Art and Design
Commitment. Excellence. Creativity.
We provide strong training in the professional degree areas, including the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Fine Arts, Photography, Graphic Design and Art Education. We also offer the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts. Our primary purpose is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in these disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the production of intensive studio-based arts research, on the development of critical evaluative skills and the practice of excellent oral and written communication abilities.
Our students develop research in state-of-the art studios that include expansive technologies for graphic design, printmaking, ceramics, wood and metal installation work, painting, illustration, digital and darkroom photography. Most importantly, our faculty members are committed to offering individualized instruction, academic advising and professional mentoring. Devoted solely to undergraduate learning, we offer small faculty-to-student ratios (1:12) that ensure high-quality contact with instructors. Our instructors are leaders in their professional fields, all committed to excellence in research and in teaching.
The University of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
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Our faculty are dedicated to mentoring students, preparing them for the job market. Students explore a range of vocations within corporate and non-profit organizations and are encouraged to undertake Internships with local arts organizations, design firms and professional groups.
Please contact us for more information about our programs. We look forward to hearing from you.
In this video, learn about arts degrees at the University of Dayton. Hear from students majoring in Music, Art and Design, and Theatre, Dance, and Performance Technology.
In this video, learn about arts degrees at the University of Dayton. Hear from students majoring in Music, Art and Design, and Theatre, Dance, and Performance Technology.
A UD art and design student advanced to the national level of the 2025 American Advertising Awards.
The center is a central location for program initiatives, which includes support for students who are considering changing their major.
Each fall, students travel to New York City to see masterworks in museums and visit artist studios.
At the University of Dayton, the visual and performing arts link learning across disciplines for all first-year students. See some of the ways that learning is enhanced through the arts.
Common Academic Program (CAP) courses offered by the Department of Art and Design feature an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to learning and creative research.
The Department of Art and Design recognizes the scholarly efforts of our majors as they work toward their goals.
Four-year scholarships are awarded to first-year, full-time students in any Department of Art and Design program of study.