About the Department

Welcome to the VSU Department of Art & Design – here, our focus is you. We are on a journey together, to help you realize your own path to success. Our dynamic programs equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to pursue creative careers in studio art, graphic design, interior design, and art education. Additionally, design and visual communications are highly valued skills in many fields beyond the traditional arts. Program areas include foundations, drawing, ceramics, graphic design, illustration and web design, painting, jewelry and metalsmithing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and art history. 
 
Art & Design = creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, self-discipline, confidence, persistence, perseverance, openness to experimentation, and so much more. Here, Art & Design pushes boundaries and sharpens your skills, from time management, self-reflection, drive, problem-solving, endurance, and patience, to growing your passion and motivation. We ideate creative solutions together, take risks, find growth in failure, establish connections with our community, inspire change in others, and contribute to a more positive, accepting, and innovative society.
 
At VSU, your achievement is our achievement, because Art & Design is not only our passion, it’s our profession. We’re glad you’ve decided to visit our website and encourage you to explore our programs further. Consider visiting us in person so we can introduce you to our lovely campus, take you on a personal tour of our facilities, and meet our outstanding students, faculty, and staff. Most importantly, we want to know more about you!
 
I invite you to contact me personally and hope I’ll be seeing you soon.
 
Michael T. Schmidt
Associate Dean, College of the Arts & Interim Head, Department of Art & Design
mschmidt@valdosta.edu
(229) 333.5835

Special Initiatives

Degrees and Programs