The Department of Art, Design and Art History (DADAH) offers a wide variety of courses
that seek to prepare students to successfully encounter the contemporary art world.
The program encourages students to understand and synthesize traditions, and to confront
challenging ideas and emerging technologies.
- Apply: The first step is to apply to Webster University. Application may be made through our website, or you may apply through either the Common App or the COALITION App.
- Complete the Art Portfolio Request Form prior to submitting your portfolio.
- Portfolio with Statement: Following completion of the Art Portfolio Request Form, you will upload your portfolio through Webster's Application Portal. (See Art and Design portfolio review section.) The complete portfolio will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
More about the Portfolio Review
Applicants with the intention of pursuing a degree in Art with an Emphasis in Studio or Graphic Design must upload a portfolio of their own work through Webster's Application Portal. A selection of the most representative and "best" work should be emphasized. Include work from individual initiative, as well as class projects. In addition, you could include photographic representation of three dimensional work as well as pages from your sketchbook. We would also like you to create a drawing of a "hand tool" in any media. You can interpret "Hand Tool" any way you want. The Department of Art, Design and Art History accepts a variety of works and recognizes varied experiential levels. Portfolios will be reviewed by DADAH faculty on an ongoing basis.
Please be sure your portfolio includes the following:
- a selection of 10-20 unique artworks
- one drawing of a "hand tool"
- a written statement (150-200 words) about your artwork, including why you chose to draw the specific hand tool you did? Why is this an important tool to you and how do you use it?
If you have any questions about portfolio review, please contact lauear@webster.edu.
Transfer students seeking a:
- BA in Art with an Emphasis in Studio Art must take 15 or more studio credit hours at Webster University.
- BA in Art History and Criticism must take a minimum of 12 art history credit hours and 6 studio credit hours at Webster University.
- BFA in Art with a Studio Emphasis must take at least 24 studio credit hours at Webster University (a minimum of 6 credit hours must be in drawing).
- BFA in Art with a Studio Emphasis in Drawing must take a minimum of 18 credit hours in drawing at Webster University.
- BFA in Art with an Emphasis in Graphic Design must take at least 24 design credit hours at Webster University.
Transfer students should expect to complete the departmental requirements in a minimum of two academic years.
Talent-based scholarships up to $2,000 are available.
To be considered, a student must be academically accepted, have a declared major in Art or Graphic Design and complete a portfolio review. Preference is given to those students who complete their portfolio review by March 1. Any questions regarding scholarships can be directed to Andrew Laue, Associate Director of Fine Arts Admissions at lauear@webster.edu.
Discover the Many Benefits of DADAH
The Department of Art, Design, and Art History (DADAH) offers an art academy-like education in art, design and art history within a liberal arts institution. DADAH students focus intently on their art-making or art scholarship while simultaneously benefitting from other academic fields. The synthesis informs our students’ experiences and production, enabling in them individual communicative voices to participate within our culture and society.
The DADAH faculty works to foster a sense of inclusion within a broader art community. The DADAH is closely connected with St. Louis artistic institutions, such as the St. Louis Art Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum, Laumeier Sculpture Park, as well as local galleries and design firms.
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Alexandria Pierce
Department Representative
By Mail
Department of Art, Design, and Art History
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
In Person
8350 Big Bend Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63119
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