Art and Design
Creating With Purpose, Inspiring Expression
Where faith and artistry unite to guide students toward excellence in the visual arts and creative professions.
At Campbellsville University, the Art and Design Department helps students hone their creative nature through a Christ-centered approach to visual expression. Our program teaches visual literacy, communication, and design thinking while developing the technical skills, processes, and technologies needed to excel in today’s creative industries.
The Art and Design program strives to be competitive with leading regional institutions and to meet the highest standards of arts education, offering B.A., B.S., and B.F.A. degrees that prepare students for diverse careers. From drawing, painting, and concept illustration to 2D and 3D animation, photography, sculpture, graphic design, commercial art, product design, and ceramics, our curriculum encourages exploration without limits. Guided by faith, our goal is to be the premier Christ-centered visual arts program in Kentucky, where imagination, talent, and purpose come together to shape the next generation of artists and designers.
Inspiring Creativity, Guided by Faith
The Art and Design Department at Campbellsville University is devoted to cultivating artistic excellence through hands-on learning, critical thinking, and Christian values. Our mission is to equip students with the technical skills, creative vision, and ethical foundation needed to thrive in the visual arts and related professions. Through innovative instruction, studio experiences, and exhibition opportunities, students are encouraged to explore their artistic potential and pursue meaningful work that reflects both craftsmanship and purpose.
Building Confidence Through Academic Integrity
The Art and Design Department operates within the standards of excellence established by Campbellsville University and its accrediting body. Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificates, associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. This accreditation reflects our commitment to providing a comprehensive education that integrates creativity, professional preparation, and academic quality.
Rooted in Excellence, Reaching the World
Campbellsville University serves more than 12,500 students across multiple campuses in Kentucky, California, and Canada. As a nationally recognized Christian university, CU offers over 100 academic programs designed to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.
Blending tradition with innovation, CU fosters academic excellence, character development, and leadership grounded in faith. Through the College of Arts and Sciences, students gain the skills and insight to make a meaningful difference in their professions and communities.
The Patrons for the Visual Arts at Campbellsville University is a community of supporters who share a passion for creativity and a desire to see the visual arts flourish in a Christ-centered environment. Guided by faith and purpose, our mission is to nurture artistic talent, expand learning opportunities, and enhance facilities that inspire excellence in art and design.
As part of our continued growth, the Art and Design Department is planning new spaces and adding dedicated instructors to equip students for success as educators, designers, and creative professionals. Through campus exhibits, artist residencies, and hands-on workshops, students learn both the creative and business aspects of the visual arts. The Patrons for the Visual Arts also extends opportunities to the broader community, offering summer workshops for children, evening classes for adults, and events that connect artists and art lovers from Campbellsville and beyond.
Our Objectives
- Prepare students to excel in the arts, education, and professional fields.
- Expand facilities and resources to foster artistic growth for all ages.
- Host visiting artists for exhibitions and workshops that enrich the learning experience.
- Provide essential art supplies and materials for our students.
- Increase scholarship opportunities for promising art students.
Support the Arts
Your support helps students grow as artists and leaders. Join the Patrons for the Visual Arts and make a lasting impact today. Help a CU student here.
We'd Love to Hear From You
Interested in learning more about Campbellsville University’s Art and Design programs? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about admissions, curriculum, or campus visits, our Art and Design faculty and staff are ready to help. Fill out a Request Information form or reach out directly to our Admissions Office for personalized guidance.
Email Admissions at admissions@campbellsville.edu
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"God's taking over. I can't say I'm the artist. My inspiration and help come from the Lord. Art has given me a way to share worship through the eyes of an artist.” - Cora Renfro, Alumna and Adjunct Instructor in Art
Bachelor Programs
The Art, B.A. or B.S. at Campbellsville University, offers a comprehensive program designed to develop your artistic skills, creativity, and critical thinking through rigorous studio practice and academic study. Students engage with foundational and advanced courses that prepare them for careers or further education in the visual arts.
Degree Offered At: Campbellsville
The Art: Graphic Design, B.A. or B.S., offered as either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, equips students with a strong foundation in visual communication, digital media, and design principles. This program blends creativity with technical skills in typography, branding, and multimedia production, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in advertising, marketing, publishing, and related fields. Students develop professional portfolios and gain practical experience to succeed in today’s competitive design industry.
Degree Offered At: Campbellsville
The Art: Teacher Certification (P–12), B.A. or B.S., prepares students to become certified art educators for grades P–12. This program integrates comprehensive art training with effective teaching methods and educational theory, enabling graduates to inspire creativity and foster artistic growth in diverse classroom settings. Rooted in a Christ-centered approach, students are equipped to lead and motivate the next generation of artists.
Degree Offered At: Campbellsville
The Art Minor at Campbellsville University allows students from any major to develop foundational skills in drawing, design, and visual communication. This program enhances creative thinking and aesthetic understanding, complementing a wide range of academic disciplines and professional paths.
Degree Offered At: Campbellsville
The Bachelor of Fine Arts, B.F.A. in Art and Design, offers an intensive, professional-level education in the visual arts. This program is designed for students pursuing advanced study and careers in creative fields, emphasizing studio practice, conceptual development, and technical mastery. Students build a comprehensive portfolio and engage in immersive learning experiences that prepare them for graduate study or professional work.
B.F.A. Emphasis Areas:
- Animation - Focuses on 2D and 3D animation, motion, and storytelling for film, gaming, and multimedia.
- Graphic Design - Develops advanced skills in branding, typography, digital design, and visual communication.
- 2D Studio - Concentrates on drawing, painting, and mixed media for expressive and fine art applications.
- 3D Studio - Centers on sculpture, ceramics, and spatial design, transforming concepts into tangible forms.
Degree Offered At: Campbellsville
Art Village
Discover Campbellsville University’s Art Village, a vibrant hub showcasing artwork from local artists, students, and alumni. Explore diverse exhibits featuring ceramics, sculpture, photography, painting, and more. Visit Turner Log Cabin Park and the Chowning Art Shop, and enjoy performances at the Gheens Recital Hall in the Gosser Fine Arts Center.