Art and Design

Why Study Art and Design at CWU?

Because we have small classes at CWU, our faculty provide personalized guidance and support to help you reach your full potential. Beyond the classroom, we encourage our students to form lasting relationships with each other, to create a network of like-minded artists who can support and inspire each other throughout their artistic journey. We also support gallery spaces that serve as a platform for you to showcase your work and creative visions.

Degree Options

• Undergraduate
  • Art Education, BA
  • Art History, BA
  • Art, BA
  • Art, BFA - Graphic Design Specialization
  • Art, BFA - Studio Art Specialization
• Graduate
  • Art, MFA
• Minors & Certificate
  • Art and Design Minor
  • Art History Minor

Learn more about our degree options through our Program Finder.

Admissions

For general university admissions information, contact the Office of Admissions. For advising information, contact Academic Advising.

Are you a graduate student? Contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research for admissions information.

Highlights

The Galleries

The Sarah Spurgeon Gallery offers the campus community the opportunity to view and experience art and design firsthand. The Gallery's exhibitions and related outreach programs enhance, engage, and challenge the viewer’s knowledge and understanding of art.

Our smaller upstairs gallery showcases students' work, providing you with a unique opportunity to create and present your own exhibitions under the expert guidance of our dedicated faculty. This is a opportunity to express your identity as an artist for maybe the first time. Take advantage of this opportunity at CWU.

Artist Talk

The Department of Art and Design offers a robust Visiting Artist and Speaker Series each year. In 2019, we hosted a lecture by visiting artist Sonny Assu, a Ligwilda’xw of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nations artist from Campbell River, British Columbia. Assu's diverse art practice spans painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, and printmaking, combining Western and pop culture with Kwakwaka’wakw imagery to explore his indigenous heritage.

Creating spaces where you can speak and interact with working artists, gaining experience and inspiration, is a priority for our department.