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Art

Major | Minor

Find Your Creative Voice & Shape the World Through Art

Student in Art class

At Goshen College, art is more than a subject, it’s a way of seeing, understanding, and shaping the world. Whether you’re throwing clay on a wheel, designing for a client, or curating your own senior show, you’ll be part of a vibrant, supportive community that values creativity, storytelling, and critical thinking.

Offered as both a major and a minor, Goshen’s art program lets you explore your creative passions while preparing for a variety of careers. You’ll work closely with faculty who are practicing artists and mentors, and choose from concentrations such as studio art, art entrepreneurship, visual arts education (K-12), pre-architecture, and art administration.

Why Study Art at Goshen College?

  • Hands-on experience through studio work, exhibitions, and internships
  • Small class sizes with faculty who are practicing artists
  • Experiential learning opportunities like the Arts in London class
  • Professional development through student art sales and entrepreneurial training
  • Career readiness with internships in galleries, museums, studios, and more

Graduates leave GC equipped with both creative and practical skills, preparing them for an imaginative, rewarding career in the arts.

Career Paths for GC Art Graduates

Art and design influence every aspect of our world, from branding and architecture to education and fine arts. GC art alumni have built thriving careers across industries, working as:

  • Graphic designers, photographers, and illustrators
  • Architects and interior designers
  • Art teachers (K-12 and higher education)
  • Ceramists, jewelers, and sculptors
  • Arts administrators, curators, and museum educators
  • Business owners and creative entrepreneurs

For more information on career possibilities, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook or explore professional associations like the American Institute of Graphic Arts and the American Art Therapy Association.

Curriculum & Credits

Through hands-on classes, gallery exhibitions, student art sales, and immersive experiences like our Arts in London course, you’ll develop both your artistic voice and the practical skills to thrive in fields like graphic design, education, architecture, photography, and more.

All students complete a 29-credit core and choose a concentration to complete the 35–45 credit hour requirement.

Concentrations to choose from include:

  • Teaching Art (K–12 Certification): For those passionate about inspiring the next generation of artists, this track includes art and education courses with student teaching experiences in local classrooms. GC graduates earn certification to teach art in grades K–12.
  • Art Entrepreneurship: Ideal for those wanting to turn their art into a business, this concentration combines business and marketing courses with specialized studio projects and internships in fields like jewelry, ceramics, and photography.
  • Studio Art:A concentration designed for aspiring gallery artists, graduate students, and educators. Students develop their artistic focus while working closely with faculty mentors who are practicing artists.
  • Pre-Architecture: This pre-professional track blends visual design with communication, math, and physics to prepare you for graduate studies in architecture. Seniors complete an internship with an architectural firm.
  • Art Administration: For those interested in managing galleries, museums, and arts organizations, this track includes coursework in management, education, and exhibition installation, with museum internships as a key component.
  • Art Generalist: Designed for double majors or students seeking a lifetime of creative expression, this flexible track allows you to tailor your studies to your personal and professional interests.

Learn more about the courses and concentrations in our course catalog.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most GC students receive financial aid, including merit-based scholarships for full-time junior and senior art or graphic design majors:

  • Arthur L. and Cordelia Sprunger Scholarship
  • Raymond A. Yoder Scholarship

For more scholarship opportunities, visit our financial aid page.

Ready to get started?

Related majors & minors

All Majors & Minors
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