What We Do

We provide challenging visual arts degree programs with the goal of developing visually sophisticated artists and designers who are intellectually driven, ethically conscious, and critically aware.

Department Mission Statement

Established in 1948, the Department of Art and Design includes B.F.A. majors in Fine Art, Illustration, Graphic Design, and Photography, a B.A. major in Art History, and an M.A. in Museum Administration. Our B.F.A. and B.A. programs offer an intensive art school curriculum within the context of a liberal arts university. Students and faculty work in an environment where the desire to succeed professionally is balanced by the tenets of the Vincentian mission, which emphasizes respect for the individual, service to the needy, human solidarity, and adherence to the belief that giving of one’s self makes the world a better place. Our mission is to provide challenging visual arts degree programs with the goal of developing visually sophisticated artists and designers who are intellectually driven, ethically conscious, and critically aware. Our philosophy centers on students becoming professional artists, designers, and art historians by expressing their unique ideas with skill and conviction, while remaining responsive to the historical, cultural, and social context within their own work and lives.

St. John’s Department of Art and Design alumni are leaders in a wide range of art and design related professions both in New York City and around the country. Our alumni make important contributions to their respective disciplines, and many continue to play vital roles in the department where they serve as advisors and mentors to students and as potential employers. The ongoing connection between current students, faculty, and alumni ensures the continued success of the department and its graduates.

St. John’s University has attained the prestigious National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accreditation, held by selective art schools nationwide.

If you would like to visit our department to speak with our faculty and tour our studios, please contact us at 718-990-6250 or [email protected]. We are happy to meet with you to discuss our programs and your career plans.

Additional Information

After completing the St. John's Undergraduate Application, B.F.A. applicants who choose to study Fine Arts or Graphic Design do not need to submit a portfolio for acceptance.

Students who wish to study Illustration or Photography are required to submit a portfolio (see below) for acceptance. Portfolios and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For early action, please submit your portfolio for the Illustration program via SlideRoom by December 15. This online portfolio service allows you to upload, label, arrange, and submit your portfolio electronically to faculty reviewers. We request 12-15 images using JPG format, but also accept other file types as per the instructions on the SlideRoom portal.

Applications for all B.F.A. programs are reviewed on a rolling basis.

If you wish to be considered for a visual arts scholarship, regardless of the major you select, you must submit your portfolio via SlideRoom on or before January 15.

Please note:

  • Files must be labeled as follows: First initial, last name, image number (e.g., jdoe_1).
  • Image files should not be larger than 1200 pixels on the longest side and should be saved in JPG format.
  • Other formats are acceptable; please check the SlideRoom instructions.
  • Inventory sheet with your name, date of birth, degree for which you are applying (Eg. B.F.A. in Fine Art, Photography, Graphic Design, or Illustration), title, dimensions, materials, and date of each piece must also accompany the submission. This document must be saved as a PDF in order to upload it to SlideRoom with your portfolio.

Portfolio Requirements

Portfolios for scholarship candidates must include 12-15 original pieces using a variety of materials in their portfolio. Judging will be based on creativity, conceptual ability, design, color sense, idea communication, draftsmanship, use of materials, and personal vision.

We suggest that you include at least two examples of each of the following in your portfolio:

  • Original drawings (studies from life; objects, nature, people)
  • Two-dimensional design compositions
  • Painting(s) using at least three colors
  • Fine Arts and Illustration candidates may add:
  • Oil or acrylic paintings
  • Photographs of ceramics or sculpture
  • Illustrations
  • Graphic design projects
  • Original photographs
  • Multi-media projects

Graphic Design candidates may add:

  • Graphic design projects
  • Layout designs
  • Typographic designs
  • Product designs
  • Original cartoons & illustrations
  • Photography
  • Motion Graphics or Multi-media Projects

Please note that Graphic Design candidates may present a portfolio consisting only of graphic design work.

Photography Candidates may add:

  • Original photographic work
  • Analog photography
  • Multi-media works

Should you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact either our Department Administrator, Nerissa Palermo, [email protected] or our Department Chair, Paul Fabozzi, [email protected].

The Department of Art and Design awards two full-time, four-year scholarships to first-year students who demonstrate extraordinary proficiency and creative potential in their portfolio submission and have met the academic requirements of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Three additional first-year students who demonstrate excellence in the visual arts are offered a $1,000 incentive scholarship. Students are selected through the portfolio review process and must submit their portfolio in our SlideRoom portal by January 15 to be considered. For more information, contact Nerissa Palad-Palermo at 718-990-6250 or [email protected].

Students currently enrolled in the B.F.A. programs may take advantage of the University's William B. Ronalds Art Scholarship Fund, Carmela Mirro-Young Scholarship Fund, and Figueira-Merk Scholarship Fund. 

You can find information about all scholarships open to students in the department below. You can also find more information on the Scholarships page. 

Please note that acceptance into St. John’s University (Bachelor of Fine Arts Program with a major in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Photography, or Illustration) is a prerequisite for all scholarships. All students wishing to be considered for the program must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students from the state of New York, must also complete the New York State Tuition Assistance Application (TAP).

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our faculty members, please call 718-990-6250 or e-mail [email protected].

William B. Ronalds Art Scholarship Fund

Former art professor and chair William Ronalds saw a need to establish a scholarship fund for students enrolled in the B.F.A. programs who found themselves in financial crisis. With the help of friends and Vice President of Community Relations Joseph Sciame,  Ronalds founded what was initially called "Art Students in Crisis." For the past 20 years, the scholarship has kept deserving art students in school, enabling them to complete their degrees and succeed in their careers as artists. We thank all of our generous alumni who continue to contribute to William B. Ronalds Art Scholarship Fund and support art students and the arts through challenging economic times. 

Carmela Mirro-Young Scholarship Fund

The Carmela Mirro-Young Scholarship Fund was established in 1999 by the Mirro family in memory of their late daughter. Born on June 12, 1961,  Carmela Mirro-Young '83C was a fine arts major who was generous, talented, and above all, loving. She was passionate about the arts and excelled in painting, sculpture, and drawing. She passed away on October 9, 1998 at the age of 37 from thrombo-thrombocytopenia purpura, a rare blood disorder. The Carmela Mirro-Young Scholarship is awarded each year in her honor to an SJU undergraduate who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in fine arts and displays academic and/or financial need.

Figueira-Merk Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in 1997 by Theresa M. Figueira, M.D. in accordance with the wishes of the late Harvey J. Merk, M.D. to provide partial annual scholarships to undergraduate students pursuing a major or minor in the humanities (English, Philosophy, Theology, Classics, Asian Studies, Fine Arts, or a foreign language) who demonstrate both financial need and academic achievement.

 

Minors

The Department of Art and Design offers a variety of minors to complement St. John’s University’s major courses of study. 

The Art History minor is an excellent addition to majors in History, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, and English. The 18-credit minor requires the completion of the following three courses:

  • ART 1710; 1720 History of Art I;II
  • ART 2755 Contemporary Art and Culture, 1945-Present

You must also complete two of the following elective courses, chosen in consultation with an advisor:

  • ART 1020 Art in New York
  • ART 1660 History of Photography    
  • ART 1780 The Art of the Renaissance in Italy
  • ART 1790 Survey of Art and Architecture in Italy
  • ART 2715 Classical Archaeology    
  • ART 2730 Pre-Columbian Art     
  • ART 2750 Historical Modernism
  • ART 2755 Contemporary Art and Culture, 1945-Present
  • ART 2760 Latin American Art: Encounters between Two Worlds
  • ART 3100 Women in the Arts      

Additionally, you must complete one of the following studio electives:

  • ART 1060 Watercolor Workshop
  • ART 1080 Photography Workshop
  • ART 1110 Foundation Design
  • ART 1200 Introduction to Drawing I
  • ART 1510 Printmaking I: Relief and Intaglio
  • ART 1610 Photography I
  • ART 2120 Three-Dimensional Design
  • ART 2250 Drawing and Design in Rome
  • ART 2310; 2320 Painting I; II

The 18-credit Fine Art minor is a creative addition to any major. You’ll explore techniques that strengthen your observational skills and hone your ability to think creatively, which will enhance your experience of your chosen major.

If you elect the Art minor, you must take the following three courses:

  • ART 1110 Foundation Design     
  • ART 1130 Color Theory and Application    
  • ART 1200 Drawing I 

You must also take three courses from among the following suggested electives, chosen in consultation with a departmental advisor:

  • ART 1020 Art in New York
  • ART 1060 Watercolor Workshop
  • ART 1080 Photography Workshop
  • ART 2220 Anatomy and Figure Drawing I   
  • ART 1510 Printmaking I: Relief and Intaglio
  • ART 1610 Photography I     
  • ART 1670 Photography in Paris
  • ART 2120 Three-Dimensional Design    
  • ART 2250 Drawing and Design in Rome
  • ART 2310; 2320 Painting I; II
  • ART 3330 Acrylic Painting      

 

Required courses: Students must take the following three courses 

  • ART 1105 or ART 1135 Graphic Design I or Digital Media 3 credits 

  • ART 1115 Graphic Design II 3 credits 

  • ART 2125 Typography 3 credits 

Choose from three of the following: 

  • ART 1120 Social Media for Artists and Designers 

  • ART 2115 Graphic Production 

  • ART 2130 Motion Graphics 

  • ART 3105 Special Topics in Design 
     
  • ​​​​​​​ART 3115 Book Arts 
  • ART 3125 Advanced Typography 

  • ART 3120 Interaction Design I 

  • ART 3135 Junior Design 

The 18-credit music minor is designed to provide interested students with a foundation in the language and history of music as well as experience in a performing ensemble. The minor will allow you to use your creative talents effectively while pursuing other areas of study at St. John’s. It can be tailored to your individual musical abilities, and we encourage you to take a Music Theory Placement Test in order to determine which level is most appropriate for you.

If you elect the music minor, you must take the following two courses:

  • MUS 1010 Introduction to Music       
  • MUS 1020 / 2020 Theory I / II

You must also choose three courses from the following approved electives:

  • ART 1000C The Creative Process
  • MUS 1070 The Opera
  • MUS 1080 World Music
  • MUS 1085 Popular Music of the Non-Western World
  • MUS 1210 Twentieth Century Music
  • MUS 1230 History of American Popular Music
  • MUS 1240 History of Music in Film
  • MUS 1250 Sacred Music
  • MUS 1260 The American Musical Theatre
  • MUS 1265 Workshop in Musical Theatre
  • MUS 1300 History of Jazz
  • MUS 2020 Theory II

Additionally, you must choose three credits of private study in your instrument of choice, or successfully participate in one of the SJU Musical Ensembles listed below. Please note that the fee for private music instruction is $500 per semester.

  • MUS 1600; 2600 Piano I; II
  • MUS 1610; 2610 Guitar I; II
  • MUS 1620; 2620 Voice I; II
  • MUS 1630; 2630 Flute I; II
  • MUS 1640; 2640 Strings I; II
  • MUS 2501 Gospel Choir
  • MUS 2502 Jazz Band
  • MUS 2503 Chamber Ensemble
  • MUS 2504 Mixed Chorus

The 18-credit Musical Theatre minor will provide you with a foundation in the language and history of musical theatre as well as experience in the performing arts. The minor will allow you to use your creative talents effectively while pursuing other areas of study at St. John’s.

To complete the minor, you are required to take the following courses:

  • MUS 1260 The American Musical Theatre
  • RCT 1510 Introduction to Theatre / RCT 1530 Modern Theatre
  • RCT 1540 Introduction to Acting I

You must also choose three additional courses from among the following:

  • MUS 1070 The Opera
  • MUS 1080 World Music
  • MUS 1085 Popular Music of the Non-Western World
  • MUS 1240 History of Music in Film
  • MUS 1250 Sacred Music
  • MUS 1265 Workshop in Musical Theatre
  • RCT 1520 Creating Theatre
  • RCT 1580 Theatre Laboratory: Acting
  • RCT 1590 Theatre Workshop
  • RCT 2540 Introduction to Acting II

Additionally, you must complete three credits in applied music:

  • MUS 1620 Voice I
  • MUS 2620 Voice II (Two semesters)

Please note that the fee for private vocal instruction is $500 per semester. Each section is one credit. 

The 18-credit minor in Photography is a creative addition to any major but will especially benefit majors in English, Journalism, Education, Psychology, Sociology, History, and the sciences. You will explore photographic techniques that strengthen your observational skills and learn to ability to create effective visual documentations.

To complete the Photography minor, you must take the following four required courses:

  • ART 1610 Photography I / ART 1085 Introduction to Photography
  • ART 1620 Photography II / ART 1086 Intermediate Photography
  • ART 1630  Digital Photography             
  • ART 1660  History of Photography                                             

You must also select two of the following elective courses, in consultation with a departmental advisor:

  • ART 1020 Art in New York
  • ART 1105  Introduction to Graphic Design     
  • ART 1110  Foundation Design      
  • ART 1135 Digital Media I   
  • ART 1510 Printmaking I: Relief and Intaglio           
  • ART 1640  Introduction to Video Art    
  • ART 1670  Photography in Paris
  • ART 1790  Survey of Art and Architecture in Italy
  • ART 1810; 1820 The Art of Film I; II
  • ART 2250  Drawing and Design in Rome
  • ART 2650 Documentary Photography                                         
  • ART 2929  Culture of Southern Italy, a Visual Journey
  • ART 3710 Contemporary Photography

External Transfers to the Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration and Photography programs: 

Transfer students are required to submit a portfolio for admission to the BFA programs in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration and Photography. External transfer students should submit a portfolio via slideroom.com.  

  

Internal Transfers to the Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration and Photography programs:
If you are already a student at St. John’s University and do not have a portfolio you can make an appointment with the Chairperson of the Department of Art and Design and s/he will advise you on next steps to be admitted into the one of our four BFA programs.   

Featured Faculty

Elizabeth Albert
  • Associate Professor

Department

Art and DesignDepartment of Core Studies
St. Johns University Crest
  • Associate Professor

Department

Art and Design
Amy Gansell
  • Associate Professor,
  • Assistant Chair

Department

Art and Design
Susan Rosenberg
  • Professor,
  • Graduate Director for Museum Administration

Department

Art and Design
St. Johns University Crest
  • Professor,
  • Assistant Chair

Department

Art and Design