Department of Art

As the visual arts component of the largest and most comprehensive predominantly black institution of higher learning in the world, the Department of Art at Howard University recognizes its unique advantage and responsibility to reflect, affirm and perpetuate the visual expression of the black experience. The Department further recognizes that the total awareness and promotion of black values and aesthetics constitute an effective force in the cultural development of our nation.

The department seeks to continuously create and maintain an atmosphere conducive to developing skilled and professionally mature artists, designers, fashion merchandisers, interior designers and art historians. Emphasis is placed upon instruction from a multicultural perspective and recognition of the dynamic reciprocity of art and life in the preparation of students for careers in the visual arts.

The Howard University Art Department is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the Department of Art, applicants must present a combined SAT score of 910 and a portfolio containing twelve slides of original work. Slides of sculptures, ceramics or other three-dimensional works should show two views of each piece. Slides should be presented in a slide page, each slide must be clearly marked as to title, materials, size and date. Fashion Merchandising, Art History and Art Management students may submit copies of graded research papers. Portfolios should be addressed to the Chairman of the Department of Art and must contain sufficient stamps for return postage.

In addition, the following items may be considered in determining eligibility for admission:

high school grade point average of 2.0 minimum (equivalent to the grade of C)

interview and/or completed questionnaire

written statement of purpose

letters of recommendation

Special Degree Requirements

Students seeking degrees offered by the Art Department must complete core courses in the Foundation Program upon which concentration courses are built. A student must complete 18 to 21 credits in the Department of Art, with the approval of a faculty advisor, in order to obtain a minor. In selecting electives, students may choose within the following guidelines:

University electives in humanities - any courses in the humanities area (literature, drama, music, classics, English) for which the student can qualify;

Art electives - any courses in the practice or history of art; fashion merchandising or interior design;

Studio electives - any courses in the practice of art or design for which the student qualifies.