<p>In Fall 2010, I will be starting my first semester as a freshman in college. I want go to graduate school in after I finish undergrad but from what I understand, applicants with research experience are more likely to get accepting into prestigious schools. Therefore, I want to do as much research opportunities as possible. </p>
<p>The only problem is my major is studio art (with a concentration in graphic design) and I do not know of any research opportunities in my department. How can I find research opportunities for students with art majors?</p>
<p>Right now, I am working with one of my old professors in the office of undergraduate studies. We are helping freshman with life in college. I plan on doing this for a very long time because I love this professor. Anyways, could that be counted as “research” even though it has nothing to do with my major?</p>
<p>Research is usually part of grad school admissions because a PhD is a research degree (aka you go to grad school to do science research, history research, English research, etc. - to write a thesis (a research project) and get a degree that gives you a “license to research”. This is why you need to show that you can do/are interested in research to apply). Art history grad programs would likely require demonstrated art history research, but my guess is that most studio art programs (where the point is that you produce art) wouldn’t require research. Studio art programs usually base admissions off of the usual transcript, letters of rec (from art-field-related profs), GRE score (if required), personal statement, etc. AND a portfolio of your work (20ish image files). So, instead of research you will need a portfolio - so work on building that during your college career.</p>
<p>If you want to do grad school for MFA, you need to spend considerable time in the studio producing works and in the art library studying other artists’ styles to develop your own unique style. You will improve and refine your skills over the next few years as you continue to experiment and find your niche.</p>
<p>You may want to consider taking a few art history courses and get some "research’ experience with a professor to study works or “job” experience by interning at an art museum and working with a curator.</p>