The Bachelor of Arts in Art + Design develops skills in three concentrations: Design,
Fine Art and Art History.
Selected courses in design, studio art and art history develop competencies for graduate
school or careers in arts administration, marketing, art therapy, or education.
Core courses common to both programs lay a strong foundation for upper level work
in both BFA and BA degree programs and provides the opportunity for students to easily
move from the BA into the BFA program within the first two years to timely graduation.
As an additional opportunity, the New Mind Design Student Design Agency gives Art
+ Design majors the opportunity to work in a design agency under the guidance of faculty
mentors. Statistics show that most designers and artists will freelance at some point
in their careers, so this experiential learning experience will develop entrepreneurship
and professionalism.
All About Art + Design at ESU
Why ESU for Art + Design?
The B.A. degree in Art + Design offers three concentrations in Design, Fine Art and
Art History.
Students in the BA program will have the opportunity to gain skills and experience
for various art and design related industries such as graphic design, fine art, arts
administration, fashion, additive manufacturing, and more.
The BA program has prepared many students to further their education in specific areas
such as Art Therapy and Curatorship. Core courses lay a strong foundation for upper
level work and provides the opportunity for students to easily move from the BA into
the BFA program where a student can choose a more specific and career focused concentrations
in graphic design, product design and Fine and New Media Art.
ESU Today. Designer Tomorrow.
Cameron Maher '16 Art + Design major
It’s no secret Cameron Maher ’16 has always loved expressing his creativity, especially
in his years at East Stroudsburg University as an art + design major and as the art
director for the University’s student design agency, New Mind Design.
“When I visited ESU for the first time, I left with the feeling that it was ‘the
one.’ I remember telling my parents that something just felt right as we were touring
the campus. I grew up in Chester County, so ESU was far enough away from home but
not too far that I couldn’t visit my family when I wanted to. Aside from that initial
feeling of belonging, I knew I wanted to select a university that was not too overwhelming.”
“The skills and lessons learned at ESU were incredibly valuable. Beyond my course
load, my work with New Mind Design provided me with real-life experiences and clients.
I learned how to manage my time and projects, collaborate with peers and help local
businesses with their design needs. Professors Mazure and Farris-LaBar provided fantastic
guidance, not only in the design courses but as supervisors for the New Mind Design
team. It felt like family in the fine arts building.”
In addition to managing New Mind Design and his coursework at ESU, Cameron enjoyed
two internships before graduating, one for the Family Lives On Foundation and another
for Southern Wine & Spirits. In each instance, he listened to his clients and developed/completed
designs from start to finish and met regularly with his contacts to ensure expectations
were met and his work met the standards of a career that is largely deadline-driven.
Cameron was also employed by ESU’s Career Development Center and produced a number
of promotional pieces for various events and also designed business cards for students
preparing to job search.
“It’s opportunities like working for the Career Development Center at ESU that help
students not only earn a paycheck while taking classes, but also enables them to become
more involved in the university community and make connections with others.
Now a senior designer with Fathom Creative in Washington, D.C., Cameron takes on dozens
of projects at a time ranging from branding and logo creation to longform publication
design and layout as well as web work. His work enables him to do research, develop
design concepts for clients, participate in internal critiques, but the REAL joy for
Cameron is when he has the opportunity to make presentations to clients, host on-site
meetings or participate in Fathom project kickoff initiatives. When he started at
Fathom, Cameron also initiated a weekly team design exercise and plans fun team outings
– his creativity never ends!
“For now, I’m very happy with my current team and the work that I get to be doing
day in and out,” added Cameron. “But my career goals are wide open! I’m very passionate
about design so I could envision opening up my own small design studio one day, but
in the moment, I really enjoy freelancing on nights and weekends for individuals and
small businesses who need branding or other design services and hope to maybe build
that client list to where my own agency will be a reality someday.”
“The skills and lessons learned at ESU were incredibly valuable. Beyond my course
load, my work with New Mind Design provided me with real-life experiences and clients.
I learned how to manage my time and projects, collaborate with peers and help local
businesses with their design needs. Professors Mazure and Farris-LaBar provided fantastic
guidance, not only in the design courses but as supervisors for the New Mind Design
team. It felt like family in the fine arts building.”
In addition to managing New Mind Design and his coursework at ESU, Cameron enjoyed
two internships before graduating, one for the Family Lives On Foundation and another
for Southern Wine & Spirits. In each instance, he listened to his clients and developed/completed
designs from start to finish and met regularly with his contacts to ensure expectations
were met and his work met the standards of a career that is largely deadline-driven.
Cameron was also employed by ESU’s Career Development Center and produced a number
of promotional pieces for various events and also designed business cards for students
preparing to job search.
“It’s opportunities like working for the Career Development Center at ESU that help
students not only earn a paycheck while taking classes, but also enables them to become
more involved in the university community and make connections with others.
Now a senior designer with Fathom Creative in Washington, D.C., Cameron takes on dozens
of projects at a time ranging from branding and logo creation to longform publication
design and layout as well as web work. His work enables him to do research, develop
design concepts for clients, participate in internal critiques, but the REAL joy for
Cameron is when he has the opportunity to make presentations to clients, host on-site
meetings or participate in Fathom project kickoff initiatives. When he started at
Fathom, Cameron also initiated a weekly team design exercise and plans fun team outings
– his creativity never ends!
“For now, I’m very happy with my current team and the work that I get to be doing
day in and out,” added Cameron. “But my career goals are wide open! I’m very passionate
about design so I could envision opening up my own small design studio one day, but
in the moment, I really enjoy freelancing on nights and weekends for individuals and
small businesses who need branding or other design services and hope to maybe build
that client list to where my own agency will be a reality someday.”
Core courses common to both programs lay a strong foundation for upper level work
in both BFA and BA degree programs and provides the opportunity for students to easily
move from the BA into the BFA program within the first two years to timely graduation.
As an additional opportunity, the New Mind Design Student Design Agency gives Art
+ Design majors the opportunity to work in a design agency under the guidance of faculty
mentors. Statistics show that most designers and artists will freelance at some point
in their careers, so this experiential learning experience will develop entrepreneurship
and professionalism.
All About Art + Design at ESU
Why ESU for Art + Design?
The B.A. degree in Art + Design offers three concentrations in Design, Fine Art and
Art History.
Students in the BA program will have the opportunity to gain skills and experience
for various art and design related industries such as graphic design, fine art, arts
administration, fashion, additive manufacturing, and more.
The BA program has prepared many students to further their education in specific areas
such as Art Therapy and Curatorship. Core courses lay a strong foundation for upper
level work and provides the opportunity for students to easily move from the BA into
the BFA program where a student can choose a more specific and career focused concentrations
in graphic design, product design and Fine and New Media Art.
ESU Today. Designer Tomorrow.
Cameron Maher '16 Art + Design major
It’s no secret Cameron Maher ’16 has always loved expressing his creativity, especially
in his years at East Stroudsburg University as an art + design major and as the art
director for the University’s student design agency, New Mind Design.
“When I visited ESU for the first time, I left with the feeling that it was ‘the
one.’ I remember telling my parents that something just felt right as we were touring
the campus. I grew up in Chester County, so ESU was far enough away from home but
not too far that I couldn’t visit my family when I wanted to. Aside from that initial
feeling of belonging, I knew I wanted to select a university that was not too overwhelming.”
“The skills and lessons learned at ESU were incredibly valuable. Beyond my course
load, my work with New Mind Design provided me with real-life experiences and clients.
I learned how to manage my time and projects, collaborate with peers and help local
businesses with their design needs. Professors Mazure and Farris-LaBar provided fantastic
guidance, not only in the design courses but as supervisors for the New Mind Design
team. It felt like family in the fine arts building.”
In addition to managing New Mind Design and his coursework at ESU, Cameron enjoyed
two internships before graduating, one for the Family Lives On Foundation and another
for Southern Wine & Spirits. In each instance, he listened to his clients and developed/completed
designs from start to finish and met regularly with his contacts to ensure expectations
were met and his work met the standards of a career that is largely deadline-driven.
Cameron was also employed by ESU’s Career Development Center and produced a number
of promotional pieces for various events and also designed business cards for students
preparing to job search.
“It’s opportunities like working for the Career Development Center at ESU that help
students not only earn a paycheck while taking classes, but also enables them to become
more involved in the university community and make connections with others.
Now a senior designer with Fathom Creative in Washington, D.C., Cameron takes on dozens
of projects at a time ranging from branding and logo creation to longform publication
design and layout as well as web work. His work enables him to do research, develop
design concepts for clients, participate in internal critiques, but the REAL joy for
Cameron is when he has the opportunity to make presentations to clients, host on-site
meetings or participate in Fathom project kickoff initiatives. When he started at
Fathom, Cameron also initiated a weekly team design exercise and plans fun team outings
– his creativity never ends!
“For now, I’m very happy with my current team and the work that I get to be doing
day in and out,” added Cameron. “But my career goals are wide open! I’m very passionate
about design so I could envision opening up my own small design studio one day, but
in the moment, I really enjoy freelancing on nights and weekends for individuals and
small businesses who need branding or other design services and hope to maybe build
that client list to where my own agency will be a reality someday.”
“The skills and lessons learned at ESU were incredibly valuable. Beyond my course
load, my work with New Mind Design provided me with real-life experiences and clients.
I learned how to manage my time and projects, collaborate with peers and help local
businesses with their design needs. Professors Mazure and Farris-LaBar provided fantastic
guidance, not only in the design courses but as supervisors for the New Mind Design
team. It felt like family in the fine arts building.”
In addition to managing New Mind Design and his coursework at ESU, Cameron enjoyed
two internships before graduating, one for the Family Lives On Foundation and another
for Southern Wine & Spirits. In each instance, he listened to his clients and developed/completed
designs from start to finish and met regularly with his contacts to ensure expectations
were met and his work met the standards of a career that is largely deadline-driven.
Cameron was also employed by ESU’s Career Development Center and produced a number
of promotional pieces for various events and also designed business cards for students
preparing to job search.
“It’s opportunities like working for the Career Development Center at ESU that help
students not only earn a paycheck while taking classes, but also enables them to become
more involved in the university community and make connections with others.
Now a senior designer with Fathom Creative in Washington, D.C., Cameron takes on dozens
of projects at a time ranging from branding and logo creation to longform publication
design and layout as well as web work. His work enables him to do research, develop
design concepts for clients, participate in internal critiques, but the REAL joy for
Cameron is when he has the opportunity to make presentations to clients, host on-site
meetings or participate in Fathom project kickoff initiatives. When he started at
Fathom, Cameron also initiated a weekly team design exercise and plans fun team outings
– his creativity never ends!
“For now, I’m very happy with my current team and the work that I get to be doing
day in and out,” added Cameron. “But my career goals are wide open! I’m very passionate
about design so I could envision opening up my own small design studio one day, but
in the moment, I really enjoy freelancing on nights and weekends for individuals and
small businesses who need branding or other design services and hope to maybe build
that client list to where my own agency will be a reality someday.”
What do students learn to do?
Students learn to create designs and illustrations for real world opportunities. Here
is a poster that an Art + Design major created.
Learn how to use various equipment, software and other emerging technology that will
further expand their skill set. This photo showcases a 3D scanned and 3d printed replica
of the artist.
Painting instruction will expand creative abilities. This painting was created by
Amber Dougherty.
ESU Today. Art Therapist Tomorrow.
Abigail Oxford '12 Art + Design major
I began my educational journey at ESU studying art and design and upon graduation
pursued my Masters in Art Therapy. The art and design program serves an integral part
in my professional journey as it provided a creative foundation for me to build upon.
During my time in the department I gained hands on experience and diverse coursework
taught by highly trained faculty that fostered my creative exploration and growth.
Today in my role as a professional art therapist I feel fortunate to support others
through art making in an effort to move forward and grow. Aside from my role as an
art therapist, I remain active in my own art and jewelry designs making a conscious
effort to stay creative each day.
I’m grateful for having the art and design program as part of my creative journey,
and for choosing ESU for my undergraduate education.
Today in my role as a professional art therapist I feel fortunate to support others
through art making in an effort to move forward and grow. Aside from my role as an
art therapist, I remain active in my own art and jewelry designs making a conscious
effort to stay creative each day.
I’m grateful for having the art and design program as part of my creative journey,
and for choosing ESU for my undergraduate education.
Choose from three Art and Design concentrations.
The B.A. in Art + Design offers concentrations in Fine Art, Design and Art History.
Design
Design is a creative process that integrates art and technology to communicate ideas
and information. You will create dynamic solutions in graphic design, illustration, 3D modeling, rendering, 3D printing, product design and other fabrication processes. Up to date industry professional design software
will prepare you for careers in the design field. Project based assignments and required
internships make sure you will be ready to meet the challenge of the 21st century
marketplace. Art directors in graphic, product, and visual communications design studios stress the importance of a strong art background for success in these fields.
Fine Art
Fine Art is at the heart of creative expression. Fine artists have historically been
pioneers for innovations in the fields of design, entertainment, even STEM areas.
You will acquire skills in traditional fine art techniques like drawing, painting,
clay, traditional and new media. A required thesis project and portfolio will prepare
you for the next step to further your career for graduate programs in art therapy, art education, and art administration .
Art History
Art History develops your aesthetic literacy through study of cultural history. You
can explore American and world cultures through the study of their art, architecture
and design. It is interdisciplinary: incorporating the fields of philosophy, history,
political science, literature, and sociology. You will not only learn about the art
and architecture of the past, but consider the art of today within its cultural context
— your life and the art and design that surrounds you. The B.A. in art history will
prepare you for gallery entrepreneur careers, educators and consultants. Students
can further pursue graduate school in Art History and licensed programs that specialize in conservation
or consultant .
Career Opportunities
ESU Art + Design majors have earned positions including:
Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist at Aria Systems
Graphic Designer at SDI TDI Erdi
Graphic Designer at Internet Inspirations
Senior Designer at Fathom Creative
Senior Graphic Desiger at Stream Companies
Graphic Desinger at Event Strategy Group
Screen Print Operator at Stitch Graphics, Inc
Marketing Director at Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson
Designer & Illustrator at AppSumo
Graphic Design Professor at the University of Utah
Art Supervisor at Fishawack Health
Co-Founder at Revcarto
Senior Experience Designer at Think Company
Lead Designer at The Graphix Spot
Hands-on Learning
Art + Design courses give students a variety of hands-on service learning opportunities.
Every 200+ level course in the Graphic Design program contains at least one service-learning
element. To name a few, students have worked with the Lehigh Valley Health Network,
Downtown East Stroudsburg, Tick Research Lab of PA, Future Defense Software Enterprises,
Drone Surgeon, and Street2Feet.
Internships
We are proud that many of our Art + Design Alumni are very successful and are now
offering internships at their permanent place of employment.
Recent examples have included:
ESU C.R.E.A.T.E Lab
Pocono Cinemas
Helen of Troy
Custom Patch Hats
Pocono Arts Council
Gamut Art Gallery
Andrei’s Art Gallery
Bender Photography
Recent examples have included:
ESU C.R.E.A.T.E Lab
Pocono Cinemas
Helen of Troy
Custom Patch Hats
Pocono Arts Council
Gamut Art Gallery
Andrei’s Art Gallery
Bender Photography
Innovative Faculty
The highly qualified and accomplished Art + Media + Design faculty are committed to
student success.
Faculty Profile
Xue Dong, Associate Professor of Art + Media + Design
Prof. Dong obtained her MS Degree in Industrial design field in Auburn University.
As the full-time faculty in Art+Design department, her teaching responsibility include
3D Design and Product Design field.
All Department Faculty
Learn more about ESU and the Art + Design major.
For news, events and activities please follow Art + Media + Design
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