Alderson Broaddus College, set among the mountains of Philippi, West Virginia, states that its visual arts students benefit from the college's mountain scenery, large studio spaces and "supportive faculty." The department sees its mission as being "to help students develop skills and to encourage sophistication in thought" so each student may develop "his or her own visual language." The program mixes studio work with study of past and contemporary forms. Students and faculty also meet regularly to review student work and ideas.
Located in Huntington, West Virginia, the Department of Art and Design at Marshall University's College of Fine Arts describes its program as having both traditional on-site and on-line courses that are "rigorous and relevant." Class sizes are purposely kept small so each student receives complete faculty attention and solid training. The faculty are described as being "deeply committed to teaching excellence." The program as a whole aims to train students to become innovative "creative thinkers and producers."
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Located in Shepherdstown, the Department of Contemporary Art of Shepherd University offers courses designed "to provide students with a diversified experience in art and an in-depth experience in one major concentration area." The program includes opportunities for U.S. and international travel, lectures, exhibits, internships and co-ops. Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates may concentrate in graphic design, painting, photography/computer digital imagery, printmaking or sculpture. A Bachelor of Arts in art education is offered for those who wish to teach.
The art program of the University of Charleston guides students through portfolio development, senior art exhibits, annual field trips, and graduate school preparation. Art students experiment first with basic concepts and skills in foundation art courses, then progress to specialize in the advanced studios. Students are able to take advantage of the department's "state-of-the-art computing technology for the arts." The program prepares students to work in business, technical industry, art agencies, or in the art or design world.
Located in Huntington, West Virginia, ITT Technical Institute's School of Drafting and Design offers an associate's degree in design and visual communications. This program trains the student to be involved in the "planning, designing, analyzing and creating" of visual communications, so as to assist students in preparing for a career in "designing and creating interactive multimedia communications and print communications." Graduates are trained for entry-level roles in "design and production of digital and print media" using a variety of the applications for use in corporate and public communications."