At a glance: Advertising Design

"A heart, a generous caring, loving heart … that is what I think of when I think of Ohio Northern University. Back in the late ’60s, when I was a student, I realized that the art and design department cared about each and every student … and they still do. The faculty always went the extra mile to help us succeed. When I was invited back to visit in 2000, I quickly realized that ONU’s heart is still alive and well and ticking away – not only in the A&D department but in all the other aspects of the University. I have very fond memories that have continued to inspire me and continue to make the art and design department at ONU special for me."

Marilyn Lysohir, BA ’72 (art)

Advertising Design Features:
Creativity Award

Advertising is an important business activity that requires knowledge in planning, research and creativity. The program responds to a more sophisticated and demanding field in design and teaches students to develop advertising that acts as a catalyst in the world of mass communication. Advertising design students participate in a broad range of courses taught through the BFA or BA program, such as drawing, illustration, painting and printmaking. Students also may take courses in interactive and web design. Visit our department's web site.

Degrees Offered

Students in the department of art and design obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Arts degree in one of four majors. In addition, a variety of minors and options are available in other disciplines: Art,Design, Arts Administration, Preart therapy, Forensic science option, Marketing minor, Management minor, Public history/museum studies minor, Psychology minor, Public relations minor

Distinctive features

Comprehensive curriculum gives students exposure to 2-D and 3-D form, theory and practices.
Professors are dedicated artists, designers, teachers, scholars and mentors.
In-house design studio offers real-world business and professional experiences.
Opportunities abound for field experience at primary and secondary schools, externships for studio art majors and internships at graphic and advertising design firms, museums and many other businesses and organizations.
Visiting artist program brings to campus accomplished artists o
Study-abroad programs in locations such as Italy, Ireland and France expose students to the exciting and wide world of culture and art.
Students can gain hands-on experience designing University publications such as The Northern Review (student newspaper), Polar Droppings (department newsletter) and The Northern (University yearbook).
Numerous talent awards and scholarships are granted to gifted students.

Facilities

The department of art and design is located in the Wilson Art Center, a stimulating environment that offers well-equipped and updated studios, classrooms and computer labs. Located near the art center are the Elzay and Stambaugh Galleries, educational and cultural resources for the Ohio Northern community and the Northwest Ohio region. Throughout the year, the galleries feature outstanding exhibits from international and regional artists as well as ONU faculty and students. The modern three-story Heterick Memorial Library houses the fine art, design and photography book and periodical collections.

Student organizations

AIGA/The Professional Association for Design, Kappa Pi National Art Honorary, National Art Education Association, Student Art League

Program outcomes

The department of art and design is committed to teaching and learning through an intensive, structured and sequential program of visual studies and liberal arts education. Our goal is to develop students as creative, productive and intellectually curious artists and designers capable of historical and cultural insight, critical thinking and technical proficiency in an area of emphasis.

Professional placement

Art and design graduates can pursue many fulfilling career paths. Alumni who enter the teaching field are trained to be competent in all areas of visual arts taught in public schools (K-12). Other alumni have embarked on exciting careers at companies such as American Greetings and Art American in Cleveland, Ceramics Monthly magazine and the American Ceramics Society in Columbus, The New England Journal of Medicine in Massachusetts, Dr. Pepper in Texas, ABC Carpet and Home in New York City, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Walt Disney Company in Florida, Periscope (Mercury) Studio in Washington and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Graduate schools

Recent graduates have pursued graduate training in the fine arts, design, education, museum studies or art therapy at institutions such as George Washington University, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Kent State University, University of Cincinnati, Seton Hill University and Edinboro University.

Career opportunities

Careers in art education: kindergarten/elementary art teacher, middle or high school art teacher, college professor (with a MFA degree), adult education instructor, state arts council employees, arts management organization employees and education administrators.

Careers in studio arts: studio artists, illustrators, art therapists (with a master’s degree), museum and gallery owners/artists and photographers.

Careers in design: identity designers, print communication designers, interface designers, advertising and promotional designers, exhibit designers, way-finding designers and environmental designers.