Fine Arts Minor
Build a working studio practice across five media — drawing, life drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography — and leave with a portfolio that shows real range.
Program Overview
The fine arts minor at Shawnee State University provides students with a well-rounded foundation in the visual arts, combining essential technical skills with creative exploration. This 18-credit-hour minor introduces students to a range of studio practices, including drawing, life drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography.
The Minor in Fine Arts is ideal for students majoring in any field who want to broaden their artistic abilities or supplement a creative portfolio. The Fine Arts Minor fosters visual literacy, problem-solving, and personal expression. Fine arts classes are taught by experienced artists and educators who guide students through studio projects in a supportive, collaborative environment.
At A Glance
Fine Arts Minor
Degree
Minor
Format
On campus
Length
Complete alongside your major
Credits
18
Class Size
12:1
Location
Main Campus, Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
Why Study Fine Arts Minor at Shawnee University
You'll work in five fine arts disciplines — drawing, life drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography — instead of specializing too early.
The minor builds a portfolio with real breadth, useful for graduate study, studio practice, or related creative fields.
Small studio classes mean direct feedback from practicing artists.
Foundations come first — observation, composition, and visual storytelling — so the work grows on a strong base.
The Fine Arts Minor requires 18 credit hours — one foundation course plus one course in each of the core fine arts areas. A grade of C or better is required in all courses applied to the minor.
- ARTS 1101 — Two-Dimensional Foundations
- ARTS 2211 — Drawing I
- ARTS 2221 — Life Drawing I
- ARTS 2311 — Painting I
- ARTS 2411 — Ceramics I
- ARTS 2511 — Photography I
The Fine Arts Minor is a strong fit for students majoring in:
- Game & Simulation Arts
- Graphic Design
- Humanities or English
- Education
- Communication
- Business
- Psychology
- Any student who wants a multidisciplinary creative practice alongside their major
Classes meet in the studios on the Shawnee State campus in Portsmouth, Ohio — drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and digital labs.
Fine Arts Minor Frequently Asked Questions
No. Two-Dimensional Foundations and each of the introductory courses build skills from the ground up.
Fine Arts gives you one course in each of five core media. Art Studio gives broader foundations plus elective flexibility. Talk with the department about which fits your goals.
Ceramics and some other studio courses include material and firing fees. The department can confirm current rates.
Yes. The department supports student exhibitions on and off campus, and several courses include critique presentations.
