Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies

This concentration consists of 120 semester credit hours. All students complete the CVAD Foundations program, acquiring general skills in art, design and art history. Students then select from a menu of introductory courses in the history and practice of specific design fields and/or merchandising to gain more targeted knowledge.

During the next stage of the degree, students take courses inside and outside the College of Visual Arts and Design. Within the college, they take classes in computers and art and/or digital communications, art and business, design management, and, close to the end of their time at UNT, a research capstone class. Outside CVAD, students complete minor coursework in management or marketing. Design Management concentration students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship in design, marketing, graphic/creative production, or art direction during their programs of study.

IADS: Open Track Pathway

Open Track 3: The B.A. in Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies: Open track pathway is the most flexible and allows students to chart their path through the major. This concentration is particularly useful for students wishing to concentrate on advertising, marketing and communications, e.g., print, web, and social media, photojournalism, merchandising, art or design professions that intersect with other professional fields, such as art law and art therapy, social enterprise, or operating a creative art or design-oriented business.

Here are some examples: Students who intend to pursue a career in art law may pair the IADS Open track with a minor in political science. Someone interested in art therapy may pair the IADS Open track with a psychology minor. For a career in the fashion world, put the IADS Open track together with a minor in fashion merchandising. To work in graphic design, major in IADS Open track and minor in strategic communications and advertising.

The IADS: Open Track pathway consists of 120 semester credit hours. All students complete the College of Visual Arts and Design Foundations program, acquiring general skills in art, design and art history. Students then select from a menu of introductory courses in specific studio art and design disciplines to gain more specific knowledge of two of these fields.

During the next stage of the degree, students take courses inside and outside the College of Visual Arts and Design. Within the college, they take courses in digital communications, art and business, and, close to the end of their time at UNT, a research capstone class. Outside of CVAD, students select from various classes that address images and visual communication from different perspectives. They also complete a broad selection of advanced art or art history courses to gain a deeper understanding of the creation of art and design, the history of images from around the globe, and the analytical tools used to study them.

As part of the 120-hour program, students complete a minor outside the College of Visual Arts and Design. The minor is intended to complement the major degree program and offer a different perspective on using art and design. Open track pathway students are strongly advised to choose a minor that furthers their career goals, complete a professional internship, and engage in volunteer work that enhances their knowledge of career-related interests. 

Steps to Declare Your Major

Currently enrolled students: To declare Arts Management, Design Management or the Open track as your major for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies, schedule an appointment with your assigned CVAD Advisor to confirm your degree choice. Next, map out your degree plan according to your career interests by setting up an appointment with Professor Heidi Strobel. 

Future students: Apply to UNT; your application and enrollment process will include advising sessions to help you navigate your path to a major.

Contact Information