This program provides the opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of visual expression and broad exposure to the history of art in preparation for transfer to four-year colleges and universities and a career in the visual arts. The structured curriculum emphasizes visual perception, technical acuity, and artistic philosophy geared toward developing a personal aesthetic. The first-year curriculum provides all students with a common foundation in basic artistic techniques. The following year, students focus on advanced studio disciplines and prepare a professional portfolio of their work. To view NHTI Senior Capstone work, visit https://www.nhtivarts.com/.
The Visual Arts professors are professional artists with extensive exhibition records and a wealth of teaching experience. The limited student-to-faculty ratio facilitates a respectful and safe environment to develop inherent abilities. We encourage mentorships, independent study, internships, and exhibition opportunities. Students have their work exhibited at the end of each semester.
Curriculum Abbreviations
- CL – Number of lecture/classroom hours per week for the course
- LAB – Number of simulation laboratory, laboratory or clinical hours per week for the course
- CR – Number of credit hours for the course
First Year
| Course | Title | CL | LAB | CR |
| Fall Semester | ||||
| ENGL 101C | English Composition | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| VRTS 101C | Introduction to Drawing (studio)1 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| VRTS 103C | Two-Dimensional Design (studio)1 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| VRTS 111C | Survey of Western Art History I1 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| XX xxxC | Social Science elective1,2 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 17 | ||||
| Spring Semester | ||||
| XX xxxC | Social Science elective | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENGL xxxC | English elective | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| VRTS 104C | Three-Dimensional Design (studio)1 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| VRTS 112C | Survey of Western Art History II1 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| VRTS 201C | Drawing II (studio)1 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| 16 | ||||
Second Year
| Course | Title | CL | LAB | CR |
| MATH xxxC | Math elective3 | 3-4 | 0 | 3-4 |
| VRTS xxxC | Studio elective1 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| VRTS xxxC | Elective (may be Studio or History)1 | 2-3 | 0-4 | 3-4 |
| XX xxxC | Lab Science elective4 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| XX xxxC | Social Science elective2 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 17-19 | ||||
| Spring Semester | ||||
| MATH xxxC | Math elective3 | 3-4 | 0 | 3-4 |
| VRTS 290C | Visual Arts Capstone Practicum1,5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| VRTS 2xxC | Studio elective (#2)1 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| XX xxxC | Lab Science elective4 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| XX xxxC | General elective | 3-4 | 0 | 3-4 |
| 15-17 | ||||
| Total Credits | 65-69 | |||
Students who complete the program will demonstrate:
- A comprehension of art history and its relationship to society, an understanding of different modes of expression, and how to articulate that context during individual assessment of studio work
- The ability to create imagery that reflect professional standards in a range of mediums that use components of visual language to communicate personal and group content and critically assess individual work in group settings
- The ability to write concisely and employ mathematics, science, and appropriate terminology as used in the field of visual arts
- The ability to articulate meaning and motive in an artist statement, create an independent body of work, prepare professional-quality displays, and curate and hang exhibitions
Graduates can enter into the following professions (not an inclusive list): illustrating, graphic design, set design, photography, film/media production, fabric/paper design, fashion design, product design, art therapy, art instructors, game design, character development, interior design, and fabrication. They may earn income by opening their own studios and selling work to museums, galleries, and private collectors. Many continue study toward BFA degrees to further their abilities and pursue careers in teaching.
