Fundamentally, artists are communicators. They express their vision of contemporary life through many forms of media, always striving to make the viewer see life from a fresh perspective. Northeastern’s Department of Art + Design combines the specialized training you will need as an artist with the broader framework of a superb liberal arts education so that you will understand the history and context of your culture and be able to express it artistically. Offerings within the Department include:

• Art: A general studio-based program that balances art history with studio art projects and classes in drawing and painting. It focuses on a well-rounded liberal arts education with a breadth of general studies in the arts and humanities, the natural and physical sciences, and the social sciences. Art majors have the option to take introductory courses in Digital Art and Graphic Design. A selection of studio courses can also be taken at the nearby School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA).
  
• Digital Art:  A new major for artists who use the computer as the primary medium for exploring and creating their works of art.  It comprises the three principle technologies of dynamic and static image generation - Photography, Animation, and Video.  Students have the option of either focusing on one area or creating their own path by exploring courses from each area. An intensive studio-based program provides students with knowledge in the efficacy of digital media in conjunction with critical theory. Extensive computer facilities enable students to become highly proficient in the leading-edge skills necessary to produce their work.
  
• Graphic Design: This program focuses on the ability to create and compose visual and verbal components to construct meaning in diverse knowledge fields. An intensive studio-based program balances design history and theory with studio projects in both dynamic and static media to provide a broad understanding of the principles of perception and communication. As active participants in the interpretation and production of meaning itself, students integrate the many facets of their liberal arts experience. Extensive computer facilities enable students to become proficient in the leading-edge skills necessary to produce their work for both the virtual and concrete worlds.
  
• Studio Art (in collaboration with the School of the Museum of Fine Arts): This new collaborative program consists predominately of studio art courses with an accompanying group of art/design history courses and general electives. Students will take their studio art classes at the SMFA, which is located directly adjacent to Northeastern's campus. Art/design history courses and general electives will be taken at Northeastern. The BFA in Studio Art degree will be awarded by Northeastern University. Building on Northeastern's history of leading experiential education opportunities, the curriculum will integrate practical and critical skills needed to pursue careers as professional artists.

Additionally, students can choose from dual major options including Game Design or Interactive Media and Minors in Art, Art History, Digital Art, and Graphic Design.