The Art Department's primary mission is teaching excellence and program quality. As part of only two polytechnics in the CSU system, the Art Department is distinguished by its “learn by doing” approach, encouraging hands-on projects, research collaboration, internships, and service learning. Because of our unique situation as part of the College of Environmental Design, we challenge students to address the environmental, social, and ethical issues in today's society. The Department takes pride in having a recognized positive impact in a highly competitive region, and would like to build on this reputation.
Our Department offers one of the only Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Visual Communication Design in the California State University system and was recognized in 2018 as one of the “Top 10 Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in California” by Animation Career Review. The Art History program has the distinction of being the only program to offer a Bachelor of Art degree in Art History in the California State University system in Southern California. In 2014, the Center on Higher Education Reform described Cal Poly Pomona as one of the best universities for delivering access, affordability, and student success; the Art Department shares and supports these values.