Elmira College Art Program Expands With Career-Focused Concentrations

Elmira College recently expanded its Art program to include four concentrations designed to help students channel their creative voices into successful careers. Beginning this fall, students interested in an Art major can choose to concentrate in Art Therapy, Digital Art and Graphic Design, Digital Art and Product Design, and Studio Art.

"Our faculty of leading artists and designers work directly with students building skills and professional networks while developing new ways to make learning productive and foster close classroom communities," said Derek Chalfant, Associate Professor of Art. "Students and faculty often work together one-on-one, which gives faculty the opportunity to customize their instruction and guidance, and students receive their mentors' undivided attention. Our smaller classes give students more time to share their ideas, express their opinions, and describe their perspectives, which are important skills in the professional world."

Each concentration focuses on a different professional path.

Art Therapy: This field of study explores how therapists can help their patients express their emotions through non-verbal forms of communication. Art skills are not required and the program pairs well with students interested in Art and Psychology. According to Recruiter.com, demand for art therapists is expected to grow 27% over the next few years with an expected 26,660 new jobs filled by 2029.

Digital Art and Graphic Design: In this program, students will combine their creative thinking with technical skills to create attention-getting designs that communicate strong, clear, and accessible messages. These visual communication skills are in demand in marketing, advertising, social media, theatrical production, and online publishing careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers earn above the median wage for all occupations. Students can also choose to take this as a minor.

Digital Art and Product Design: Students will incorporate artistic elements into designing products that are beautiful, functional, and convey a strong brand. This program can lead to roles within industrial design. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial designers earn a median salary well above the national average wage.

Studio Art: For students interested in pursuing a career in fine art, this program introduces and deepens their skills in drawing, ceramics, painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture. Students gain experience in curating and mounting exhibits. Designed to pair well with other programs, graduates can go on to become teachers, professional artists, illustrators, art handlers, gallery managers, curators, and more.

"Employers today are looking for self-directed problem solvers," said Christopher Longwell, Assistant Professor of Art, Elmira College. "Art students engage in critical thinking and problem solving through their experiences with different materials and processes. In ways that are different from other academic programs, art encourages students to come up with their own solutions to problems and tasks. This process of learning can create a strong sense of personal identity and foster the kind of innovative thinking that will translate to many career paths."

Additional details can be found on the Elmira College Art program website.