Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (Studio Art: Drawing-Painting)
Hours: 120 On-Campus
About
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (Studio Art: Drawing-Painting) programs at Fort Hays State University provide students with a strong foundation in visual literacy and technical skills through hands-on, traditional instruction. These programs offer a comprehensive education in drawing, painting, and conceptual practices, encouraging students to explore a wide range of techniques and media.
In their final year, students work closely with faculty mentors to develop personalized portfolios, experiment with innovative materials, and strengthen their critical thinking skills. Advanced courses feature rotating themes that challenge students to refine their artistic voice and deepen their understanding of contemporary drawing and painting.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (Studio Art: Drawing-Painting) at Fort Hays State University?
Students in the B.A. or BFA in Art (Studio Art: Drawing-Painting) program benefit from an educational experience that emphasizes individuality, critical thinking, and technical excellence. The curriculum, thoughtfully designed by faculty, strikes a balance between building traditional artistic skills and fostering innovation across diverse media and visual forms.
These programs distinguish themselves by providing a strong foundation in core techniques, combined with opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration and community engagement. Students gain valuable real-world experience through integrated community art projects and exhibitions, making professional practice an essential part of their academic journey.
Who is this program for?
Students passionate about advancing their technical skills, critical thinking, and professional artistic practices will find these programs well-suited to their goals. Whether they enter with limited formal training or substantial artistic experience, all students receive support to help them achieve their creative potential. These programs are designed for:
- Students passionate about painting and drawing
- Students seeking to build a professional portfolio
- Students wanting to integrate community engagement into their artistic practice
- Students interested in pursuing undergraduate studies in fine arts
- Students aiming for careers in fine arts, education, or arts administration
Real-World Applications
Participation in juried exhibitions, community partnerships, and collaborative research projects ensures that students’ skills in painting, drawing, and media application hold value beyond the classroom and contribute to building professional portfolios. Through field trips to major cultural centers and internship opportunities, students engage directly with the broader art world. Additionally, they take part in professional organizations, gallery exhibitions, and interdisciplinary projects in collaboration with other academic departments.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Faculty research in digital illustration, community engagement, and sustainable art practices is continuously integrated into classroom instruction, ensuring that contemporary topics are consistently addressed. Through specialized courses, students explore experimental media, alternative art processes, and community activism in art. Engaging with natural materials for inks, practicing digital illustration, and participating in social impact projects create a progressive learning environment that prepares students to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving artistic landscape.
Hands-on Activities
Applied projects, such as community-engaged art workshops, internships, juried exhibitions, and collaborative research, are essential components of the B.A. and B.F.A. in Art (Studio Art: Drawing and Painting) programs. All students are required to participate in local and regional exhibitions, while BFA students must also present a solo exhibition, gaining vital professional experience.
Annual field trips to major art hubs, including Kansas City, Chicago, New York, and international destinations, immerse students in dynamic art scenes and introduce them to a wide range of career opportunities. Through initiatives like the Undergraduate Research Experience, students also engage with underrepresented communities, ensuring their experiential learning is grounded in real-world challenges and community impact.
What You’ll Learn:
- Develop traditional drawing and painting skills
- Explore innovative use of media and techniques
- Build a personalized, professional portfolio
- Understand art history and contemporary practices
- Foster critical and conceptual development
How You’ll Learn:
- Participate in hands-on studio courses
- Engage with community art initiatives
- Conduct historical and contemporary art research
- Create large-scale and experimental artworks
- Showcase work in exhibitions and galleries
Students are required to complete a comprehensive foundation curriculum designed to develop essential technical skills and a thorough understanding of both historical and contemporary visual arts contexts. Core courses prepare students for advanced work in painting and drawing, while upper-division classes provide opportunities to engage with contemporary issues through hands-on artmaking. Bachelor of Fine Arts students engage in portfolio development, critical theory, interdisciplinary exploration, and professional practice, culminating in a capstone independent exhibition during their final semester.
ART 220: Introduction to Painting
Exploration of traditional painting media.
ART 310: Figure Drawing
Observational drawing is explored using human figures.
ART 420: Painting I: Color and Light
Developing additional competence in painting.
Discover the full Bachelor of Arts in Art (Studio Art) and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (Studio Art: Drawing-Painting) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths in fine arts, education, nonprofit organizations, and the creative industries. Professional opportunities extend beyond traditional gallery settings to include roles centered on community engagement, education, and interdisciplinary practice.
Art Teachers
Art teachers play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers. Many graduates teach in K–12 public and private schools, applying strong technical and conceptual skills in the classroom. Certification is often completed through additional coursework or graduate study, preparing them for rewarding careers in art education.
Professional Artist
Many graduates establish full-time careers as independent artists, managing studio practices, exhibiting work, fulfilling commissions, and building sustainable creative businesses. Elective courses in arts entrepreneurship and marketing equip them with essential skills to manage their professional careers.
Gallery Manager or Curator
Gallery managers or curators often begin their careers in galleries and museums, where they curate exhibitions, manage collections, organize public programs, and collaborate with artists and audiences. Their strong background in art history and professional presentation equips them to thrive in the institutional art world.
Art Conservator/Restorer
Art conservators/restorers combine technical expertise with historical knowledge to preserve and restore artworks. Many pursue advanced graduate training in conservation and go on to work in museums, libraries, archives, or private collections, where they focus on the long-term care of culturally significant objects.
Community Arts Coordinator
Community arts coordinators use visual arts to foster social change and community engagement. They work with nonprofits, government agencies, or independent initiatives, applying their skills in event planning, grant writing, and partnership building to create sustainable, community-based art programs.
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 seeking to personalize or broaden their visual arts education have access to a range of complementary and interdisciplinary programs at Fort Hays State University. Related fields include:
- BFA in Art (Graphic Design)
- B.A. in Art (Art History)
- B.A./BFA in Art (Education)
- Certificate in Printmaking
- Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship (with a BA Degree)
- Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship (with a BFA Degree)
Students will explore various traditional and experimental materials, including oil painting, mixed media, fabric arts, natural dyes, digital illustration, and sculpture techniques.
The Bachelor of Arts degree offers a broader liberal arts education in drawing and painting. At the same time, the Bachelor of Fine Arts provides an intensive studio art experience emphasizing portfolio development and technical mastery.
Multiple scholarships are available through the School of Visual and Performing Arts, including merit-based and project-specific awards that can offset tuition costs significantly.
Students will have multiple opportunities to display work in juried exhibitions, community projects, on-campus galleries, and the BFA senior exhibition.
We encourage students to pursue certificates, such as Art History, Printmaking, or Arts Entrepreneurship, to further specialize and personalize their degree program.
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.
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- On-Campus
