and Graphic Arts majors.
| AR-320 | Augmented Reality | 3 |
| AR-369 | 3D Printing & Sculpting | 3 |
| AR-370 | Mobile App Design | 3 |
| AR-391 | User Experience | 3 |
| OR | Advisor‑Approved Substitution | 3 |
Communication Design (Brand Systems, Publishing, Arts Management) – 12 Credits
Examines typographic systems, visual identity, and integrated communication across print and digital platforms. Students learn how design functions within business, publishing, and arts organizations. Best for students pursuing careers in branding, visual communication, design strategy, or arts marketing.
Open to Graphic Arts majors; Fine Arts majors may participate with advisor approval.
| AR-350 | Typography & Infographics | 3 |
| AR-368 | Graphic Design | 3 |
| AR-381 | Art of Web Design | 3 |
| AR-258 | Studio Photography | 3 |
| OR | Advisor‑Approved Substitution | 3 |
Studio Arts (Traditional & Experimental Media) – 12 Credits
Centers on drawing, painting, and sculpture with emphasis on craftsmanship, materials, and personal voice. Students develop studio skills and explore the connections between traditional practice and new technologies. Best for students interested in studio practice, gallery exhibition, or graduate study in the visual arts.
Open to Fine Arts majors; Graphic Arts majors may take as an elective concentration.
| AR-160 | Drawing | 3 |
| AR-166 | Sculpture | 3 |
| AR-265 | Painting | 3 |
| AR-369 | 3D Printing & Sculpting | 3 |
| OR | Advisor‑Approved Substitution | 3 |
Art History (Writing Intensive) – 12 Credits
Emphasizes research, analysis, and writing through the study of historical and contemporary art in cultural context. Best for students considering graduate study, museum or gallery work, curatorial practice, or arts writing.
Open to all majors.
| AR-212 | Renaissance Art II | 3 |
| AR-215 | Medieval Art | 3 |
| AR-340 | Visual Arts in America | 3 |
| AR-384 | Art & Buddhism | 3 |
| OR | Advisor‑Approved Substitution | 3 |
Minors (18 credits each)
Arts Management Minor
| AR-127 | Intro to the Visual Arts | 3 |
| AR-204 | Digital Arts Foundations | 3 |
| AR-214 | Art Advertising and Design | 3 |
| AR-232 | Digital Marketing Design Tools | 3 |
| AR-381 | Art of Web Design | 3 |
| AR-391 | User Experience | 3 |
| Total Minor Credits: | 18 |
Graphic Arts Minor
| AR-127 | Intro to the Visual Arts | 3 |
| AR-204 | Digital Arts Foundations | 3 |
| AR-159 | 2-D Design / Color Theory | 3 |
| AR-232 | Digital Marketing Design Tools | 3 |
| AR-350 | Typography | 3 |
| AR-368 | Graphic Design | 3 |
| Total Minor Credits: | 18 |
Music Minor
| AR-128 | Intro to Music | 3 |
| Music Electives | 15 | |
| Total Minor Credits: | 18 |
Visual Arts Minor
| AR-127 | Intro to the Visual Arts | 3 |
| AR-159 | 2-D Design / Color Theory | 3 |
| AR-160 | Drawing & Composition Workshop | 3 |
| AR-166 | Sculpture Workshop | 3 |
| AR-171 | Live Model Figure Drawing Workshop | 3 |
| AR-265 | Painting Studio | 3 |
| Total Minor Credits: | 18 |
Art History Minor
| AR-211 | Renaissance Art I | 3 |
| AR-212 | Renaissance Art II | 3 |
| AR-215 | Medieval Art | 3 |
| AR-229 | Baroque Art | 3 |
| AR-340 | The Visual Arts in America | 3 |
| AR-384 | Art and Buddhism | 3 |
| Total Minor Credits: | 18 |
Courses
Music & Performance Courses
- AR-128 Intro to Music
- AR-151 College Chorale I
- AR-152 College Chorale II
- AR-153 College Chorale III
- AR-154 College Chorale IV
- AR-175 Fundamentals of Acting I
- AR-250 Live Performance Art
- AR-255 Live Musical Art
- AR-260 Music Theory I
- AR-265 Group Singing I
- AR-266 Group Singing II
- AR-273 Rock History
- AR-282 Beginning Piano
- AR-382 Piano Workshop
Graphic Arts / Design / Digital Media Courses
- AR-204 Digital Arts Foundations
- AR-214 Art Advertising and Design
- AR-220 Introduction to Computer Art
- AR-224 Digital Imaging With Photoshop
- AR-230 Marketing for Artists
- AR-232 Art of Digital Publishing
- AR-242 Computer Illustrator
- AR-267 History of Graphic Art
- AR-300 Ethics in Art & Artificial Intelligence
- AR-305 AI’s Ethical Impact in the Arts
- AR-320 Augmented Reality
- AR-339 Graphic Publishing The PAVAN
- AR-350 Typography
- AR-367 Advertising and Packaging Design
- AR-368 Graphic Design
- AR-369 3D Printing & Sculpting
- AR-370 Mobile App Design
- AR-371 Graphics and Digital Marketing
- AR-381 Art of Web Design
- AR-383 Animation Production
- AR-391 User Experience
Studio Arts (Drawing / Painting / Sculpture / 3D) Courses
- AR-131 Beginning Painting
- AR-140 Figure Structure Workshop
- AR-159 2-D Design/Color Theory
- AR-160 Drawing & Composition Workshop
- AR-161 Painting Workshop
- AR-162 Painting and Drawing Workshop
- AR-165 Figure Painting Workshop
- AR-166 Sculpture Workshop
- AR-171 Live Model Figure Drawing Workshop
- AR-172 Landscape Ptg Wshp
- AR-279 Watercolor Painting
- AR-369 3D Printing and Sculpting
Photography & Lens-Based Media Courses
- AR-157 Introduction to Photography I
- AR-158 Introduction to Photography II
- AR-337 Advanced Photography
- AR-338 Ethics and Photography
- AR-361 Color Photography I
- AR-375 Camera Raw
- AR-376 Digital Photography
Art History Courses
- AR-211 Renaissance Art I
- AR-212 Renaissance Art II
- AR-215 Medieval Art
- AR-229 Baroque Art
- AR-240 Cultural Diversity in Art
- AR-340 The Visual Arts in America
- AR-384 Art and Buddhism
- AR-424 Baroque Art and Culture
General / Interdisciplinary / Capstone / Experiential Courses
- AR-110 Art in the City
- AR-127 Intro to the Visual Arts
- AR-190 Understanding Film
- AR-238 The Science of Art
- AR-253 Environmental Art & Issues
- AR-293 Today’s Film Scene
- AR-295 Credited Internships
- AR-399 Independent Study
- AR-430 Sr Thesis Project/Portfolio Presentation
- AR-499 Short-Term Study Abroad