Studio Art Major
The Studio Art major offers comprehensive study in a close-knit community for students interested in pursuing graduate study or a professional career in the visual arts. Rather than providing degrees in a single medium (such as Painting or Photography), the undergraduate program offers two degrees in Studio Art that each allows students to take courses across five areas of study.
During their first year, Studio Art students gain an introduction to the department and their major through the First-Year Core Program, a set of courses completed by all incoming students to the department that build core technical and conceptual proficiencies and prepare them for advanced study towards their degree.
As they continue in the Studio Art degree, students can explore a variety of media in the program’s five areas of study, or choose to focus on fewer areas and progress from introductory to advanced courses.
To enhance studio-based coursework, students are encouraged to participate in lectures and seminars by visiting artists and critics, and seniors in the program have the opportunity to help organize and show work in an annual public exhibition.
Degrees
Students can choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Studio Art or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Studio Art.
The B.F.A. curriculum is designed to give students the skills to pursue a professional artistic practice of making independent work and seeking opportunities which support that endeavor, such as gallery representation, artist residencies, and professional fellowships and grants.
The B.A. curriculum provides many of the same skills, but is designed for students who have other interests beyond a studio practice. Many students on the B.A. track pursue a double major or a certificate program such as Bridging Disciplines.
Both the B.F.A. and the B.A. degrees prepare students to be active in the professional art world and guide them to identify its particular facets that interest them most.
| What You Take | B.F.A. | B.A. |
|---|---|---|
| University Core Curriculum | 14 courses | 14 courses |
| First-Year Core Studios | 4 | 4 |
| Studio Art | 16 | 6 |
| Art History | 4 | 4 |
| Foreign Language | — | 2–4 |
| Liberal Arts | — | 5 |
| Electives | 2 | 3–5 |
Minors & Certificates
Students can add breadth and diversity to their studies by complementing their degree with an academic minor or an interdisciplinary certificate program.
Questions
Have questions about this major or the admissions process?
Check out some Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to our admissions team!