Art and Design majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you in these courses.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Why am I taking these classes? Honors students take equivalent honors courses.
Major and Elective Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses.
- Fundamentals of Design 1 (ART 101), if you are interested in traditional media; OR Intro to Digital Design (ART 231) if interested in digital arts
- A foreign language (see below)
- A liberal arts foundations course; a course toward a minor, certificate, or other focus area; or a free elective
Language placement
Your major requires you to complete the study of a foreign language through the intermediate level. Catholic University teaches the following languages that satisfy this requirement: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. If you are interested in learning a language not listed here, consult with your advisor.
If you have previously studied a foreign language and are interested in continuing with that same language, or if you can demonstrate fluency in a foreign language, you should complete the language placement exam.
About Your First Semester Courses
Students normally take five courses. You've already been registered for your two First-Year Experience Learning Community courses. That leaves three more courses for you to choose.
As an Art and Design major, you will concentrate in either painting, drawing, sculpture, or the digital arts. For those concentrating in painting, drawing, or sculpture, your art experience will begin with "Fundamentals of Design I" (ART 101). This studio course will help you develop an awareness and appreciation of the visual experience. As you assess your own visual language you will begin to develop visual value judgments. Those concentrating in the digital arts will instead take "Intro to Digital Design" (ART 231) in place of ART 101, since digital media can often require a unique approach.
In addition, we recommend that you begin your studies of a foreign language since the language requirement must be fulfilled before or during any potential study abroad program.
For your fifth course, you can choose what you like. You can take a liberal arts elective or a free elective course in a subject of your interest. Or, you may wish to begin study in a secondary subject area of interest, perhaps for a minor or certificate in a subject that is complementary to your artistic style and interests.
To learn more about the Art and Design major, consult the Art Department’s website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.