Drake University's Department of Art and Design offers majors and minors in Art History, Design, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture. While students are required to select a program for their major or minor, the department provides a fundamentally interdisciplinary approach to the study and practice of art, design and art history.

First Year Program:
All art and design students begin with the fundamentals in drawing, design and art history, which are essential to any chosen area of study. These courses will challenge students to develop basic artistic skills as they learn about career opportunities in the visual arts.

The Drake Curriculum:
The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical con-sciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.

Admission:
Students do not have to show a portfolio to be admitted to the art and design program at Drake. However, they must provide evidence of their work to apply for merit scholarships offered by the Department of Art and Design. A scholarship application form, which requires students to submit slides of their work, is available from the department.

Graduation Requirements:
Graduating from Drake University with a degree in Studio Art, Graphic Design or Art History requires successful completion of all requirements for the major, completion of the Drake University Areas of Inquiry program and at least 40 credit hours earned from courses at the 100 level or above.