FAQs
- What kinds of degrees can I earn at Shepherd University?
- How many full-time art faculty are there at Shepherd University?
- Does Shepherd University require an entrance portfolio?
- If I have a style, will I be encouraged to develop my personal technique?
- How much will it cost per semester at Shepherd University?
- Are there job opportunities once I graduate?
- How is the Shepherd University program different from
other liberal
arts colleges? - What classes do I have to take?
- Do I have to know what I want to major in when I start,
or do I have
some time to decide? - Who do I contact for more information about specific
areas like
graphic design or photography?
1. What kinds of degrees can I earn
at Shepherd University?
The Shepherd College Art Department offers two degrees. (See the Shepherd University
Catalog for additional information or the degree options link on the Art Department
website) BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) is a professional four-year degree. This
is the only recognized degree for those who with to compete for professional
positions in studio art or to enter graduate school for an MFA (Master of Fine
Art). Students select a major in one of the following areas: graphic design,
painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture. (Please refer to the University
Catalog for detailed class requirements for each concentration area within
the BFA program). After graduation graphic design and photography students
will be on a first-name basis with contacts in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore
and will be able to compete successfully for positions. Painting, printmaking,
and sculpture students may elect to continue toward a master’s degree
at a major university.
BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Art Education is a four-year degree program which allows students to teach art in levels K-12. The program is designed to provide the graduate with the skills and technical knowledge in art combined with an understanding and experience in the educational process. Graduates may receive certification to teach art at three educational levels, K-4, 5-8, 9-12, and K-12.
2. How many full-time art faculty
are there at Shepherd University?
The Art Department has seven full-time faculty and 10 or more part-time faculty.
In a large university, undergraduates often never meet the full-time faculty
in their major before the junior year. In large institutions with graduate
programs, the freshman and sophomore classes are often taught by teaching assistants
who are graduate students. Although the teaching assistants may be excellent
instructors, they rarely have the time or opportunity to devote attention to
individual students outside of class, and usually these individuals are learning
to teach through the experience of teaching undergraduates.
Full-time faculty at Shepherd University are the coordinators of the various degree programs and teach the introductory level courses in their fields. The faculty believe that it is important for students to have contact initially with the individuals responsible for the various degree programs. The full-time faculty have a vested interest in the success of each student and will work hard to insure that freshmen and sophomores are well versed in the basics.
The part-time faculty are selected not only for their teaching skills and dedication to learning, but also for their expertise in particular areas. Graphic design, photography, and studio instructors are professionals working in Washington, D. C., and Baltimore who are concerned with education as a means of supplying well-qualified personnel for the workplace. These professionals usually teach the junior and senior level courses which demand a sound command of the discipline. The professional part-time faculty insure that our students are prepared for the rapidly-changing trends in the marketplace of graphic design, photography, and studio art.
At Shepherd University the full-time faculty and the professional experts (part-time faculty) work together to prepare students for the rigors of graduate school and/or professional careers. Classroom instruction is supplemented with regularly scheduled field trips to professional studios and businesses in Washington, D. C., and New York; seminars, lectures, and workshops sponsored by the American Institute of Graphic Arts and the Smithsonian; and campus exhibits and lectures by professional artists.
3. Does Shepherd University require
an entrance portfolio?
Yes, there is a new Application Procedure for all incoming students applying for Fall 2008. In order to maintain a quality learning environment, admission into the Department of Contemporary Art is both selective and competitive. Acceptance into the university does NOT guarantee a student acceptance into the Art programs. Therefore, in addition to the university's general requirements, applicants interested in majoring in Art are required to also submit a Department Application Packet. Any questions about the application procedure should be addressed to Stephanie Robbins, Enrollment Coordinator.
Click here to learn more about the application procedure
4. If I have a style, will I be encouraged
to develop my personal technique?
Many students have worked hard to develop a personal style prior to entering
university. They take great pride in this accomplishment (as they should).
However, it is part of the learning process for students to learn new skills,
techniques, and mastery of new and different methods and media. At Shepherd
University the art faculty respect your individual style and will work with
you to improve and expand that style further. Our purpose is to give you more
information and tools. Your job is to continue to develop old skills along
with new ones into a personal expression and technique. (Examples
of student work)
5. How much will it cost per semester
at Shepherd University?
Beyond tuition, the cost for an art major will vary depending on the major,
particular classes, and the nature of the individual student. Art is expensive.
A typical art student can go through over $800 worth of supplies in an academic
year. Some will exceed this; still others will manage well under that amount.
Photography and graphic design are the most expensive majors. This is due in
part to the technology required in both fields. The cost escalates each year
and the student progresses and demands more and better technology to render
an improved product.
Faculty will distribute supply lists for each class on the first day of classes, and often will recommend the cheapest places to make purchases. Many classes require a lab fee of $30 which covers the costs of expendable materials utilized by the class and provided by the department.
6. Are there job opportunities once
I graduate?
Yes, the Shepherd University Art Department has an excellent placement record.
Shepherd University utilizes the region more effectively than any other institution
in this area. We have made it our business to connect with firms and professionals
so that our students can move easily from an educational experience to a professional
career. Internships, co-ops, and professional teaching in the program offer
a direct line to future employment for Shepherd University graduates. Students
may elect to complete the requirements of their major through internships or
co-op programs in Washington, D. C., or Baltimore which will greatly enhance
their ability to locate jobs after graduation. (click
here for alumni stories)
7. How is the Shepherd University
program different from other
liberal arts colleges?
The major difference is that we ask our freshman to take 12 credit hours (or
four art classes) their first semester. Most liberal arts universities require
only one or two art classes. Why is the program at Shepherd so different? The
art faculty have observed that most freshman do not fully comprehend the amount
of work, dedication, and time required to succeed as an art student. Students
genuinely interested in being artists want more art.
Students trying to decide whether they have what it takes need enough art courses to accurately gauge and make a decision. At the end of the freshman year at Shepherd, most students who started in art will have had sufficient experience to make some sound decisions about their academic future. In other liberal arts schools, a student could reach his or her junior year before having taken enough art classes to determine if art is the correct major. Our Program allows each student to discover quickly if art is the right choice.
The other difference in our programs are the introductory classes. The faculty at Shepherd guide you in developing problem-solving skills and generating creative thought processes. Successful competition in graduate school and art careers demands not only proficiency in manual technology but more importantly requires individuals to be self-motivated, effective problem solvers, and developers of creative or unusual solutions to situations and limitations. At Shepherd University you will develop technical proficiency and discover ways to push your creative skills.
8. What classes do I have to take?
This question can best be addressed by looking at the University Catalog or
investigating the programs link on the department website. Each art major
is required to take the same general studies requirements. (Look under the
Program of General Studies in the Catalog to learn more about these specific
requirements.) If you are interested in pursuing a BFA or BA degree in art,
look under Art in the University Catalog. A description of each course can
be found at the back of the Catalog under Section VIII Courses of Instruction.
Each course offered at Shepherd will have a brief description after the number
and title of the course.
9. Do I have to know what I want to
major in when I start, or do I have
some time to decide?
No, you do not need to know your major when you start. However, you will be
asked to declare a major when you enter Shepherd. This is done so that an advisor
may be assigned who can help guide you toward a rewarding and successful academic
search. Many students opt to change their majors within the first or second
semester. If you know you want to be in art but are unsure which area of concentration
would be best for you, don’t worry. You will have ample opportunity in
the first two years to investigate a variety of options before you decide.
If you are not completely sure if art is right for you, we recommend that you
devote your first semester to exploring our program. Students who are not convinced
they should be in art usually discover very quickly if they have the dedication
and determination it takes to succeed as an artist. It is best to find out
soon, so you do not waste time and money.
10. Who do I contact for more information
about specific areas like
graphic design or photography?
Dow Benedict, Chair of the Art Department, can answer most art-related questions;
however, if you would like to know specific information about individual concentrations,
it is best to contact the coordinator of that program.
Rick Bruner, Coordinator of Photography/Computer Imagery
304-876-5372 - rbruner@shepherd.edu
Stephanie Robbins, Coordinator of Photography/Computer Imagery
304-876-5446 - srobbins@shepherd.edu
Sonya Evanisko, Coordinator of Painting
304-876-5254 - sevanisk@shepherd.edu
Kristin Kaineg , Co-Coordinator of Graphic Design
304-876-5678 - kkaineg@shepherd.edu
Francheska Guerrero , Co-Coordinator of Graphic Design
304-876-5186
Rhonda Smith, Coordinator of Printmaking
304-876-5294 - rsmith@shepherd.edu
Dow Benedict, Coordinator of Sculpture
304-876-5393 - dbenedic@shepherd.edu
