Undergraduate Studies

Iowa was one of the first universities in the nation to unite studio art, art history, and art education in one school. Today, the School of Art and Art History continues to offer all three programs, reflecting its philosophy that young artists benefit from the formal study of artistic traditions, prospective historians gain from personal experience with the creative process, and future teachers need a firm foundation in both.

Iowa also pioneered the concept of artist as teacher. As an art or art history major, you’ll work with faculty members who have national and international reputations and whose art and publications are included in collections all over the world.

At Iowa, you’ll find yourself surrounded by art. You’ll encounter sculptures all over campus, and you may study in University buildings designed by well-known architects, present and past. You’re sure to visit the Iowa Memorial Union, where you’ll see Museum of Art exhibits and countless works by University artists, including your professors.

If you’re a studio artist, you’ll be able to choose from an array of concentration areas: ceramics, graphic design, 3-D design, drawing, intermedia, jewelry and metal arts, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. U.S. News & World Report ranks Iowa’s graduate printmaking program No. 2 in the nation and the MFA program No. 7 among public universities.

With its strong tradition of innovation, an atmosphere that nurtures creativity, and a wealth of resources, it’s no wonder that art is one of Iowa’s most popular undergraduate majors. Read more about the School of Art and Art History.