Art and Design is a community of students and teachers committed to the advancement of creative expression and scholarly research in the arts. Hands-on learning techniques, critical and creative thinking and a dynamic curriculum drive our students to look to the past and embrace the future.
The program shares a fundamental commitment to the premise that for the next generation of creative artists and educators to face the challenges of the 21st century they must be equipped with the artistic and intellectual tools to succeed.
Graduates of Art and Design are professional artists, designers, arts educators and arts administrators. They have successful careers in a variety of art-related fields and world-renowned design firms. Graduates are studying at leading MFA programs across the country and are teaching in universities and K-12 schools. You can see the work of our alumni on exhibit in galleries and museums across Greater Cincinnati.
Watch these quick videos to learn about how to apply to NKU, the application process for Art & Design, and available scholarship opportunities.
Check out this virtual tour with SOTA Director Matt Albritton and Art and Design Program Head Brad McCombs. Learn more about applying, scholarships, and creative opportunities of study as current art and design students share their experiences.
If you are wanting to pursue a degree in photography but are not sure which path to take, you have diverse faculty and resources available to help you. Whether you want to work in the commercial industry or pursue graduate school, you will learn professional practices on how to market yourself, work with others, and stay driven to ensure your success in the future.
JeeEun discusses her work in the Spatial Arts area including Sculpture and Ceramics and how students prepare for work following graduation.
New media art is designed for students who want to explore areas such as electronic art, robotic art, installation or experimental video while encouraging the mixing of various media that have a time or technological component. Students will gain skills in troubleshooting and resiliency to creatively problem-solve issues.
Nicholas discusses the methodology and approach of how Foundations work, and how it provides students with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to continue an education.
Julie discusses how VCD works as a combination of images and text to communicate specific messages using advanced digital technologies and fine art methods. At NKU SOTA, we help students discover their artistic voices weaving studio art practice into the design curriculum to achieve highly individualized portfolios.
In painting, students will learn how to see and render light and understand how to draw in perspective. These skill sets can help in various fields, such as art, illustration animation or mural painting. SOTA has a variety of disciplines that all influence each other and we are the creative engine of the Northern Kentucky Region.
Brad McCombs
Art and Design Program Head
mccombsr1@nku.edu | (859) 572-5562
Candice van Loveren Geis
Art and Design Program Advisor - Studio Arts
vanloverec1@nku.edu | (859) 572-1521
Courtney McManus
Art and Design Program Advisor - Visual Communication Design
mcmanusc3@nku.edu | (859) 572-7907
