Visual Arts was one of the five original departments of the College which began offering courses in 1903. In 1936 the department moved into its current building, the first in Texas to be designed and built specifically to house programs in the studio arts. Bachelor of Arts degrees were first offered in 1925, the Master of Arts degree in 1930. The curriculum was expanded to include Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts Programs in 1977. Throughout its history the department has maintained a strong tradition of excellence. Many distinguished artists such as Lazlo Moholy-Nagy, Hans Hoffman, and Alexander Hogue came as visiting artists and teachers. Noted photographer Carlotta Corpron was head of the photography area for over 30 years.

Today the Department of Visual Arts is a faculty of artists, designers and scholars engaged in the integrated activities of teaching, research and service. In its current configuration it includes programs in painting, drawing, art history, graphic design, sculpture, photography, clay and art education. The majors curriculum is enhanced by student experiences in book arts, international programs, interdisciplinary studies, digital technologies & papermaking.