Art (Business) (B.A.)

Program Overview

The Art (Business) degree prepares graduates for work in non-profit arts organizations such as galleries, museums, and art associations of all types. Students will receive training in both the arts and business, so that they may make sound decisions in both areas. It will also enable them to effectively communicate with both the artists with whom they work, and the business-oriented supporters of the arts organization.

The degree requires students to do extensive work in the visual arts, so that they have a “hands-on” understanding of an artist’s life and work. Students will also receive a thorough background in business, giving them the tools to make the sound financial decisions, which enable and support the artistic work of the organization. Preparation in the arts and business will come together in specific training for arts management, including a required internship with a local arts organization.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Art Business program can:

1. Demonstrates a comprehension of western art history and an ability to articulate theories, criticism of images.
2. Demonstrates foundational design skills necessary for problem solving and for understanding, composing, and evaluating the visual arts.
3. Demonstrates a basic understanding of foundational  principles of business, marketing and economic practices.
4. Demonstrates a basic understanding of Business Law.
5. Interaction with professional on site business environment. 
6. Demonstrates an understanding of the role of visual images in the broader culture, with particular attention to the relationship between visual and verbal information.
7. Demonstrates an ability to conduct research in areas of history, theory, and process. 
8. Experiences contact with the art world through exhibits, internships and other employment, and the presence of visiting artists, designers, critics, art historians, and related speakers.
9. Demonstrates a knowledge of sources of information and opportunities for employment and the practice of art as a profession.

10. Demonstrates an understanding of the historical and formal connections between Christianity and the visual arts.

11. Demonstrates an ability to articulate the relationship between faith and creative work.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Six credits from the following:

Visual Arts Emphasis

Three credits from the following:

Three credits from the following:

QuEST Requirements