Barton has four Art Degrees:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design (B.F.A) with a concentration in Ceramics, Visual Design, Photography or Painting.
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Communications (B.A.)
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art and Design (B.A.)
• Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education (B.S.) with licensure to teach art from kindergarten through 12th.

Barton College was founded in 1902 and had art classes in oil painting, charcoal sketching from nature and china painting from the very beginning. The department and programs have evolved to include the professional programs of Graphic Design and Photography.

Along with teaching the practical application of visual mediums the art department is committed to providing essential historical, analytical and theoretical understanding of visual information. Students in the department are expected to be dedicated to their field and will intern be imbued with varying art techniques, critical thinking strategies, global perspectives, community involvement, as well as oral and written communication skills.

The Barton College Art and Design Department prepares each student by fostering development of artmaking skills and cultivating the creative voice through historical, analytical, and theoretical understanding of the visual arts. The Art Education program readies students for teaching K-12 visual arts. Through challenge and nurture, students become dedicated and successful artists who incorporate effective communications techniques, critical thinking strategies, global perspective, and community involvement.