The Art Major offers a 45-credit program of study that emphasizes the integration of broad-based studio art training and arts research with the development of creativity, communication, and critical thinking to prepare students for graduate studies or careers in a wide range of arts-related fields, including arts and cultural entrepreneurship, museum studies, arts administration, arts and community development, etc. Students in the art program have the freedom to explore a specified area of interest, including drawing, painting, illustration, sculpture, printmaking, or history and gallery/museum studies.

As part of the new major’s coursework, 30 credits come from a range of introductory and intermediate studio courses, yearly Art Practicums where students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and begin to develop their own unique artistic voice, and a menu of student- selected elective courses. This progressive learning program prepares the students for the Thesis Seminar and Capstone where they will develop an independent project that combines creative work in the studio with research informed by their chosen topic or concept.

In addition to four dedicated studios with tools and equipment for printmaking, painting and drawing, design and sculptural work serving as laboratories, art faculty and staff operate the Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery. The Gallery gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in current art, artists and art trends, show their own work, and provides a practical setting to learn the inner workings of a professional gallery through internships, course work and exhibition work.

Worcester State University also offers a Minor in Art.