Creativity matters

A commitment to academic excellence and practical experience — a balanced exploration of art's history and contemporary practices that prepares students for diverse opportunities across the field.

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About the Program

A foundation for working artists & designers

The Department of Art provides a solid foundation for those passionate about the arts. Our curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on training, preparing students for diverse opportunities across the field of art.

Graduates work across a range of media and are especially adept at the creative process within their chosen concentration — well grounded in history and theory, with many opportunities to practice art professionally throughout the undergraduate degree.

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Art
Concentrations: Studio Art · Graphic Design
College: Liberal Arts
Accreditation: NASAD — since 1978
Location: Johnson Hall
Phone: (601) 979-2388
Email: tamka.s.jenkins@jsums.edu

Why JSU Art

Where creativity meets opportunity

Jackson State University's location in the major metropolitan center of Mississippi provides unique opportunities for visual arts students. The Mississippi Museum of Art and the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, along with numerous art galleries, are only blocks away.

Jackson State University was one of the first institutions in Mississippi to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The accreditation has been maintained since 1978, and Jackson State is proud to be an HBCU holder of this distinction.

NASAD Accredited: Since 1978
HBCU Distinction: Among the first NASAD-accredited HBCUs
Nearby Institutions: Mississippi Museum of Art · Smith Robertson Museum & Cultural Center
City: Jackson, MS — metropolitan arts center

Curriculum & Concentrations

Choose your path within Art

The Bachelor of Arts in Art combines a shared foundation in art history and theory with focused training in your chosen concentration.

BA Concentration

Studio Art

A hands-on studio practice across drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and other fine-art media — grounded in art history and contemporary criticism.

BA Concentration

Graphic Design

Visual communication, typography, and design systems for print and digital media — with industry-standard tools and real-world project experience.

Course Catalog

Course Descriptions

Full descriptions of every course offered by the Department of Art, including studio, history, and theory courses required across both concentrations.

Curriculum & Requirements Apply for Scholarships

Resources

Facilities for working artists

The Department of Art offers students an opportunity to gain professional experience throughout their undergraduate degree, supported by these on-site facilities.

Multiple Computer Suites

For digital design, image editing, layout, and motion work

Darkroom

For traditional film photography and analog printmaking processes

Expansive Permanent Collection

A working art collection available to students for direct study

Professional Art Gallery

On-campus venue for exhibitions, senior shows, and visiting artists

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Prospective Students