Develop your passion and career with a degree in art education, graphic design, or studio art.
Department of Art and Design
Nationally Ranked Programs
Wayne State is nationally ranked and recognized for academic excellence, incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.
"Academically, the art program is strong with the professors that we have. They’re the backbone to how much we learn. We have some great professors that have had so much experience. The best part of this program is the social interaction that we have in the studio. We just all come together, and we have fun. We visit from room to room, help critique each other’s work, so it’s so social and you get to make a lot of friends. I got it pretty good here!"
Bibiana Luevano
Major - Graphic Design
Hometown - Grand Island, Neb.
Art and Design College Programs
Choose from our art and design programs, or enhance your education by adding on a second major or minor from the Department of Art and Design. Explore your options here.
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, art shows, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
- WSC Art Club
- WSC Art Education Club
- Wayne Student Education Association of Nebraska (WSEAN)
- Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
- National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts
- College Art Association
- Mid America Print Council
- Southern Graphics Council International
- National Art Education Association (NAEA)
- Nebraska Art Teachers Association
- Foundations in Art: Theory and Education
- Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society)
Shows and Exhibits
- Senior art exhibit – As a senior, you’ll get the chance to share your artwork on campus at the Nordstrand Visual Arts Gallery
- Juried student exhibit – This art show takes place at the end of each spring semester, where your work is reviewed, judged, and prizes awarded.
- Visiting Artist Program – Regionally or nationally recognized artists display their work in the Nordstrand Visual Arts Gallery in media that build upon art and design courses.
- ArtsWalk
Opportunities
- Art sales – At the end of the semester, you will have the opportunity to sell your own artwork. You’ll be involved in organizing, advertising, scheduling, and handling all art sales.
- Trips, workshops, and more – Visit galleries, museums, and graphic design firms. Participate in visiting artist workshops and critiques, help with Art Day festivities, and help promote art to youth through the high school outreach program.
- Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) - Art education majors can develop classroom skills and get paid at the same time.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Internships
Before graduating with a degree in studio art or graphic design, students should complete an internship, or clinical practice (student teaching) if you’re an education major. Career Services is available to help you find the best internship opportunities.
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished, with 86% of our full-time faculty having the highest degree in their field. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in a personalized setting with a friendly atmosphere.
“Make a difference! Be creative! We know and love art and design, and we want you to be successful as an artist, graphic designer, or art educator. Here you'll get one-on-one attention, lots of opportunities to get involved in and out of class, and individual guidance from professors who make classes fun, exciting, and worthwhile. Take advantage of our amazing studios — graphic design, sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, design, and ceramics. Develop your passion and your career!”
Josh Piersanti, M.F.A.
Department Chair
Associate Professor of Art