The Department of Art and Art History offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts and the  Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, with concentrations in art history, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. The B.A. degree is designed for students who wish to combine a liberal education with specific studies in art. The B.F.A. degree is designed for students who want to pursue a more intense professional studio program. Because self-expression and self-learning are the ultimate goals of the program, students are largely responsible for determining the options that best meet their individual needs and interests.

In the studio area, studies begin with introductory courses in drawing, sculpture, and photography. These courses are designed for the beginning artist and guide the students development in the visual arts. The program helps students expand and express their knowledge and grow in self-expression by exploring the processes and language that are basic to all visual arts. Rather than follow a system of independent courses in a given medium or discipline, students investigate issues and ideas in a variety of visual modes.

All candidates for the B.F.A. degree must be represented in the senior exhibition. 

First-year students are required to submit examples of their work only if they are seeking advanced placement; otherwise, all first-year students in art are admitted to the general curriculum. 

Candidates for a degree in art may prepare for graduate study, careers in teaching, or the professional practice of art. Candidates for the B.A. or B.F.A. with teaching certification must complete the specific requirements outlined in the laws and regulations governing Ohio teachers education and certification.