Minor in Art
Hours: 24 On-Campus
About
The Minor in Art at Fort Hays State University allows students from a wide range of academic backgrounds to complement their primary degrees with creative and artistic skills. The program provides a comprehensive and flexible education in the visual arts, enabling students to explore various disciplines, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and graphic design. Through this well-rounded curriculum, students gain hands-on experience and develop strong visual communication abilities.
What distinguishes this minor is its expanded curriculum and higher credit requirement, which together provide a broader and more in-depth educational experience. Students have access to a wide variety of courses, including specialized design classes that are rarely found in comparable programs.
Why pursue a Minor in Art at Fort Hays State University?
The Minor in Art sets itself apart with a comprehensive and flexible curriculum that includes both studio and design courses. This structure encourages exploration across multiple disciplines, allowing students to build a broad and enriching educational experience. Designed to accommodate students from a variety of majors, the program is both accessible and adaptable to individual schedules and interests. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current industry trends and standards, ensuring students gain relevant, up-to-date skills. In addition to enhancing artistic abilities, the minor equips students with versatile competencies applicable to a wide range of career paths.
Who is this program for?
This minor is designed for students seeking to enhance their major with artistic skills and creativity. It is especially well-suited for:
- Students seeking to improve their creativity
- Those wishing to complement their major with artistic skills
- Individuals interested in careers that value visual communication
- Students desiring hands-on, experiential learning
- Those aspiring to work in creative industries
- Students who enjoy collaborative and community-based projects
Real-World Applications
Students who complete the minor are well-prepared for careers in art education, museums, galleries, and art therapy, fields where creativity and visual communication are essential. The program also provides a strong foundation for roles in marketing, advertising, social media, and community arts coordination, where visual storytelling and design skills are highly valued.
Additionally, students gain entrepreneurial skills that support freelance work in art and design or the development of their own creative ventures. By combining technical proficiency with creative problem-solving, the program equips graduates to meet the demands of a wide range of industries.
Beyond career preparation, the minor fosters personal growth and cultivates transferable skills that are valuable across many professional settings.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University continuously updates the curriculum to reflect contemporary practices and industry-standard digital tools. Students benefit from lectures and workshops led by practicing artists, gaining firsthand insight into current trends, techniques, and professional workflows.
This minor emphasizes experiential learning through hands-on projects, exhibitions, and research, with a focus on emerging media and sustainable practices. This dynamic, practice-based approach helps students stay informed and adaptable in the ever-changing creative landscape. Participation in exhibitions and competitions further enriches their experience, fostering both confidence and professional readiness.
Hands-on Activities
Experiential and applied learning are a core component of the Minor in Art. Students engage in a variety of hands-on activities, including collaborative art projects, service-learning initiatives, and interactive workshops. These experiences allow them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, deepening their understanding of artistic concepts and techniques.
The program also offers opportunities for research and study abroad, encouraging students to explore diverse cultural and artistic perspectives. Participation in exhibitions allows students to showcase their work, receive constructive feedback from peers and professionals, and strengthen both their artistic confidence and creative development.
What You’ll Learn:
- Fundamental drawing techniques
- Art history knowledge
- Painting and sculpting skills
- Design principles
- Photography basics
- Critical thinking in art
How You’ll Learn:
- Interactive studio classes
- Hands-on projects
- Field trips and study tours
- Collaborative assignments
- Professional artist workshops
- Digital tools and techniques
The Minor in Art comprises 24 credit hours, divided between core requirements and elective studio/design courses. The core curriculum builds essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills, providing a strong foundation in art and art history.
Elective courses allow students to explore a wide range of studio and design disciplines, such as painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, and graphic design. This diverse and flexible curriculum ensures a well-rounded artistic education and enables students to tailor their studies to suit their personal interests and career goals.
ART 101: Drawing I
Observational drawing skills are explored through black and white drawing media.
ART 103: 2-D Design
Introduction to 2-D design and composition. Required of all art and design majors.
ART 201: Survey of Art History I
A general survey of Art History from the prehistoric to medieval periods.
Discover the full Minor in Art course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates are well-equipped for a variety of careers that value creativity and artistic expertise. The minor provides a solid foundation that supports diverse professional paths, helping students become adaptable, versatile, and competitive in today’s job market.
Art Educator
Art educators design curricula, lead classes, and nurture students' artistic growth in schools or community programs. They play a vital role in inspiring and shaping the next generation of artists.
Museum/Gallery Professional
Professionals in museums or galleries curate exhibits, manage collections, and educate the public, ensuring artworks are effectively displayed and appreciated.
Art Therapist
Art therapists use creative expression to support mental health, helping clients process emotions, reduce stress, and foster personal growth.
Marketing/Advertising Professional
These professionals apply visual communication skills to create engaging campaigns, design advertisements, and develop brand identities that effectively reach target audiences.
Freelance Artist/Designer
Freelance artists and designers work independently, creating customized artwork and designs for clients. This career offers creative freedom, flexibility, and diverse professional opportunities.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Students interested in the Minor in Art may also explore related programs offered at Fort Hays State University, including:
- B.A./BFA in Art (Studio Art: Drawing-Painting)
- B.A./BFA in Art (Studio Art: Printmaking)
- B.A./BFA in Art (Studio Art: Sculpture)
- B.A./BFA in Art (Studio Art: Ceramics)
- BFA in Art (Graphic Design)
- B.A. in Art (Art History)
- Certificate in Photography
- Certificate in Community Engaged Art
- Certificate in Basic Graphic Design
- Certificate in Studio Art
Enhances creativity, visual communication skills, and critical thinking abilities, making students more versatile and competitive in their primary field of study.
Our curriculum includes courses on the latest trends, digital tools, sustainable practices, and contemporary artists' lectures and workshops.
Students enrolled in the Minor in Art can showcase their work in exhibitions, receive feedback from peers and professionals, and gain real-world experience.
Students can access well-equipped studios, workshops, digital tools, and a network of contemporary artists and faculty for guidance and inspiration.
The creativity, visual communication, and critical thinking skills developed in the Minor in Art are valuable in careers such as marketing, advertising, education, and more.
Information about the School of Visual and Performing Arts
The School of Visual and Performing Arts at FHSU inspires creativity within a supportive and passionate community. Each program in Art and Design, along with Music and Theatre, offers students the opportunity to develop their talents and prepare for rewarding careers in the arts. Whether students aspire to create visual masterpieces, perform on stage, or educate the next generation, expert faculty provide hands-on learning experiences that both inspire and challenge.
With access to state-of-the-art facilities and personalized mentorship, students gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen fields. From local exhibitions and major performances to internships and professional development opportunities, these programs equip students with the tools to make a lasting impact in the world of visual and performing arts.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA): Connect with industry professionals and fellow graphic design students, attend conferences, and expand your network.
- Arts for Social Change: Use art as a catalyst for positive social change through lectures, workshops, and public events.
- Ceramica Clay Club (CCC): Participate in ceramic workshops, art events, and interdisciplinary projects that spread art into the community.
- FHSU Theater: Dive into acting, writing, and directing through performances and peer education programs.
- Fe Sculpture Club: Explore metalworking and host art events both on campus and in the community.
- Interior Design Student Organization (IDSA): Prepare for a career in interior design through networking, field trips, and professional development.
- Creative Arts Society (CAS): Enhance diversity and culture through guest-artist lectures, workshops, and community art projects.
- Collaborative Art Project (CAP): The Collaborative Art Project is a partnership between Amy Schmierbach, professor of art at Fort Hays State University, FHSU students, and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK). Schmierbach and the students lead workshops for DSNWK individuals, offering structured art experiences focused on weaving, drawing, and photography. The project aims to expand access to the arts within the Hays community, creating more opportunities for individuals to engage with and benefit from artistic expression.
- Art Eaters Art History Club: The Art Eaters Art History Club is a community dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of art across cultures and throughout history. Open to all students regardless of experience, the club offers opportunities to explore art movements, artists, and various forms through lectures, gallery visits, workshops, and discussions. With a mission to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for the arts, the club also connects members with influential figures in the art world and helps develop valuable skills such as curation. Through collaboration and dialogue, the club cultivates a deeper understanding of art’s cultural significance.
- Tiger Marching Band: This group is open to all students who enjoy marching band and want to be a part of the Tiger Marching Band tradition.
- Pep Band: The FHSU pep band provides musical entertainment for FHSU Basketball games. Open to all students.
- Collegiate National Association for Music Education (CNAfME): This student organization is dedicated to developing music education professionals, including workshops, training, field experiences, and annual participation in the Kansas Music Educators Association state conference in Wichita.
- Student National Association of Teachers of Singing (S-NATS): Vocalists participate in workshops, training, and attendance at the regional NATS workshop and competition each fall.
- Music Theatre: Participate in a fully realized stage production produced each year, from a stage role to back-stage positions and technical support.
- Minor
- On-Campus
