Develop your passion and career with a degree in art education, graphic design, or studio art.
About the Department
The Department of Art and Design is housed in the Studio Arts Building, located just north of the library, and includes a state-of-the-art Mac lab for graphic design, and spacious studios for painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, pottery, and ceramics.
As a student here, you’ll learn traditional and new technologies, materials, and techniques. You'll combine design and drawing fundamentals with a broad range of studio experiences, art history, exhibitions, and visiting artists, while acquiring the skills, problem-solving ability, self-awareness, and growth necessary to pursue careers or advanced study in your field.
The rich visual experiences we create contribute to the college and our communities. Our goals are to prepare you for life after Wayne State, whether that be teaching in the classroom or pursuing a career in the creative field.
We are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Nationally Ranked Programs
Wayne State is nationally ranked and recognized for academic excellence, incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.

Only Public College in Nebraska
College of Distinction, 2018-19
Colleges of Distinction

College of Distinction, 2018-19
Only Public College in Nebraska
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named once again as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.

No. 1 in Nebraska; No. 9 in the U.S.
Best College for K-12 Education, 2018
Schools.com

Best College for K-12 Education, 2018
No. 1 in Nebraska; No. 9 in the U.S.
Schools.com
Schools.com has ranked Wayne State College at no. 9 for the best K-12 education programs program in the U.S. for 2017-18. This ranking was created by Schools.com using many different data points provided by the National Center for Education Statistics. Criteria used in ranking the top K-12 education programs included tuition and fees, graduation rate, accessibility, student-to-faculty ratio, size of the program, and more.

No. 5 in the U.S.
Most Affordable Graphic Design Degree, 2018
College Affordability Guide

Most Affordable Graphic Design Degree, 2018
No. 5 in the U.S.
College Affordability Guide
College Affordability Guide ranks the graphic design program at Wayne State as the 5th most affordable college for graphic design in the U.S. Ranking is based on the following factors:
- Institutional Fit – At least 500 students enrolled and the ability to earn non-standard credits (AP and ROTC), including at least 20% of students receiving Pell Grants.
- Getting In – Overall affordability and equitable use of financial aid, making the average net price of $15,000/year or less
- Getting Out – High graduation rate with more than 50% of students either debt-free or paying down student debt within three years of graduation
- Top Colleges - The combination of these "Institutional Fit," "Getting In," and "Getting Out" filters leaves a small group of schools that are serious about making sure that students of all backgrounds get their money's worth

"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 Degree 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