The Department of Art and Design is based on the idea that all the visual arts, including the most revolutionary, must arise from a sound training in the traditional studio arts and from a firm understanding of art's history. This foundation is as necessary for design as it is for painting or sculpture.

Drake University's Department of Art and Design will help you develop your artistic and intellectual abilities, explore new areas and discover career opportunities. Drake offers you both intensive experiences in art and a solid liberal arts education, so you will learn the fundamentals of art, advance your talents and gain sound preparation for a rewarding career. As an art major at Drake, you will receive individual attention from your faculty advisor and other professors all professional artists who are passionate about their fields and their teachings.

Design students have the unique opportunity to minor in traditional studio areas while pursuing the design degree and studio majors may minor in design. Faculty are accessible and classes are taught in comprehensive studio environments. Students have secured studio access to most facilities 24 hours a day. Classes are small, generally ranging in size from 10 to 20 students.

The Drake Department of Art and Design offers both the bachelor of arts (BA) and the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) in Studio Art, and Graphic Design and a bachelor of arts (BA) in Art History. The department is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.