The Art Major & Curriculum
Degree offered: Bachelor of Arts in Art
The Department of Art welcomes the full spectrum of Rice University undergraduate students. Scientists, architects, historians, engineers and economists, among many others, augment our core of art majors to create a diverse, lively forum of artists and thinkers. We believe this composite community is a vital asset to majors and non-majors alike: art thrives in contact with new and varied perspectives, and the risk-taking and critical thinking necessary to making art are crucial in many other fields. Beyond a dynamic artistic practice, we aim to cultivate an artistic frame of mind.
Students may focus their education in art through experimentation and in-depth learning across media, techniques, and collaboration, including but not limited to: drawing, painting, sculpture, comix, photography, film, ceramics, and performance as these disciplines operate as part of a practice of contemporary art. Courses draw on the resources of Rice’s active and accomplished faculty, extensive on-campus facilities, and Houston’s vibrant artistic community. The department boasts a state-of-the-art cinema as well as exhibition spaces, a performance lab, and a student-run gallery. The Moody Center for the Arts hosts arts-related programming and mounts exhibitions by internationally acclaimed artists. Rice campus is within walking distance of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and a short drive from the renowned Menil Collection. Distinguished speakers, visiting artists, film series, field trips, student exhibitions and performance opportunities all contribute to an immersive arts education that extends well beyond the classroom.
To see the department degree requirements for the art major in studio, film, and photography, please click on the links below. For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements in the Rice University General Announcements.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Art