Art Theory and Practice at Northwestern University

Our department believes in the inherent unity between the practice and theory of art. Beyond the development of skills and training in techniques, the study of art involves gaining both an understanding of visual thinking and an awareness of the histories, issues and concepts that bear on the direction and role of the visual arts in our culture today. Most of our courses are designed to serve all students regardless of their major area of study.

Faculty: Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and photography form the core of the undergraduate curriculum, giving students the opportunity to develop a solid foundation in the field’s traditions and established media. We incorporate digital technology, video and conceptual art practice into our curriculum, thus blending newer trends with established practices.

Career pathways

A major can lead, of course, to pursuing a career as an artist, but the skills and knowledge gained can also be the ideal training for a variety of careers, including design, project management, curatorial and museum work. To learn more about pathways for majors and minors post-degree, visit the Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) Careers page and survey data page .

Official programme page