Why Study Art at Cornell?

Art and the Liberal Arts
The Department of Art at Cornell has been an integral part of the liberal arts curriculum ever since Charles Atherton Cummings established the program in 1894.  We continue to build on his assumption that the visual arts have an important place in a liberal arts college.  That place is established primarily by providing the environment for students to become committed artists and art historians through analyzing, making, and responding to the form and content of visual works.

Art on OCAAT
A recent grad says it seems Cornell's One Course At A Time schedule "was made for the art department."  He's right: OCAAT gives us the ability to treat every studio course like a workshop, with focused periods of work, fewer interruptions, and less time devoted to set up and clean up.  It also gives us the opportunity to take frequent trips to galleries and museums at other schools, neighboring cities, and as far away as Minneapolis and Chicago.

Off-campus Study
We're also able to offer unique off-campus study opportunities for a block or more to a wide range of students without affecting other courses. Students in Drawing I / Ceramics I have the opportunity to learn from village artisans in Mexico or Japan during an extended two-block adventure.  Art history students explored Rome for a block during 2008-09, and also have opportunities to study art, history, and architecture in Greece, England, and other countries through courses offered by other departments.

Careers for Art Majors
By exposing our students to studio art and art history within a liberal arts framework, we provide the tools and opportunities to explore a wide range of career options.  Many of our graduates go on to graduate programs in art, design, architecture, and related fields.  Recent students have gone on to become teachers at every level from grade school to the university level. Others have become full or part-time artists in a range of media.

National Recognition
The art department was recognized by the 2010 Fiske Guide to Colleges as one of the top among small colleges and universities. Cornell was one of only 24 art and design departments to make the list.