Why should I study art?

The role of visual images in our culture is enormous. Can you imagine a society with no images? Whether as artistic expressions of spiritual meaning or practical designs for business clients, images serve culture in rich and diverse ways. Who makes all these images? Creatively-trained and visually-gifted people. Your foundation for successful entrance into these industries starts with an in-depth study of art and design.

What can I do with this degree?

An B.A. in Art from Bethel is incredibly versatile—made even more so by the structure of Bethel's program, which easily allows for interested students to double major or minor in an additional field. Courses are designed to equip students with the practical knowledge to pursue careers that utilize their vast skills and fuel their passion.

In addition to becoming teachers and professional studio artists, our graduates have gone on to work as:

• Graphic designers
• Potters or jewelers
• Art therapists/counselors
• Photographers/videographers
• Community arts administrators
• Curators in art galleries/museums
• Creative marketers at large corporations
• Set designers at the Guthrie Theater

Many alumni have continued on to graduate schools, including:

• Prescott College
• Hunter College
• School of the Art Institute
• School of the Visual Arts
• Goldsmiths University of London

Our alumni teach at:

• Tulane University
• Minneapolis College of Art & Design
• Augsburg College
• University of Minnesota
• Greenville College

What skills will I develop?

• Hands-on skills in painting, drawing, screen printing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography, graphic design and video
• A comprehensive understanding of the physical and conceptual aspects involved in creating two- and three-dimensional art
• The capacity to develop new ideas through conversations with artists and the study of artists and movements
• The ability to analyze, interpret, and critique art
• A personal style and vision for your own artwork

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

Learn and receive mentoring from professional artists

Bethel affords all the advantages of a small department nestled within a booming metropolis. Not only will you be exposed to studio and gallery visits as well as conversations and critique from regional and national artists who present in our galleries and courses—you will also learn from professional artists daily. All of Bethel's art instructors are exemplary educators and experienced artists who actively pursue their craft.

Earn awards, grants, and scholarships

Bethel University offers the Arts and Humanities Scholarship to incoming students. Through this program, one full-tuition and several $10,000/year scholarships are awarded to deserving students planning to pursue majors in these academic areas.

Additionally, as you progress through the Department of Art & Design, you will have other opportunities to earn recognition and receive monetary awards. For example, at the annual Raspberry Monday spring student art exhibition, the department decorates students with a number of monetary awards, including the Raspberry Monday Award for the student with the best all-around performance; the Cameron Booth Painting Award for the student who is the strongest painter; the Jeff Koeningsberg Award for an exemplary art student; and the Purchase Award for artwork chosen by faculty to add to Bethel's permanent collection.

Display and sell your artwork

We offer both on- and off-campus opportunities for students to exhibit their work. These include:

• The annual all-student exhibition, Raspberry Monday
• Student-curated exhibitions during J-term
• Senior Thesis exhibitions
• A department-curated student-exhibition during Minneapolis' Art-a-Whirl
• An annual holiday make sale for the Bethel community

Become a gallery or studio teaching assistant

There are many opportunities for students to work as teaching assistants in our galleries and studios. Gallery Assistants learn about curatorial work and can also intern with Bethel's permanent art collection, which includes:

• Researching the permanent art collection
• Organizing shows to be brought to Bethel's galleries

Study art abroad, in countries such as

• Italy
• Germany
• England
• Ireland

Craft an individualized major

For students interested in art history as a field, there is an individualized major approach combining all art history courses and aesthetics with an in-depth set of courses in another field such as history, literature, or philosophy—plus basic reading knowledge in two languages.

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I transferred to Bethel and just fell in love. My professors had such a significant impact on my development as a young, budding artist. They came alongside me at the right time in my life and didn’t ease up until I got into the best graduate school in the country.

Chris Larson '91
Associate Professor of Sculpture, University of Minnesota

After graduation I interned at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, which turned into a job. I also had the opportunity to show in Vienna, Austria, because of an invitation from a professor.

Sarah Lee '12
Current job: Artist, Coordinator at Minnesota Center for Book Arts

Art professors go above and beyond for students open to challenge as they pursue their art careers. Many Bethel alums are still active in the art world and have successful careers. We've developed a growing, active national alumni network.

Allison Peller '08
Current job: Curator, First Things Gallery, New York City

Bethel University's Department of Art and Design not only set me up for success in my future career, it also acted as a catalyst to develop intentional community I can participate in the rest of my life.

Eva Sedjo '16
Current job: Behavior Health Specialist at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

The Art Department at Bethel was an incredibly formative place for me. You'll find kind and genuinely caring experts who will propel you forward in your artistic, spiritual, and professional journey and provide a unique, personalized experience.

Elise Valley '10
Current job: Pre-K Through Grade 12 Art Teacher, Legacy Christian Academy