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Campus Alert
Update on Facilities Emergency as of Friday, Oct. 23

Following Tuesday morning's electrical incident originating in the mechanical room of Building 42, power disruptions impacted Buildings 32, 38, 39, 42, 43 and 47.

Power has since been restored to Buildings 38, 39, 43 and 47. Buildings 56 and 71 were not impacted by this incident. Additionally, Buildings 44, 46 east and 46 west were unaffected and remained fully operational throughout the event.

The university's electrical contractor continues to assess the damage and determine options for restoring and redistributing power to Buildings 32 and 42. As a result, Buildings 32 and 42 will remain closed through Monday, Nov. 2, while assessments are completed and necessary repairs or equipment replacements are identified and implemented.

Academic Operations

  • The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) will remain under Emergency Remote Instruction (ERI) while Buildings 32 and 42 are unavailable.
  • Classes for all non-SEAS students will resume normal operations.
  • Classes at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, Community College, Congress Heights campus and DCA Aviation Hangar will continue as scheduled.

Administrative Operations

  • Administrative and support functions at the Van Ness campus will resume normal business operations and maintain regular business hours.

Guidance for SEAS Faculty and Staff

  • SEAS staff should contact their immediate supervisors regarding remote work expectations.
  • SEAS faculty should consult their supervisors for ERI-related guidance.
  • The Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) remains available to support instructional continuity, including Blackboard, Zoom and other teaching and learning technologies.

CAL Faculty Support Resources

Guidance for SEAS Students

  • Due to this facilities emergency, SEAS in-person operations will remain suspended through Monday, Nov. 2. Instruction will continue remotely through both synchronous and asynchronous formats.
  • Courses requiring laboratory, clinical, studio or other hands-on instruction may require makeup sessions. However, every effort will be made to maintain academic continuity through virtual learning whenever possible. Faculty conducting synchronous instruction should continue to meet during published class times to minimize disruptions to student schedules.

The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community remain our highest priority. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Please continue to monitor the university website and official social media channels for the latest information.

For safety concerns, contact OPSEM at 202-274-5050. For emergencies, call 911.

Thank you for your flexibility, cooperation and continued commitment to UDC and our students.

UDC art gallery

Art: Studio Art, Graphic Design and Photography - BA

Program Overview

Studio Art, Graphic Design and Photography - BA

UDC art program logoStudy art in the nation's capital, just blocks away from some of the most prestigious art collections in the world, including the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian museums and more. Earn your BA degree in Art with a concentration in Studio Art, Graphic Design or Photography from the University of the District of Columbia!

With guidance and support from skilled Art Program faculty and staff, and intimate class sizes (14 students on average), you'll receive a personalized education that will prepare you for a rewarding career in your artistic discipline.

With UDC's Art Program, you will explore your creative interests, expand your skills and techniques and follow your artistic vision. Regardless of your creative focus, you will be equipped with the tools needed to navigate today's creative marketplace. The UDC Art Program prepares you through a wide range of creative courses: you will explore art & design theory, traditional visual art techniques and innovative art technology.

Choose from concentrations in Studio Art, Graphic Design or Photography. Unlock your creativity and get started on the path to your dream creative career!

Curriculum and Requirements

For any of the Art Program concentrations, your first courses will explore conceptual thinking, drawing, design, photography and digital tools. In focused studio courses and art history subjects, you will gain a sophisticated understanding of art theory, technique and practice. In advanced studio classes, you will integrate your knowledge and skills to develop a portfolio which reflects your personal creative vision. 

The Art degree is 120 credit hours for completion, regardless of your choice of concentration. Your first year of creative exploration in the BA degree program will help you decide which concentration is best suited to your expression. You can select one of the following concentrations:

Studio Art

Includes advanced courses in painting, printmaking and figure making, as well as illustration, sculpture and ceramics.

Program of Study

Graphic Design

Includes communication arts & design courses exploring logos, branding, posters, digital typography, web design, publication design, illustration and animation.

Program of Study

Photography

Includes digital photography classes and traditional darkroom techniques, photographic lighting, portrait photography, commercial photography and fine art photography.

Program of Study

Organizations and Activities

Meet new friends and enjoy creative collaboration by getting involved with student organizations and activities! Our student groups organize creative social events, field trips and special guest lectures. The Art Program has two student organizations:

Admission Requirements and How to Apply

Want to apply for admission into the art Program at UDC? Contact Art Program Coordinator, Professor Rukman Niyangoda, at [email protected] for more information. 

If you are a transfer student, you can submit an application and portfolio to be considered for admission into the program. To be considered for admission, you must:

  • Have an average grade of C or higher
  • Successfully complete the portfolio review

To learn more about our financial services before applying for our program, please reach out to us at 202-274-5941 or visit our financial aid page!

Learn How to ApplyScholarship Opportunities

Program Outcomes

Contact Us

Want to learn more about the Art program BA degree? Contact us today!

Professor Rukman Niyangoda

UDC Art Program Coordinator
Division of Arts and Humanities
Van Ness Campus
Building 42 – B14
202-274-7353
[email protected]

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