Enhance Your Major

International and Exchange Programs

Students at the University of Louisville have ample opportunities for international travel to enhance their study. The Hite Art Institute offers International Programs and Study Abroad Opportunities. The International Center sponsors overseas studies programs including classes in Paris, Montpelier, Perugia, Rome, Venice, Florence, Berlin, Munich, Madrid, London, Athens, Beijing and Hong Kong. In addition, students may also participate in the International Service Learning Program which offers students the opportunity to work, provide services, and earn academic credit in a hands-on international setting. Students at the Hite Art Institute may also participate in a semester or year-long exchange program to study at the Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University. 

Honors Program

Students who demonstrate potential for high levels of achievement find multiple opportunities for academic and personal development in the University Honors Program at the University of Louisville. Honors students may major in any undergraduate program in the university and are required to take at least one Honors course per year as well as maintain a 3.35 GPA. Small Honors classes provide students the opportunity to participate in personal classes and to engage in intensive and challenging study.

Service Learning Programs

The University of Louisville Service Learning Program encourages and supports students, faculty and staff who are interested in community service opportunities and who want to combine their academic studies with community service. In addition, students may also participate in the International Service Learning Program to provide services in an international setting.

Undergraduate Research

The Mission of the Office of Research is to promote and support research, scholarship, and creative activities. The Undergraduate Research Scholar Grant and other grant programs support students for supplies and expenses required for conducting the research or creative activity. The Office of Research also sponsors the University Wide Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Scholarships & Assistantships

In addition to University-wide scholarships, the Institute offers scholarships and assistantships to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarship programs include the Kenady Lynne Hendershot Memorial Scholarship, Mary Spencer Nay Memorial Scholarship, Hite Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships.

Travel Scholarships and Grants

Annually, fine arts majors have numerous opportunities for national and foreign travel, sponsored by the department.  Travel Scholarships and Grants are available to help students.  The department also provides financial support for students to participate in symposia, workshops, exhibitions, and expositions.

Professional Internships

All undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to participate in internship programs. Students in various art related disciplines such as interior design, graphic design and museum studies receive academic credits while working in a professional setting.

Student Organizations

The Student Art League (SAL) organizes field trips and other students activities such as art exhibitions.  In addition to joining the Student Art League, students may also participate in the Student Government (SGA) and other student organizations.

The Hite Art Institute Galleries

In addition to classrooms and studios, Schneider Hall on Belknap campus houses the Morris B. Belknap Gallery, Dario A. Covi Gallery, and Gallery X. The Cressman Center for Visual Art in downtown Louisville also features rotating monthly exhibitions of national and regional artists, craft persons and designers, as well as student and faculty works.

The Margaret M. Bridwell Art Library

The Margaret M. Bridwell Art Library, located on the main floor of Schneider Hall, houses the University's research collection in art, design and architectural history. The library's strong collection of books, journals and electronic resources supports the teaching programs of the Hite Art Institute.

The Visual Resources Center

The Visual Resources Center of the Institute, supported by the Frederic Lindley Morgan Bequest, is one of the finest in the region, containing over 375,000 slides and 15,000 digital images.

The Art Collection

The Institute's art collection includes an excellent and extensive selection of prints and drawings from the sixteenth century to the present, and provides an opportunity for students to study from original work by the masters on a regular basis.

The Visiting Artists and Scholars Series

Throughout the academic year, the Institute's Visiting Artists and Scholars Program sponsors lectures, workshops, exhibits and demonstrations by nationally recognized artists, craftspeople and art historians.

The Speed Art Museum

Adjacent to the Institute, the Speed Art Museum provides students the opportunity to view original art works, pursue museum studies and conduct research.

The Photographic Archives

The University of Louisville Photographic Archives, as one of the largest and most thorough in the southeast, houses exhibitions and offers services to the university community as well as the general public.

The Louisville Art Scene

Louisville has a vibrant art scene with numerous galleries. The First Friday event is a downtown Gallery Trolley Hop that occurs on the first Friday of every month. The University has a close relationship with21c Museum Hotel, which is the first of its kind - a hotel and museum dedicated to contemporary art from living artists. 

Graduate Research

Aegis, the graduate student organization publishes the graduate journal Parnassus and organizes a biennial symposium. The department also supports students to participate in regional, national and international symposia, workshops, exhibitions, and expositions.