Art
February 3, 2022 2025-10-10 17:58ART
Art at Rocky Mountain College
At Rocky Mountain College, art is more than just a program—it’s a transformational experience. Your journey here is shaped by vibrant studio practices, global art history, passionate faculty, and immersive field experiences. You’ll have opportunities to work with traditional and digital media, study breathtaking works from many cultures and eras, and create your own in courses that challenge and inspire.
Whether you’re forging a new skill with metal, brush, lens, or clay, you’ll surround yourself with supportive creators and visionaries. Students often recall forging a Braveheart-style sword, working on large-scale replicas, and exploring Yellowstone National Park for inspiration. On campus, you’ll discover sculptures and artworks around every corner, and your own creations may be exhibited in the acclaimed Ryniker-Morrison Gallery, alongside regional and national artists.
Why Choose Art at Rocky
Studying art at Rocky Mountain College means discovering your creative voice alongside dedicated mentors in a supportive, innovative community. Our studio courses blend foundational techniques with cutting-edge digital skills—and our art history offerings explore a world of ideas, from Montana cave paintings to international modernism. You’ll benefit from:
- Individualized instruction and small class sizes
- Hands-on experiences in painting, ceramics, jewelry, metalworking, photography, mixed media, and more
- Engaged faculty who are practicing artists, scholars, and curators
- Access to the Ryniker-Morrison Gallery for exhibiting and learning the business of art
- Field trips, outdoor drawing sessions, gallery practicums, and study abroad opportunities
Our program emphasizes both breadth and depth—preparing you for life as a creative professional, educator, or thoughtful, visually literate leader in any field.
$54K
average annual pay for Bachelor’s Degree in Art in Montana, with salaries for Art Education roles showing a higher average of $64K annually.
Major and Minor Learning Outcomes
Graduates of RMC’s Art programs will:
- Acquire visual literacy and fluency in contemporary and historical art practices
- Appreciate and analyze the diversity of global artistic traditions
- Develop craftsmanship and technical skill across a range of media
- Engage critically with art’s evolving role in society and culture
- Create, present, and discuss original artwork and curatorial projects
- Recognize and value difference through curiosity and openness
- Apply visual thinking to interdisciplinary contexts, from education to business
88%
of students are placed in internships
Coursework and Requirements
Beginning with foundational studio and art history courses, your studies at RMC open up a wide range of paths. You may find yourself drawing from observation, designing jewelry, photographing landscapes, or creating installations.
Electives allow you to emphasize painting, sculpture, digital media, or art history. Practicum experiences and gallery involvement bring your learning to life, as do opportunities for internships and study abroad. Art Education majors complement studio work with K-12 licensure courses, gaining skills to inspire others in the classroom.
Course highlights include:
Courses like Art & Ecology invite you to consider sustainability and environment as artistic themes. In The Body & Identity, you’ll explore figurative art and questions of diversity and representation. Imaging Text & Data teaches you to visualize information in new ways, while Museum Studies brings you behind the scenes of gallery curation and exhibition design. Many classes encourage outdoor work or field trips, turning Montana’s landscapes into your studio.
Explore Areas in Art
Whether you’re majoring in Studio Art, preparing to teach as an Art Education major, or adding a creative edge with an Art minor, RMC offers pathways that match your passion.
Art Major
Dive deeply into studio art, combining technical skill-building with conceptual exploration. You’ll cultivate a portfolio across traditional and digital media, ready for graduate study or entry into the creative industries. Careers include visual artist, designer, illustrator, photographer, gallery assistant, curator, or arts nonprofit work.
Art Education Major
Prepare to inspire the next generation as a K-12 art teacher. This pathway builds strong artistic skill and visual literacy, then integrates teaching methods and practical classroom experience. You’ll be ready for Montana state licensure and equipped to lead in schools, museums, or community programs. For full licensure details, see the Education Program page.
Art Minor
Add creative depth to your academic journey. The Art minor is an excellent complement to majors in areas such as business, education, biology, communication, or any field where visual thinking, creative process, and aesthetic awareness enhance your success.
Art Education Minor
Ideal for students planning a teaching career, youth programs, or community engagement, this minor builds your confidence as both a maker and mentor. Art Education minors complete studio courses, foundational art history, and methods of teaching art.
“At Rocky Mountain College, I received a top-tier education from exemplary professors who truly care about each student. The psychology coursework and unique educational activities, coupled with excellent mentorship, prepared me well for clinical psychology doctoral studies. My mentors supported me in every way possible when I applied to various graduate programs. My experiences at RMC will always be among my fondest memories.”
Katherine A. Kitchen Andren, Ph.D.
Career Ready
RMC’s art graduates thrive as practicing artists, gallery managers, arts educators, museum professionals, designers, curators, business owners, and creative entrepreneurs. Many pursue advanced degrees in the arts, education, or museum studies; others apply their vision in various industries. You’ll graduate with not just a degree but a compelling portfolio, professional gallery experience, and a network ready to support your goals.
Field Experience and Mentorship
Your Rocky art experience is enriched through gallery work, internships, campus exhibitions, and collaborative projects—often undertaken with the support of experienced faculty who know your strengths and aspirations. Whether preparing your senior show, interning at a community arts center, or joining study trips around the region and beyond, you’ll find the encouragement, feedback, and confidence to shape your artistic future.
Connect and Learn More
Ready to inspire the next generation?
Information
Majors:
Art
Art Education
Minors:
Art
Art Education
Faculty
Todd R. Forsgren
Meredith Munson
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
