Art

What can I do with a major in Art

The Bachelor of Arts (Art) degree is a general program that requires a minimum of 13 art courses and allows you to explore other areas of study within the Fine Arts and Humanities.

Students may opt for a more in-depth study of art and complete the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Art), majoring in Art Studio or Art History/Museum Studies, which requires 25-27 art classes. Another option is Bachelor of Fine Arts- Native American Art (Art Studio). The Native American Studies courses encourage the use of different creative traditions within your studio practice. They also provide an in-depth engagement with Aboriginal issues in contemporary art.

Art students will investigate the roots of their own experience and increase their potential to ‘see’ the world. Students begin with an all-encompassing visual foundations course, where they experience how art connects them with the world by exploring familiar things in new ways. The U of L enables students to explore a wide range of artistic media including painting, drawing, sculpture, photo-arts, printmaking, and audio and video recording/editing as well as interesting courses in art history.

Students interested in Art can complete:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts &Science
  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Management
  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education

The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.  

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Critical Evaluation
  • Analyze Complex Textual & Cultural Phenomenon
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking & Writing
  • Innovative Problem Solving
  • Leadership
  • Organization of Ideas & Materials
  • Project Implementation
  • Relating Abstract Ideas & Visual Forms
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Seeing, Drawing & Understanding Form
  • Teamwork
  • Think & Write Creatively
  • Time Management
  • Understanding Different Artistic Mediums
  • Work Independently

Work Environment 

Graduates of the Art Studio program may find employment in/with advertising agencies, art galleries, auction houses, cultural institutions, museums, publishing companies, media companies or textile companies. Graduates may also pursue career opportunities with multimedia firms, governmental organizations, public relations companies, consulting firms, or marketing companies.

Key Areas of Specialization:  

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture & Material Practice
  • Installation & Performance Art
  • Photography
  • Video & Media Art
  • Digital Fabrication & Electronic Art
  • Audio & Video Recording/Editing
  • Art History

 

Career Possibilities 

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2yearsof experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

 

  • Archival Assistant
  • Art Foundation Program Coordinator
  • Arts Program Specialist
  • Artist
  • Children’s Art Instructor
  • Collections Assistant
  • Curatorial Assistant
  • Design Consultant
  • Display Coordinator
  • Display Officer –Museum & Art Gallery
  • Education Program Specialist
  • Gallery Assistant
  • Graphic Production Assistant
  • Heritage Interpreter
  • Historic Program Interpreter
  • Junior Graphic Designer
  • Museum Interpreter
  • Photographer/Sales Associate•
  • Program Coordinator
  • Program Facilitator –Arts & Heritage
  • Sales & Marketing Assistant Intern
  • Studio Art Technologist (Printmaking)

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Advertising Artist
  • Animation Artist
  • Architect Art Restoration Specialist
  • Art Appraiser/Dealer
  • Art Consultant
  • Art Critic
  • Art Director
  • Art Educator
  • Art Gallery Worker/ Director
  • Art Historian
  • Art Librarian
  • Artifact Preservation Specialist
  • Artist Facilitator
  • Arts Administrator
  • Arts Awards Administrator
  • Arts Blogger
  • Arts Manager
  • Arts Programmer (TV/Radio)
  • Book/Journal Editor
  • Conservator/Restorer
  • Creative Technologist
  • Curator
  • Designer
  • Documentary Editor
  • Exhibit/Display Designer
  • Fashion Designer
  • Fine Art Appraiser/ Handler
  • Fine Arts Sales Associate
  • Graphic Artist/Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Historical Preservation Coordinator
  • Illustrator
  • Interior Designer
  • Layout Artist
  • Medical Illustrator
  • Museum Curator
  • Museum Exhibit Designer
  • Photographer
  • Print Journalist
  • Production Assistant
  • Programming Assistant
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Publications Assistant
  • Publicity Specialist
  • Technical Assistant
  • Technical/Scientific Illustrator
  • Textile Designer
  • University Professor
  • Video Producer
  • Visual Merchandiser
  • Web Developer/Designer

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Advertising Account Representative
  • Architect
  • Art Therapist
  • Communications Officer
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Costume Designer
  • Cultural Events Planner
  • Cultural Programmer/Planner
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Development Coordinator
  • Digital Animator
  • Educator &Public Programs Coordinator
  • Event Planner
  • Events &Public Engagement Specialist
  • Festival Coordinator
  • Fundraiser
  • Grant Writer
  • Grants Officer for the Arts
  • Interior Decorator
  • Landscape Architect
  • Librarian/Information Specialist
  • Marketing Communication Specialist
  • Media Relations Specialist
  • Membership Services Officer
  • Museum Administrator
  • Museum Collections Assistant
  • Museum Communications Officer
  • Museum Community Resource Manager
  • Museum Curator
  • Museum Development &Fundraising Coordinator
  • Museum Director
  • Museum Workshop Coordinator
  • Preventive Conservation Manager
  • Sponsorship Coordinator
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Volunteer Engagement Officer

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript. 

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network.  Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

 

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

 

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.  

 

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more.  Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal). 

 

 

 

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.