Miami University launches new BA in Art
Degree approved by Ohio Department of Higher Education; will offer concentrations in Art History, Fashion Design, and Studio Art
Published
Miami University announced it's officially launching a Bachelor of Arts in Art degree within the College of Creative Arts. The degree will have three concentrations: Art History, Fashion Design, and Studio Art.
Miami University launches new BA in Art
Published
Miami University’s innovative new Bachelor of Arts in Art features three concentrations — Art History, Fashion Design, and Studio Art — and combines theoretical foundations with hands-on creative practice. Housed in the College of Creative Arts’ Department of Art and launching in fall 2026, this new degree is designed for students seeking a flexible, comprehensive, and globally informed education in the visual arts.
Recently approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Art degree is grounded in the study of diverse global and historical perspectives, while also fostering visual literacy, critical thinking, creative expression, and entrepreneurial skills.
Through coursework in writing, design and artistic practice, historical investigation, business, and collaborative learning, students will cultivate marketable skills to prepare them for a wide range of careers in a visually driven world.
“We designed the BA in Art to bridge creative practice with intellectual inquiry,” said Amanda Alexander, chair of the Department of Art. “This new degree invites students to study, make, interpret, and innovate across multiple visual disciplines, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving culture.”
Recently approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Art degree is grounded in the study of diverse global and historical perspectives, while also fostering visual literacy, critical thinking, creative expression, and entrepreneurial skills.
Through coursework in writing, design and artistic practice, historical investigation, business, and collaborative learning, students will cultivate marketable skills to prepare them for a wide range of careers in a visually driven world.
“We designed the BA in Art to bridge creative practice with intellectual inquiry,” said Amanda Alexander, chair of the Department of Art. “This new degree invites students to study, make, interpret, and innovate across multiple visual disciplines, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving culture.”
Miami University announced it's officially launching a Bachelor of Arts in Art degree within the College of Creative Arts. The degree will have three concentrations: Art History, Fashion Design, and Studio Art.
Art History
The Art History concentration of the BA in Art offers an expansive look at human civilization through its visual and material culture. Students will analyze paintings, sculptures, architecture, film, and more to learn how works of art express beliefs, identities, and ideas across time and place.Students will study with internationally recognized Miami faculty and work directly with a fully accredited university museum, the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum. They can also participate in study abroad programs in Florence, Rome, Venice, Dublin, and the Czech Republic, as well as curate exhibitions as part of their senior capstone.
Fashion Design
With an emphasis on creativity, experimentation, and hands-on skills building, the Fashion Design concentration lets students develop individual creative voices. Opportunities include study abroad and study away in Luxembourg, Florence, and New York City; participation in the long-running and renowned Miami University Fashion and Design Fashion Show; access to the department’s Fashion Costume Collection; industry-focused internships; and involvement in several campus organizations.
Miami University announced it's officially launching a Bachelor of Arts in Art degree within the College of Creative Arts. The degree will have three concentrations: Art History, Fashion Design, and Studio Art.
Studio Art
Exploring artistic practice through media — from painting to animation, photography to ceramics — will allow students in the Studio Art concentration to develop both conceptual and technical skills. Students in this concentration will learn to communicate through visual form, while also engaging deeply with contemporary and historical artistic discourse.Miami’s BA in Art is designed with flexibility in mind, and students are encouraged to pair the degree with another major, co-major, or minor across the university.
“With its blend of creativity, scholarship, and professional preparation, the new BA in Art expands Miami University’s commitment to providing students with a transformative arts education,” said Ryan Fisher, dean of CCA. “The program equips graduates with the visual acuity, cultural understanding, and communication skills necessary for success in a wide spectrum of fields — from museums and cultural institutions to design, communications, fashion, education, and beyond.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the College of Creative Arts? Visit the website for more information.
