Graceland’s hands-on approach to an art degree opens doors to careers in studio art, graphic design, teaching, and graduate study.
Art is about more than creating something beautiful. It’s a way to express ideas, tell stories, challenge perspectives, and inspire change. At Graceland University, you’ll develop your creativity and artistic skills through hands-on projects, dedicated studio spaces, and personal guidance from faculty who know you and your work. Whether you dream of becoming a professional artist, graphic designer, illustrator, or pursuing another creative career, you’ll gain the experience and confidence to make your voice heard.
Graceland’s Art major offers two tracks that let you focus on your interests and career goals: Studio Art and Graphic Design. Studio Art emphasizes traditional and contemporary art techniques, while Graphic Design combines creativity with visual communication and digital technology. Both tracks provide opportunities to explore new ideas, address issues that matter to you, and build a portfolio that showcases your work.
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in drawing, design, and art history before exploring your interests through Studio Art or Graphic Design. Both tracks give you opportunities to work on creative projects, develop your own artistic style, and build a professional portfolio. You’ll also showcase your work in a Senior Exhibition and graduate with the skills and experience to pursue a creative career or graduate study.
The Graphic Design track builds your skills in typography, identity systems, animation and motion graphics, and web development, with the option to focus on UX and UI or photography. You’ll graduate with a portfolio ready for agencies, advertising, and in-house design.
Best for students interested in
Career pathways include:
The Studio Art track lets you explore painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and socially engaged art while building a personal body of work. You’ll finish with a Senior Exhibition and professional portfolio ready for graduate study, creative careers, or the classroom.
Best for students interested in:
Career pathways include:
At Graceland’s Helene Center for Visual Arts, you’ll have 24/7 access to the space, equipment, and tools you need to explore your creativity. You’ll find painting studios with north-facing windows that provide plenty of natural light, along with dedicated spaces for drawing, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking. The facility also features a metal-casting foundry, a Mac computer lab for graphic design, and gallery spaces where you can exhibit your work and enjoy exhibitions by visiting artists.
99% of students on the Lamoni campus receive financial aid.
As you consider college, you want a simple, easy-to-understand formula designed to ensure that the one-of-a-kind Graceland Experience is within reach for your family. Undergraduate tuition includes our unique Transformational Leadership major, and we offer generous financial aid and scholarships to all of our students, making Graceland as affordable, if not more so, than most public universities.
Graceland also offers Art scholarships for students who participate in the Art Department, regardless of major, along with the Distinguished Art Scholarship, one of our highest awards, reserved for Art majors.
At Graceland, you'll learn from faculty who bring their own artistic experience and perspectives into the classroom. With small classes and plenty of one-on-one guidance, you'll have opportunities to explore new techniques, receive personal feedback, and develop your own creative voice. You'll also learn from visiting artists who share their work and professional experiences.
Graceland University’s Art major offers two tracks: Studio Art and Graphic Design. Studio Art focuses on creating original artwork through painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and other hands-on techniques. Graphic Design focuses on visual communication through typography, digital design, animation, and web design. Both tracks share foundational courses in drawing, design, and art history, giving students a chance to explore different interests while developing their artistic skills.
A Studio Art degree from Graceland University can prepare you for careers as a professional artist, illustrator, muralist, gallery manager, art director, or other creative professional. Graduates may work independently, pursue opportunities in creative industries, or continue their education in graduate school. The program helps you develop your artistic abilities, build a portfolio, and gain experience presenting your work to others.
Graceland University’s Graphic Design track prepares students for careers in graphic design, advertising, branding, illustration, animation, and digital media. Graduates may work for advertising agencies, design studios, businesses, nonprofit organizations, or as independent designers. Through coursework in visual communication, typography, and digital design, you’ll develop skills that can be applied across a wide range of creative industries.
Yes. Graceland University’s Graphic Design track includes coursework in web programming, animation, motion graphics, and digital design. Students learn HTML and CSS fundamentals through Introduction to Web Programming and can explore user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. These courses combine traditional design principles with digital tools and technology, helping students prepare for careers that involve both creative and technical skills.
Yes. Graceland University offers a pathway to Iowa teacher licensure for students interested in teaching art. Students can combine the Studio Art track with education coursework to prepare for teaching art in grades 5–12. An additional pathway is available for students interested in both elementary and secondary art education. These programs combine art courses with teaching methods and classroom experience to help prepare students for careers in education.
Art students at Graceland University study in the Helene Center for Visual Arts on the Lamoni, Iowa, campus. The facility includes dedicated studios for painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, metal-casting and printmaking, along with a Mac computer lab for graphic design. Students also have access to gallery spaces where they can display their work and experience exhibitions by visiting artists. The Helene Center gives students room to experiment with different materials, develop their skills, and work on their own creative projects.
Yes. Art majors at Graceland University develop a portfolio of original work throughout their studies. Studio Art students create pieces using a variety of materials and techniques, while Graphic Design students build a collection of visual and digital design projects. The required Senior Exhibition course also emphasizes portfolio development and professional practices. By graduation, students have a collection of work they can share with potential employers, clients, or graduate schools.
Yes. Graceland University provides opportunities for Art students to display their work in campus galleries and exhibitions. All Art majors complete a Senior Exhibition course, where they develop and present a collection of their work. Students gain experience planning an exhibition, preparing artwork for display, and sharing their ideas with an audience. These experiences help students learn how to present their work professionally and prepare for future exhibitions or creative careers.
Yes. Graceland University’s Art Department brings visiting artists to campus to exhibit their work, speak with students, and share their professional experiences. Students also benefit from small classes and personal attention from Art faculty. Through individual feedback, group critiques, and conversations with visiting artists, you’ll have opportunities to learn new techniques, consider different perspectives, and improve your work.
Yes. Graceland University offers Art scholarships for students studying Studio Art or Graphic Design. Scholarship opportunities include awards for students who participate in the Art Department and competitive scholarships that recognize artistic talent and potential. Some scholarships require a portfolio review. Students may also qualify for academic scholarships and other financial aid, helping make a Graceland education more affordable.
Graceland University’s Art program combines hands-on creative experience with the personal attention of a small university. Students work closely with faculty, learn in dedicated studios at the Helene Center for Visual Arts, and have opportunities to exhibit their work and learn from visiting artists.
Every four-year undergraduate student on Graceland’s Lamoni campus also earns a second major in Transformational Leadership at no extra cost and with no additional time required. You’ll also develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills that can help you succeed in creative careers and beyond.
Questions?
Next Steps
