Generally Required or Highly Recommended High School/Secondary School Courses:
* Art Portfolio: This is the MOST important requirement. A strong portfolio showcasing your skills and artistic style is crucial for admission. The content of the portfolio will depend on the program, but typically includes a range of works demonstrating different mediums, techniques, and concepts.
* AP Art History (or equivalent): While not always required, a strong understanding of art history is beneficial and often preferred. This course provides context and helps demonstrate a deeper engagement with the art world.
* AP Studio Art (or equivalent): Taking advanced placement art classes (drawing, painting, sculpture, 2D design, 3D design) directly demonstrates your artistic abilities and commitment to the field.
* Strong Academic Record: While art is the focus, most art schools still require a solid academic record showing you can handle the rigor of college coursework. Strong grades in core subjects like English and Math are important.
Other Helpful Courses:
* Photography: Developing an understanding of photography can significantly improve your artistic eye and can be helpful in a variety of artistic fields.
* Digital Media/Graphic Design: Proficiency in digital art software (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) is increasingly important for many art programs.
* Film Studies (for Animation/Film related programs): Understanding film techniques and storytelling is essential for animation and film programs.
* Anatomy/Figure Drawing: Crucial for many programs, particularly those focusing on illustration, sculpture, and animation.
For Graduate Programs:
Graduate art programs typically require a bachelor's degree (often in a related field) and a significantly more refined and extensive portfolio. They may also require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or other standardized tests.
In short: Focus on building a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, taking advanced art classes, and maintaining a good academic record. Always check the specific admission requirements of the art schools you're interested in, as they can vary widely. Their websites will usually detail the requirements for each program.