Why Major in Painting?
Art majors with an emphasis in painting learn techniques in acrylic and oil paint, mixed media and develop skills in color manipulation and harmonization. Classes are divided between painting in the studio, formal analysis of art work and discussion of painting concepts. Faculty guide students to develop as visual artists and prepare them for a successful.
Minor in Art
A minor in art teaches students the fundamentals of drawing, design and medieval or renaissance to present day art. After taking the required courses, students can customize their minor from a list of approved electives. For a list of required courses, visit the academic catalog. This minor requires the completion of 24 credit hours.
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Shelby's story »
Career Opportunities
93%
placement rate
93% of art majors find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. Jobs and professions related to this major include:
- Character artist
- Interior designer
- Marketing and design associate
- Production artist
Profession-Based Learning Experiences
Students have opportunities to create commission-based work where clients contact the Department of Fine and Performing Arts to request a drawing. The professor selects a student to create and complete the project.
Advanced painting students are guaranteed their own studio space at Northwest. This provides students an opportunity function like a professional artist prior to graduating.
Faculty encourage students to enter art competitions and solo shows. Students gain real-world experience by learning about logistics and marketing their visual productions.
Students are encouraged to submit their best work for presentation at the annual Celebration of Quality, an interdisciplinary symposium spotlighting exceptional student work throughout campus.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their own academic development. Faculty members supervise short-term study abroad programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available – faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program can be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $7,500. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $3,588 for in-state students and $9,804 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.
Save more than $7,200 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
Laptop Program Information
Nearly $22 Million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
Scholarship Information
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
Read student stories
Graduation Rate: 90th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.
