Refine Your Artistic Abilities with a Focused Studio Degree
As an art major pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, you'll receive a comprehensive and professional education under the expert guidance of our faculty.
Two concentrations are available:
- Graphic Design Concentration: classes focused in graphic design, animation, 3D modeling, illustration, web design, and typography.
- Studio Concentration: courses focused in ceramics, jewelry and metals, wood and furniture design, sculpture, and painting.
Imagine Your Future
We prepare you for the world of art that you want to enter. While there are no guarantees, what we do well is establish high but realistic expectations, and then make sure you are well prepared.
With a BFA in Studio Art, consider careers in:
- Graphic design
- Advertising
- Furniture design
- Illustration
- Web design
- Game design
- Animation
- Art direction
- Multimedia arts
- Ceramics
- Jewelry and metals
- Sculpture
- Painting
With a BFA in Studio Art, you can pursue careers in the commercial and fine arts, such as graphic design, art direction, illustration, furniture design, ceramics, jewelry and metals, sculpture, wood, and furniture design.
With a BFA in Studio Art, you are eligible for:
- MFA in Studio Art
- MA in Studio Art
Similar Occupations
Depending on the concentration, career options are extremely varied and include:
- Web design
- Layout design
- Interaction design
- User experience design
- Branding and corporate identity
- User interface design
- Animation
- Photography
- Illustration
- Three-dimensional modeling
- Art and creative direction
- Cover design
- Publication design
- Advertising
- Packaging design
Other MFA careers include:
- Professional exhibiting artist in galleries, museums, and arts festivals
- Illustrator for children's books or industry
- Director of galleries and art centers
- Instructor for community art education programs
- Mural painter
- Public art project artist
- Teacher in private K-12 art programs
- Art sales representative
- Set designer
- Display artist
- Cartoonist
- Technician for museums and galleries
- Portrait painter
Classes and Requirements
For works of art and design to endure, they need to be created and appreciated. Whether you create or curate, at IUP you will be immersed in a world of ideas and history that will feed your creativity.
As an art major, you will be given the skills, the context, and the history to bring meaning and purpose to your work. You will be taught and mentored by an energetic faculty of acclaimed artists and art historians, and you will have access to the broad range of studio art facilities.
Art is a building block of civilization. It is everywhere, and it is essential.
With a BFA in studio art you can choose from a broad range of studio disciplines such as graphic design, ceramics, jewelry and metals, sculpture, wood and furniture design, painting, and drawing.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Student Opportunities
As an art major, you will have the opportunity to participate in numerous activities that will further enrich your artistic endeavors.
- Show your work: Put together an exhibit of your own work in Miller Gallery, run by the Student Art Association.
- Absorb and be inspired: Enjoy works by faculty and other national and international artists in exhibitions hosted by IUP galleries and museums.
- Join: New friends are waiting in the Student Art Association, Graphic Design Student Association, Clay Club, IUP Fashion Association, Visual Merchandising Club, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), IUP Chapter, and other art student organizations.
- Learn how art works: Get an internship.
- Make professional connections: Get involved with the campus chapter of the National Art Education Association or check out the American Society of Interior Designers.
- Change perspective: Study abroad on trips for art students. Contact the Artand Design Department Office for information.
- Teach: Students have the opportunity to teach art classes at the Artists Hand Gallery, in Indiana, Pennsylvania.
- Make your mark: The annual Chalk on the Walk art show turns campus grounds into a beautiful spectacle.
Facilities
Along with museums and galleries, Sprowls Hall is dedicated to seven studio arts, and the 13,000 sq ft Robertshaw building is dedicated to ceramics and sculpture. Learn more about the art facilities at IUP.
Freshman Entrance Portfolio Requirements
Students who have applied to IUP will receive a letter of invitation from the Art and Design Department for a portfolio review.
The goal is to determine whether your portfolio demonstrates potential for success in professional studies in our art program. Your work will be reviewed on the basis of technical, compositional, and creative skill.
Portfolio Review
Portfolio reviews are an important prerequisite for admission into our degree programs. Students who have applied to IUP will receive a letter of invitation from the Art and Design Department for a portfolio review.
The goal is to determine whether your portfolio demonstrates potential for success in professional studies in our art program. Your work will be reviewed on the basis of technical, compositional, and creative skill.
Prospective students, transfer students, or students who wish to change to an art studio or art education major can submit their portfolio anytime.
The portfolio review process is used to select students for scholarships.
Bringing Talent, Enthusiasm, and Diverse Perspectives
The Art and Design Department at IUP consists of 14 full-time professors. They have earned the highest level of academic degrees for their specialty and bring extensive experience and scholarship to the classroom.