To receive a degree from the College of Art, a student must meet the requirements below and take academic courses with other undergraduates. Work in art and design can be combined with studies in architecture, business, the humanities, the natural and social sciences, and the other arts. Students may take these courses for educational and intellectual enrichment or in direct correlation with their primary interests.
Students in the class of 2030 and beyond must fulfill the following degree requirements. For academic requirements for the class of 2029 and prior classes, consult Prior Bulletins.
A total of 120 units are required for the BA degree, with the specified number of credits in each area detailed below.
Distribution Requirements (12 credits)
Writing (3 credits)
Students must complete a College Writing course with a C– or better during the first year of study. Transfer students must fulfill the writing requirement by taking an approved course or by review of a writing portfolio. For more information, visit the College Writing Program website.
Humanities (3 credits)
Humanities courses examine the human condition as documented and expressed in both past and contemporary times. This area includes courses in literature (both in English and other languages), Classics, History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies, and some courses in creative arts such as Dance, Drama, Music and Writing. Courses tagged HUM Humanities ArtSci IQ fulfill the humanities requirement.
Natural Sciences or Mathematics (3 credits)
These courses help the student understand the natural and physical world using objective and empirical observation and controlled experimentation. This area includes courses in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Biology or Policy, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Math and Physics, and some courses from departments such as Anthropology and Psychological & Brain Sciences. Courses tagged NSM Natural Sciences and Mathematics Art Sci IQ fulfill this requirement.
Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
These courses use qualitative and quantitative observation to explore the social environment, relationships with society, and forms of human behavior. This area includes courses in Anthropology, Economics, Education, International and Area Studies, Political Science and Psychological & Brain Sciences, and courses from other areas, including interdisciplinary studies. Courses tagged SSC Social and Behavioral Sciences ArtSci IQ fulfill the social and behavioral sciences requirement.
Art History and Visual Culture (6 credits)
These courses provide context for art and design studies by examining the cultural and historical impact of artworks and artifacts. The BA degree requires two 3-credit courses in the subject area Art History and Archaeology (ARTARCH) at the 2000-level or above (with the exception of ARTARCH 1515 History of Western Art, Architecture & Design) or tagged FA Visual Culture.
Foundations (9 credits)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| DESIGN 1210 | Digital Studio | 3 |
Select two from the following: | ||
| ART 1050 | Drawing | 3 |
| ART 1110 | 2-D Design | 3 |
| ART 1120 | 3-D Design | 3 |
| DESIGN 1110 | Design Across Disciplines | 3 |
| Total | 9 | |
Sam Fox Electives (12 credits)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Any courses in ART, DESIGN, FASHION, ARCH, LANDARCH or URBDES | 12 | |
Open Electives (66 credits)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Any courses in the following Schools: Sam Fox, Arts & Sciences, Business, or Engineering* | 66 | |
- *
A maximum of 15 non-Washington University credits (including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and transfer credit) is permitted. No more than 9 credits may be applied to physical education, lessons, independent study, and internships. No credits from WashU Continuing & Professional Studies will be accepted.
Major Requirements (15 credits)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Sophomore Studio Requirements | 6 | |
| DESIGN 2201 | Typography I | 3 |
| DESIGN 2203 | Word and Image I | 3 |
| Junior/Senior Studio Requirements | 9 | |
Select two from the following: | ||
| DESIGN 3202 | Communication Design: Typography II | 3 |
| DESIGN 3203 | Communication Design: Word & Image II | 3 |
| DESIGN 3254 | Communication Design: Interaction Foundations | 3 |
Select one from the following: | ||
| Design Major Elective | Select any 3000-level or above course tagged FA Communication Design | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |