Freshman
Course Selection
- Fundamentals studio courses (Drawing I, 2-D and 3-D Design) and Foundations of Art History courses provide a good foundation for success in the program.
- Second semester, you will have opportunity to begin exploring the introductory courses in our range of media areas (Ceramics, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture.)
Ask for Assistance
- Be sure that you start your time at Auburn well by regularly meeting with your academic advisors in the college
- Individual planning and advisor guidance can ensure you are off to a strong start
Gain Experience
- Use Handshake to explore employers actively hiring in your field and search part-time jobs that can add experience to your résumé.
- We have faculty internship advisors to help you identify and successfully compete for internships that advance your career plans.
- Local opportunities include the Jule Collins Smith Museum, Fieldwork Projects, the department’s satellite gallery, and the Jan Dempsey Art Center.
- We also place students in leading art museums, with non-profit arts organizations, and with professional artists.
Get Involved
- The department has two active student organizations, the Association of Visual Artists (studio arts-focused), and Studio 5 (focused on art history.)
- Both offer social and networking opportunities, presentations of professional skills by art faculty, group critiques, visiting artist and scholar presentations, field trips to museums and galleries, and service and leadership opportunities.
Sophomore
Course Selection
- You should explore our studio areas, identifying areas of interest and seeking breadth in your art making experience.
- Figure Drawing and Advanced Drawing permit further work in this foundational area.
Ask for Assistance
- Meet with you College of Liberal Arts advisor each semester to properly design your curriculum and pre-register for Arts classes.
- Take advantage of Study Partners, SI sessions, and the academic coaching in the Office of Academic Support.
- The Miller Writing Center can help with your writing assignments and all other writing assistance you may need.
Gain Experience
- We highly recommend that all our art and art history majors expand their awareness through study abroad experience. The department provides summer study opportunities in Rome and Paris.
Junior
Course Selection
- At this level, BA Studio majors should determine whether they seek to focus a majority of their art electives in a particular media area, or whether they seek a generalist’s breadth of experience.
- Upper level art history courses provide awareness of the worldwide richness of art traditions and give students perspectives that help them create sophisticated work of their own.
Ask for Assistance
- Meet with someone in the University Career Center (UCC) to explore career options and receive individualized assistance
Gain Experience
- Use LinkedIn to identify past graduates in your major and set up informational interviews and shadowing opportunities to gain further understanding of your major in the world of work.
- Participate in an internship.
Get Involved
- Consider applying for university and college fellowships.
- Consider a leadership role in the Auburn Anthropological Association or the Alabama Archaeological Society.
Senior
Course Selection
- As a senior BA student, you will take our Professional Practices course, in which you will examine graduate study and career possibilities, and create a web portfolio and resume.
Ask for Assistance
- While finalizing your portfolio be sure to use all campus resources including MDRL, ePortfolio Project, the UCC, the Writing Center, and your department resources.
Gain Experience
- Our annual Juried Student Exhibition brings an esteemed artist or critic to campus each spring to select award winners from this highly selective show.
- You should use this and other exhibition opportunities to seek exposure for and gauge the progress of your work.
Get Involved
- Connect with AU alumni and stakeholders to enhance professional opportunities
- Find additional ways to get involved in your field of interest.
- Submit pieces to The Auburn Circle for possible publication.
General Information
The creation of a portfolio is essential for all pathways in the art field. During your undergraduate education be sure to identify and participate in opportunities that will allow you to enhance your skills and build your portfolio.
Some Career Options
Compare to Assessment Results
Career assessments are a great way to learn more about who you are in order to find a career and/or major that will be a good fit.
To learn more about assessments or find out how to get started, start here.
Interests
Holland's Code: ARE
- Artistic
- Realistic
- Enterprising
Personality
Most common* Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types found in this major, in no particular order:
- ISFP
- INFJ
- ENFP
- ESTP
*Every MBTI type is found in every major, these are the most highly concentrated
Values
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Skills
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Judgement and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Job and Internship Opportunities
Meet your Career Contacts
University Career Center Liaison
Tasheila Williams-Townsend, EdS
College of Liberal Arts Contact
Last modified: September 30, 2021