Kent State University’s School of Art is one of Ohio’s top schools in the visual arts, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in Art Education, Art History, and Studio Art. The School of Art was rated #9 in the nation in 2021 for schools that offer a Bachelor's in Art and Art History by Best Value Schools. Our program offers a wide array of studio disciplines, expert faculty, and a place for fine arts and liberal arts to come together in creative and inspiring ways. All studios and classrooms are located under one roof in the new Center for the Visual Arts which had its grand opening in 2016.

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s top graduate programs in the visual arts, the School of Art offers competitive graduate assistantships in all degree areas. Students are supported and challenged by a world-class faculty, who stimulate individual and collaborative creativity in the classroom, studio and gallery spaces. An accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the School of Art lies in the heart of the vibrant Northeast Ohio arts community and also offers travel study to cities such as New York City, Washington D.C., Florence, Italy and Paris, France, as well as other domestic and international destinations.

Since childhood, Maria McDonald loved painting. But it wasn’t until she got to college that she saw how painting could be a career. Now, this Kent State alumna is enjoying her first solo art show in Massillon Museum’s Studio M.

  • Art Education

    Art Education

    A visual arts education provides academic achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity. We strive to advance visual arts education by providing an outstanding program that produces effective teachers, advocates for art and design education, and educational leaders in PreK-12 schools, museums and enrichment programs.

  • Art History

    Art History

    The art history major examines both the creative expressions of individual artists and the cultures that supported them, encompassing African, Asian, American and European traditions. The program provides a strong foundation for the successful pursuit of advanced degrees and other opportunities in the field, including teaching, research, publishing and curating.

  • Studio Art

    Studio Art

    The Studio Art major offers abundant opportunities for students to work in a variety of media with guidance from our talented faculty. Studio concentrations include Ceramics, Drawing, Glass, Jewelry/Metals/Enameling, Painting, Print Media and Photography, Sculpture and Expanded Media, and Textiles. 

     

  • School of Art Collection and Galleries

    School of Art Collection and Galleries

    The School of Art Collection and Galleries are comprised of seven gallery spaces located on the Kent State University campus and downtown Kent, Ohio. The galleries exhibit art from local, regional, national and international artists with new exhibitions every 4-6 weeks.  Students also have opportunities to exhibit their work in many of these spaces.

  • Scholarships

    Scholarships

    Scholarships are available for both current and incoming students. School of Art majors have multiple opportunities to receive merit and need-based aid.

  • Special Programs

    Special Programs

    Learn more about our renowned Visiting Artist and Scholar Lecture Series, Kent Blossom Art Intensives, Travel Study opportunities and more. 

Tour the Center for Visual Arts in 360

The School of Art is housed in the Center for the Visual Arts (CVA), a 127,000 square foot state-of-the-art, LEED certified building that opened in 2016. The CVA contains art education and art history classrooms and lecture halls; a glass shop; a wood shop; dedicated studios for ceramics, painting, drawing, jewelry/metals/enameling, print media and photography, textiles, and sculpture; and an outdoor workspace.

Explore your options at the School of Art