Art

As an art major, you’ll take courses in topics such as:

• History of art 
• Modern art 
• Architecture and interiors 
• Design  
• Studio arts

The curriculum focuses on providing students with creative challenges and ways to solve them, forming a strong foundation for future artistic pursuits. Students develop diligent work habits and embrace the life-long learning process that’s essential to success in the arts. Dedicated faculty provide guidance and instruction, helping every student achieve their highest potential.

As an art major at MC, you’ll develop a strong set of applied skills in fine art, visual communication and design, while enjoying creative exploration in an inspirational environment that puts Christian ethics and ideals first.

Choose Your Focus

As an art major, you’ll choose one of the following programs:

Bachelor of Arts – Studio

Classes in acrylic and oil painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and aesthetics.

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science – Graphic Design

Classes in graphic design, acrylic and oil painting, illustration, web design, communication and portfolio building.

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science – Interior Design

Classes in basic design, interior environments, drawing, graphical programs, history of architecture and interiors, color and lighting, building construction, computer generated drafting and business principles.

Bachelor of Science in Education – Art Education

Classes in basic design, drawing, graphic software, art in elementary schools, acrylic painting, oil painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics, along with 25 credit hours of teacher education courses.

The MC Experience

MC’s Department of Art offers a unique experience for an aspiring artist; we encourage talented students like you to build your skills in an environment where artistic creativity is an uplifting way to express Christian values. Our goal: helping students achieve personal and professional fulfillment through artistic expression and practice. Professional degree programs help students prepare for successful careers in visual communication and design. At MC, you’ll develop both traditional and contemporary artistic skills, while working with accomplished professors who exemplify Christian character and support you in your growth. Plus, MC offers one of the only two art education programs in Mississippi, making it a compelling choice for future art teachers.

How You’ll Learn

High-tech tools are a must for the aspiring designer. At MC, you’ll find two Mac Labs for students majoring in Graphic Design — one for underclassmen and one for upperclassmen. The freshman/sophomore design lab is furnished with 20 new Mac computers and the latest Adobe design suite, making creativity easy. Lab Assistants are frequently on hand to offer coaching on homework assignments and help students make the most of the technology available. Plus, in-class demonstrations using Apple Remote software give students practical knowledge on how to approach assignments.

Nothing stimulates creativity like new experiences. For MC art students, there are great opportunities to study abroad, with academic programs in Costa Rica and London. Earn credit while enjoying beautiful scenery, historic landmarks and international adventures!

Art Education majors get serious classroom training, spending their final semester teaching in a local K-12 classroom with the coaching of an experienced art teacher.

An internship makes it easier to turn your arts background into a high-paying career. The MC art department maintains relationships with local businesses, helping our students find positions around the Jackson Metropolitan area. Our students intern in advertising agencies, printing businesses, photography studios, churches and more, including Ergon, Omega Group, Kelly Moore Photography, Papercrown Productions and Stadium Wrap.

What You’ll Do

Join our student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, a pre-professional organization dedicated to advancing the standards of the Interior Design profession. When you graduate, you’ll receive a one year associate membership in the national organization, providing valuable professional opportunities. http://www.asid.org/

Participate in Delta Beta, our student chapter of the Kappa Pi International Honorary Art Fraternity. This honor society serves to recognize students who excel in the visual arts. Members also support activities that advance artistic achievement and benefit the arts at Mississippi College.

Support our student chapter of the National Art Education Association (NAEA), which helps art education graduates make a successful transition from students to professionals. NAEA members pledge to maintain high standards on campus and in the community.

Take part in MC’s Senior Exhibit. This capstone course covers business aspects of the arts industry, while assisting students with developing a professional portfolio. Each spring, a collection of notable pieces from each senior student are presented in Gore Gallery, offering an impressive visual representation of their accomplishments at Mississippi College.

Help host the MC art department booth at the Fall Arts and Crafts Festival, sponsored by the Junior Civic League of Clinton, or the Brick Street Festival, sponsored by the Clinton Arts Council. MC art students contribute to the festivities with face painting, children’s crafts, ceramics demonstrations and more.

Where You’ll Go

Recent Graduates

Our recent graduates are pursuing creative and rewarding careers. Like Savannah Davis, a 2011 graduate who’s now working at a large Baptist church as a graphic specialist. Or Kyle Hancock, who runs his own photography studio in Madison, MS. Another is working at Jackson Art Gallery, and other is employed at the Apple store in New York. For art education graduates, the outlook is especially bright — as one of only two art education programs in the state, Mississippi College enjoys an exceptionally high rate of teacher placement. Our art education graduates are teaching at public schools in Jackson, Hinds and Rankin County.

Outstanding Alumni

Shortly after graduation, Robby Followell founded his own photography studio on Clinton’s Brick Street. He’s now one of the most popular wedding photographers in the region, and was even named as Best Photographer in the Jackson area in 2009.

Limeul Eubanks, who is now the Visual and Performing Arts Specialist at the Mississippi Department of Education, has also served as the President of the Mississippi Art Education Association.