Studio Art

 

Degrees in Studio Art combine a variety of skills with a liberal arts education. The programs are designed to support students’ acquisition of conceptual and technical skills while fostering their awareness of current issues, theoretical frameworks, as well as the historical and cultural contexts for art production.

  

Choose Your Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Studio Art Student wearing a black shirt in the Printmaking Studio

 

The BFA degree is for students who wish to develop the knowledge, skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to professional art practice.

 

More information about the BFA in Studio Art

 

Bachelor of Arts (BA)/ Science (BS)

Ceramics Student sitting in their studio

 

The B.A. and B.S. degrees are for students who wish to emphasize the breadth of experience or for students who want to combine art studies with another academic area.

 

More Information on the BA/BS in Studio Art

 

Minor in Studio Art

Student working in a painting wearing a blue shirt in the Calder Arts center Painting Studios

 

The Studio art minor degree is for students who wish to pursue their interest in the visual arts next to their majors.

 

More Information about the Studio Art Minor

 

Declaring Your Studio Art Degree Upon Start at GVSU

You can now declare your Studio Art Major or Minor directly in Banner for any degree. No admissions portfolio is required!

 

Learn how to Declare your Studio Art Degree.

Transfer to GVSU for Your Studio Art Degree

Whether you are transferring to GVSU from a community college or another four-year institution, starting at a new university creates unique opportunities.

 

Studio Art - Transfer Information

BFA Emphases Areas

When declaring the BFA, you will need to declare an emphasis to complete this process. You must choose between Ceramics, Graphic Design, Illustration, Jewelry and Metalsmithing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Visual Studies. The Studio Art BFA Major considers this your preliminary Emphasis Selection. You can change your emphasis later if you wish to do so.

Ceramics

Graphic Design

Illustration

Jewelry and Metals

Painting

Printmaking

Sculpture

Visual Studies

 

 

“"I had always been an art kid. The problem solving involved in graphic design is what drew me into that specific emphasis. I love turning an ambiguous landscape into a creative solution."”

Sarah Brockett, graphic design emphasis alumna, 2014

A Commitment to Art Foundation Skills

Art Education and Studio Art students complete between 4 and 6 foundation courses. These courses emphasize drawing, design, and problem-solving skills. This shared curriculum provides students with the conceptual, technical, and critical skills necessary for later studio work.

Read about the Foundations Courses

Alumni Results

Placeholder

Graduates of the Studio Art programs possess knowledge, experience, and unique skills that are highly desirable and transferable, enabling them to seek employment in career fields both within and outside the fine arts. Art degrees can lead to future work opportunities in a gallery, non-profit cultural organization, or museum.

See what Studio Art Alumni are doing

Careers in Studio Art

Studio Art majors develop careers as independent artists or designers, can work in galleries, arts organizations, and museums, and pursue graduate work and/or university teaching. Below is a list of possible career opportunities for Studio Art majors:

  • Arts Entrepreneur
  • Ceramist
  • Jewelry designer, Metalsmith, Goldsmith
  • Painter (portrait artist), Muralist
  • Printmaker/screen printer
  • Sculptor
  • Graphic Designer, User Interface Designer, Web Designer, Layout Designer
  • Logo & Branding Designer
  • Time-based artist
  • Gallery owner/assistant/director/ curator
  • Exhibition planner/coordinator
  • Prop designer/fabricator, Modelmaker
  • Window Display Designer
  • Pattern Designer (wallpapers, carpets, etc.)
  • Concept Artist, Cartoonist, graphic novelist
  • Community-based organizer

Career Facts

Fact

Craft and Fine Artist

Graphic Designer

Digital Designer/Coders

2021 Median Pay

$49,960 per year
$24.02 per hour

$50,710 per year
$24.38 per hour

$78,300 per year
$37.65 per hour

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

None

None

None

On-the-job Training

Long-term on-the-job training

None

None

Number of Jobs

52,300

265,000

197,100

Job Outlook (2021–2031)

6% 

3%

23%

Pay Us a Visit!

Prospective Students are invited to contact the Department for a tour visit, held throughout the academic year. You can also attend a Laker Experience Day and stop by!

 

Schedule a Visit

 

Student works



Page last modified November 11, 2023