The Complete Guide to Art Schools Explore Art Degree Programs in Technology, Administration and the Fine Arts

The associate of arts program at Casper College is a multidisciplinary two-year degree that forms the basis of education in studio art and art history. Teaching methodology combines modern and classical art concepts to guide students' visual creativity. Students have the chance to work with several mediums, such as paint and clay, and may discover an art emphasis study. The program is designed for articulation into a bachelor's program at the junior level and Casper has negotiated transfers with six universities including the University of Wyoming, The University of North Dakota and Black Hills State University.

The visual arts program at Santa Fe Community College is a floorboard education for students planning to continue their studies at the next level. The two-year associate program consists of 61 general education and core credits, offering studio classes in traditional mediums such as drawing, painting, photography and ceramics. For a comprehensive education, students examine the historical themes of art and their affects. The program strives to meet the requirements for transfer to the University of Florida, yet students have the choice to attend any accepting institution. Students also have the chance to display their artwork in the Santa Fe Gallery and compete in collegiate competitions.

For art students interested in an associate degree or higher education, Mesa Community College can aid prospective students get on the right trail. The fine arts Associate in Arts degree readies students for immediate employment or for transfer to Arizona State University for enrollment in a Bachelor of Arts program. This program demands a general education curriculum in conjunction with major-related art classes, such as photography, drawing, painting, ceramics and art basics. The student body at MCC is an eclectic mix who learn from collaboration and dedicated instruction. This degree is full-time for two years. The college recently opened an art gallery where students can learn management and curating skills.

Offering an Associate of Arts art degree, the Metropolitan Community College intends for students to take their education onto a four-year degree program. The art program at MCC gives students pertinent, fundamental art education in beginner courses such as drawing and design, as well as in intermediate studies such as sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and painting. The program also teaches digital design as a modern art form. Being a competitive field, the belief at MCC is that "exceptional results require time and effort beyond scheduled class hours". At present, this program is designed for admittance to the University of New Orleans College of Fine Arts and Bellevue University.

The Sinclair College Art Department is one of a handful of small community colleges to receive accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Professors within the department are professionals with expertise in their art emphasis. These devoted instructors teach the studio courses leading to the Associate in Arts art degree. The art AA has a sweeping inclusion of media in its curriculum from drawing and painting, to classes in ceramics, sculpture and photography. This two-year program parallels the freshmen and sophomore years of a bachelor's program to which students may transfer. The program is inclusive of the Ohio Transfer Module.

The Associate in Arts studio art for transfer degree at the Santa Rosa Junior College is formatted for enrollment into the California State University network. Students looking to achieve a BA in studio art receive automatic acceptance into a CSU program upon successful completion of the studio art AA-T. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to focus on art forms such as painting, drawing, photography, ceramics and sculpture, yet are still required to fulfill general education studies. Alternatively, students interested in digital and graphic design, or who wish to transfer outside of the CSU system, can consider the similar two-year art AA program.

For artists who are more interested in drawing with a mouse than with a pencil, studying computer art and illustration at Phoenix College can lead to future in graphic design. The Associate in Applied Science in media arts is tailored for both beginning graphic artists and professionals to develop expertise in the field. This program connects computer technology with traditional art and hopes to evoke individuality and creative thinking in digital arts. Students learn to create three-dimensional computer animations, original designs and special affects. This program also requires that students take general education classes with focus classes to graduate.

Northwest College of Art and Design, a small two-year school near Yellowstone National Park, provides an intimate class setting for art students interested in enrolling in the art AA program. The degree endeavors to ready students for a career in the art world or for post-graduation transfer into an upper-division university. The degree breakdown equals 39 credits in liberal studies, 22 credits in core curriculum, and six or more credits of elective classes. As part of core education, students examine fundamentals of design and aesthetics and art history. The program's target is for students to develop their visual awareness.

The Scottsdale Community College Art Department focuses its education on graphic design and sculpture. Within these disciplines, students can receive a two-year Associate in Arts fine arts degree, and those interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts post-graduation may transfer to another university if requirements are met. As a focal point of studies, the graphic design AAS program molds students into professionals who are capable of collaboration and organic thinking. Students learn to create visual layouts and apply artistic vision to digital images through courses in typography, website design and computer graphics. For sculptors, six specialized classes are available in the subject to receive the AAFA degree.

The Associate in Arts fine arts degree program offered at Owens Community College is designed to provide creative students with a sturdy base education in studio art principles that develop successful candidates for acceptance into a BA or BFA program. Students are required to complete 61 to 65 credits comprised of general studies and core classes and, if planning to transfer for continuing education, may need additional classes to meet the institution's criteria. The two-year fine art program at OCC sets graduates on track to careers in art history, art education or studio art with specializations in ceramics, printmaking or sculpture.

Unlike most community college art programs, students enrolled in the Associate in Arts degree program at Central Wyoming College are not required to take classes in unrelated subjects like math, history, science or English-the usual suspects of general education. Instead, thanks to the college's credentials, students can pinpoint their studies on art and after completing the two-year program, are maintain eligibility to transfer for enrollment in a bachelor's program. Art students at Central Wyoming have the benefit of taking classes in medium such as welding and wood carving, as well as glass and bronze foundry, a unique asset for a community college.

The Glendale Community College Art Department has a two-year digital media arts AAS program that readily transfers to a bachelor program at either Arizona State University Polytechnic campus or Huntington University. Students interested in careers related to graphic design learn rudimentary concepts of design, animation and visual and written communication. The program works toward discovering individual style to be displayed in the students' digital portfolio. Students must achieve a "C" or better in the 17 core classes to complete the program and be considered for transfer. Graduates who are ready to begin their careers can find employment in marketing, advertising films, design or freelancing.

The computer graphics animation Associate in Applied Arts degree program at Lansing Community College aspires to produce problem-solving animators ready for a professional work environment. A computer animator can design multimedia projects for a slew of industries such as motion-picture, gaming, advertising campaigns and websites. This coursework can also be applied to a higher degree for students wishing to continue their education; however, not all classes are transferrable and students are advised to seek academic counseling. Typically students complete this degree in five semesters and are required to take a few general education courses in math and English to graduate.

For art enthusiasts interested in studying art history, Monterey Peninsula College offers a transfer-based associate art history degree that grants entry into the California State University system for baccalaureate studies. The art history AA-T program is made up of 60 credits with 18 focus credits in the arts. Available classes include a range of socially diverse studies from Christian and Medieval Art, to African and Asian Art, to Roman Architecture. In this program, students learn to tell the story etched into an artwork and how it is culturally significant to the world. This program enables students to find a career in museums and galleries.

Fine art students have three focalized study options within the Associate in Arts fine arts degree at Ohlone College. Students can chose to specialize in art, music or theater and dance. In this program students gain an understanding of several methods of artistic communication such as through two and three-dimensional design, live performance and conceptual music. Students learn to read artworks and how a culture's art reflects the local and global community. Requirements for completing the AAFA include maintaining a 2.0GPA and achieving a minimum "C" grade or better in core curriculum classes. Students must also meet with an advisor to map out their academic track.

A small notable community college, Kilgore College has an art and commercial art program that supplies creative souls with the base education needed for higher academic study. The art and commercial art AA degree curriculum is regulated to include both general education and core art courses necessary for articulation into a four-year degree program at a qualifying university. Students sculpt their studio art skills through beginner and intermediate courses in drawing and painting and build a repertoire in graphic art through the study of communication in advertising.Instructors compliment studio lessons with lecture units.

The classroom atmosphere in Truckee Meadows Community College's Art Program is a mix of aspiring career-driven artists and casual artists studying art as a hobby or for self-improvement. For degree-seeking students TMCC offers Associate in Arts degree in fine arts, among other concentrations, that is developed for a studio art career. Students learn history and communication in art while chiseling their artistic talent into a fine skill set. At the end of the two-year program, students may be ready for employment or choose to transfer into a baccalaureate degree program. The AAFA coursework is transferable to lower-division universities.

The art department at Hinds Community College is a small unit with a comprehensive Associate in Arts art program. The opportunity to explore a multitude of art mediums allows students planning for further education more options for transfers programs. HCC's art major combines general education requirements, studio and elective art courses into a rounded education program that corresponds with many other Bachelor of Art degree programs. For students interested in graphic communication, HCC's computer lab features the latest version of Adobe programs Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge and InDesign.

The Associate in Arts degree in art at Chaffey College is a transferable education to the University of California or California State University; or, students can complete graduation requirements to receive the AA degree. Chaffey's Art Department educates students in social art movements and the impact visual art has on a community. Students evaluate design concepts and technology to create graphic communication. Under the art umbrella major there are three concentration focuses: art, ceramics studio and drawing/painting studio. All three focuses aim to produce capable artists within their concentration who can provide intelligent criticisms of artwork.

The Saddleback College Art Department maintains a passionate stance on the importance of studying art as a way of understanding life. This rhetoric is taught in the department's Associate in Arts art degree while observing studio art practices such as drawing, photography, printmaking and painting. The art AA degree program was created primarily for transfer students planning to continue onto a four-year program, but receiving the associate honor is possible. This program serves as a two-year introductory study in general education and core studio art classes totaling 60 credit hours.

Offering a broad education within the artistic disciplines, the Associate of Arts degree in art program at Western Wyoming College is a gateway for aspiring artists to discover their specialization. The two-year program offers foundation education in various art mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics and graphic design. Students complete 75 to 79 credits in four semesters that are applicable to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program in a related field. On campus, WWC provides art students with a gallery to display completed artworks and modernized labs and studios for creating pieces.

The art program at Tulsa Community College emphasizes the importance of understanding historical art concepts and their results. The art AA philosophy is to create a "basic historical, conceptual and technical education in art" that promotes adventurous ideas and critical thinking. Students are taught the dual importance of medium expertise and imaginative concepts as driving factors in celebrated artists. The program is comprised of 37 general education requirements and 24 major requirements and coursework is eligible for transfer to a four-year program. Continuing-education students are advised to discuss their academic course with advisors from both schools as early as possible.

Depending on personal interests and ambitions, art students at Chabot College can take classes for a transfer degree, to receive the Associate in Arts degree or for fun even. The Art, Humanities and Social Science division offers an associate degree with emphasis study in graphic design. The coursework includes mandatory general education classes and 21 credit hours of concentration classes. Students work with computer programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign to learn techniques in creating and editing images, layouts and typography. Core requirement classes must receive a "C" standing or better.

Through education, the visual arts department at Chandler-Gilbert Community College works to provide a multicultural community with a sense of enjoyment and understanding of diverse visual art. Chandler-Gilbert achieves its goal by offering Associate in Arts degree programs and art classes to the community that can be self-fulfilling and also transferable to a four-year baccalaureate degree. The fine art AA degree prepares students for a BFA education and typically students must create a portfolio of work to enroll in a transfer university. Coursework includes fundamental design, computer graphics, drawing, painting and ceramics.

The Division of Fine Arts at Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC) offers drama students an Associate of Arts degree with a theater concentration. The theater program at NEMCC features courses crucial for developing skills in the art and entertainment industry such as voice, make-up and set design classes. For students set on attending a four-year program, the associate degree is malleable and can fit the requirements for many bachelor of art programs at diverse universities. While at NEMCC, theater students examine the historical elements that led to modern theater, the importance of speech and diction in role portrayal and methods of acting.

The Associate in Arts Art History for Transfer program at Pasadena City College prepares students to be interpreters of art. Through a comprehensive study in world history and art language, students learn to convey the impact of art on society and to analyze the communication of ideas through images. The art history AA-T degree is specifically drafted for students to enter the California State University organization at the junior year. In order to be granted transfer admission into a CSU campus, students must complete the outlined general education requirements and major curriculum with qualifying grades.

At the American River College, artists who want to "paint with pixels" and "sculpt with digital clay" can learn how in the Associate in Arts in art new media program. This degree program arms students with a rounded base education in multiple digital media practices. Students learn principles of digital illustration, three-dimensional animation and graphic design while using computers stocked with the latest Adobe CS6 unsuited software. The art new media AA degree is typically completed within one to two years and can be used to transfer into a Bachelor of Arts or Science program.

With a reputation for having one of the most complete art programs within the California Community College family, Long Beach City College strives for excellence within the department. LBCC offers students an Associate in Arts degree taught by established professors and successful artists that aims to uncover a student's personal creativity. The AA program consists of fundamental courses in studio art and art principles in addition to specialization. Students can opt to center their academics around one of the following disciplines: applied design, art history, computer art, drawing and painting, design, illustration, fine art photography, printmaking or sculpture. Students may transfer into a bachelor or art program upon completion.

The Associate in Arts in studio art degree offered by the College of San Mateo is a program for serious illustrators to sculpt their talents. Ahead of the pack in two-dimensional design courses, the CSM Art Program is acclaimed for its drawing studies which form the basis for understanding more advanced art disciplines. Students work with mediums such as graphite, ink and charcoal in creating life study drawings. This degree sets students on track for transfer into an art school or a university bachelor of arts program. Artists from CSM have continued their studies in fields such as animation, design, fine art and art therapy.

The professional crafts program offered by Haywood Community College is a distinct two-year degree that incorporates business and marketing classes with studio art to produce professional and independent artisans. Students can choose to receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in clay, wood, fiber or jewelry and have the benefit of intimate class settings. The curriculum is comprised of concentration studies and communication business classes outlined by Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning. The goal of the program is to provided budding entrepreneurial craftsmen with a strong overall foundation for venturing into the workforce. This program is connected to organizations such as Handmade in America and Creativity and Design.

Fresno City College's Fine Art Department has two academic roads for receiving an Associate in Arts degree: Two-dimensional or three-dimensional. While both options require general education studies, the two-dimensional major focuses on drawing, painting and printmaking and the three-dimensional major concentrates on ceramics, jewelry, textile designs, sculpture and metalsmithing. The fine art department promotes an atmosphere for students to discover their own artistic capabilities through facing creative challenges and through experimentation. After completing 60 credit hours required for graduation, students can may chose to transfer to a higher education program.

Completing the Associate in Applied Science in photographic technology degree at Washtenaw Community College enables students to enroll in a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree or start working in various photography environments. As an initial education program, the photographic technology AAS program's objective is to plant a thorough film and digital photography root education in students. Students learn lighting techniques, science of photography and how to use a darkroom. Depending on interest, perhaps it's fashion photography, fine art or portraiture, students are able to format their education based on their personal passions.

At West Valley College, creative and tech savvy individuals can begin a career in digital graphics and animation through the Associate in Arts in computer art and animation program. This program blends the basic principles of color, design and drawing with the technology of time-based media to create a palette used for building computer animation. Students analyze the contributions and changes technology has placed upon art and visual communication and gain competency in computer imaging. This program works for students who are ready to work in the film or television industry need a substantial portfolio or for students ready to articulate to a four-year program.

With a contemporary recording studio on campus, students enrolled in the music and recording arts degree program at Terra State Community College have the facilities needed to a successful start in the music industry. The two-year Associate in Applied Sciences program allows students to gain experience in recording a variety of musicians using an Avid HD/IO system and Mac Lab complete with the most up-to-date recording software such as Reaper and Protocols. Students learn to train their ears to hear and identify chords, rhythmic dictation, melody and harmonic progression. This program can be applied to a bachelor program.

Eastern New Mexico University has a two-year art education available to students that teaches an all-encompassing view of art media. The Associate in Arts in art program serves as the infrastructure for students in their art education covering everything from the basic principles of perspective and line to using diverse tools such as computers, pencils, paint, clay and cameras to create visual art. The goal is for artists to realize their own creative style and visual message. To successfully graduate the art AA program, students will complete 33 credits pertaining to the art major, including courses such as art history, design and digital media.

Students of the Fine Arts hoping to begin their studies at a local community college and graduate at the state university level may do so at Yavapai College. The Associate of Arts fine arts major offered by Yavapai is tailored for students planning to articulate at the junior level of a baccalaureate program. Students choose a concentration, either Music, Performing Arts or Art, and take core classes required by their discipline in addition to a general education curriculum structured by the Arizona General Education Curriculum. This program is university parallel, meaning the freshmen and sophomore years of a BA degree are completed within the AA curriculum.

The art philosophy at Western Iowa Tech Community College is that art and experimentation go together. WITCC offers artists ample opportunity to concoct colors of paint and build odd clay sculptures within its Associate in Arts degree, emphasis in art and design program. This degree is a standard two-year program featuring a blend of general education classes and foundation art and design courses. Students practice all forms of art, from conceptual design to representational art and produce a body of work for examination in a professional portfolio. Students are prepared to transfer into a bachelor of arts program.

North Idaho College provides art students a two-year associate program that is transferrable to most four-year public universities within the state. Students who start at the associate level and are planning to achieve a bachelor degree are responsible for communicating with both schools to ensure the requirements for transfer are met. The art AA program offered at NIC is a broad jumping off point into the artistic industry. The program covers classical to contemporary media and can be crafted to fit the needs of a photographer, a graphic designer, art historian, illustrator, or other art career.

Whether a student's plan is to study art as a hobby or a career, the Associate in Science in studio art program at Gateway Community College opens the door to possibilities. This program is a wide, base education in the founding themes and principles in art, coupled with necessary general education studies. Students work in multidisciplinary media over the course of the two-year program to create a portfolio of artwork showing capability and talent, which is used to find employment or enroll in a university. Students also participate in workshops and exhibitions on campus.

Estrella Mountain Community College, part of Arizona's Maricopa Community College system, has an Associate in Arts art program that prepares students for creative careers or for articulation into a four-year university program. Within the art AA program, students can choose a varied Maricopa-ASU Pathway Program (MAPP) that puts students on track to enter the Arizona State University in a Bachelor of Arts field. At Estrella Mountain, students receive the necessary fundamental art education and can study studio art alongside digital art in a modernized Mac Lab. The program hopes to establish tactics for artistic problem-solving in students.

The fine arts department at San Jacinto College offers students courses in art and design, interior design, and theater, as well as dance and music. Students can also study audio engineering and broadcast technology. For those who plan to seek a bachelor of arts after graduation, the associate of arts curriculum provides them with introductory and general education courses that can transfer towards their four-year degree. Technical degrees and certificates are designed for students who wish to enter the workforce once they finish the program. The campus offers visual studios with well-equipped computer labs, as well as dance studios and theater facilities where students can hone their craft.

Art students at San Diego Mesa College choose from seven areas of emphasis, from art history to digital art. Curriculum focuses on critical thinking, visual literacy, and global, historical, and technological awareness. Students interact frequently with faculty and participate in active student clubs such as the ceramics club and the studio art club. The program also features inter-class collaborations and student-run events like art exhibitions. The school houses an art gallery with exhibits and lectures by working artists, and two student exhibitions yearly. Students focusing on museum studies combine classroom learning and collaboration with local institutions to gain insight into the field.

Mt. San Antonio College's arts division provides programs in fine arts, commercial and entertainment arts, music, and theater arts. Students interested in game design and animation study storytelling, 3D modeling, and solid drawing with digital technology, developing a visual portfolio or demo reel to use in their job search after graduation. Those seeking a degree in the fine arts can choose from drawing, sculpture, ceramics, and print making, among other areas. Curriculum for music majors focuses on history, voice, conducting, improvisation, and more. In all of the arts programs, students learn from professionals who are accomplished and successful in their fields.

Fine arts students at Fullerton College study art, computer graphics, music, and theater. The school offers 50 art classes ranging from graphic design to cartooning. Students learn from professionals, with an Artist in Residence program that brings working artists to the campus for workshops and clinics. Electronic and digital art and photography is also an area of study, and students have access to a state-of-the-art computer graphics lab. The school's active music department hosts performance groups for concerts and recitals for over 25 student performance groups. Fine arts students also participate in festivals held by the theater department, including a playwrights festival and a directors festival.

Courses at Western Texas College's art department are delivered online, on-campus as lectures, and in the studio. The school houses a studio for two-dimensional arts, and another for ceramics. Students also have access to gas and raku kilns and the equipment needed for printmaking, digital photography, painting, and glass fusion. Students can have their work displayed in the school's fine arts gallery, as well as the Scurry County Museum and the City of Snyder animal shelter. Artists at WTC are active in the school community, hosting the Annual West Texas High School Art Competition and participating in a group exhibition such as a mural to beautify the downtown square.

Arts programs at Collin College give students the option to study traditional studio disciplines including painting, ceramics, printmaking, and watercolor. Additionally, students take foundational courses in drawing, 2D design, art appreciation, and art history. The campus offers modern art studio labs as well as a gallery with a viewing and exhibition space for students and the community. Artists will have access to quality tools including kilns, printing presses, electric pottery wheels, and metal casting equipment. In addition to taking traditional courses, students enter in art exhibits, attend panel discussions and artists' talks, and participate in portfolio reviews by representatives of other universities across the country.

Students in Northeast Community College's art program are encouraged to experiment with their work, learning basics like line, form, color, and perspective, and applying them to painting, photography, and drawing. Graduates earn an associate of arts degree, preparing them to enter the work force or transfer to a four-year college to further their studies. The program offers students activities outside of the classroom, such as day trips to artist cooperatives and museums, and interactions with visiting artists. On campus, art students make use of an all-purpose studio art room, a computer lab, an exhibition space, and a ceramics lab.

Santa Ana College offers several programs for art students at the associate's and certificate levels. Students can choose a program that prepares them to enter a four-year program at a state university, a program that will facilitate a transfer to an art school after graduation, or a general associate's degree program. Graphic design, digital media arts, and three-dimensional modeling and animation are a few of the specializations offered. Students can also pursue studies in photography or studio art. The school hosts resident artists, an annual holiday art sale, and a Saturday monthly art walk at one of its galleries.

The College of Southern Idaho visual, performing, and liberal arts department has programs in art, theater, music, and dance. Visual art students take courses in art history, drawing, photography, and painting, and exhibit their work in the on-campus art gallery. In the theater department, students study acting, voice, stage makeup, and lighting. They participate in theatrical performances, attending to all elements from performing to set construction. Music students at the college can participate in nine performing groups including a jazz ensemble and a symphony orchestra. Ballet, jazz, and modern dance coursework is available for students majoring in dance performance.

The art department at Tyler Junior College features two exhibition spaces on campus, as well as an on-campus museum of art. Students earn an associate's degree with an emphasis in art, providing them with the foundation to pursue a four-year degree following graduation. All art students take courses in design, drawing, and art history; electives allow them to specialize their studies. The program also requires core curriculum courses in history, composition, mathematics, and government. Artistically inclined students may also be interested in the school's game and simulation development program, which includes a track in graphic design.

At Converse College, art and design students can study studio art, art education, interior design, and art history. There are also music and theater programs available. At the undergraduate level, the school is a women’s college; graduate programs are co-ed. Curriculum combines the arts with professional management skills, helping students to work towards a career as they explore their passion. Professors encourage communication, creativity, and scholarship. Students have access to college services including a wellness center and career planning resources. The school also hosts guest artists whose work is displayed in an on-campus gallery, and who participate in question and answer sessions with students during “gallery talks” events.

With 19 undergraduate programs, nine graduate programs, and additional certificate and post-baccalaureate programs, Massachusetts College of Art and Design has a wide selection of programs for aspiring art students. Areas of study range from animation to fashion design, with teaching programs available at the master’s level. Students can also study architecture at the undergraduate or master’s level. Participants in different program areas are encouraged to work together through the school’s new MassArt Design and Media Center, fostering multidisciplinary collaborations. Community engagement is another important element of MassArt’s programs, and curriculum includes projects outside of the classroom at local schools, hospitals, and community organizations.

Curtis Institute of Music is a small, tuition-free school for musicians that focuses its curriculum on “learning by doing.” Students perform frequently as part of their studies in over 200 concerts given by the school each year. Learners also perform internationally with school touring groups. In addition to its more selective traditional courses, the school offers online and summer music courses for a wider body of students. Classes and performances take place in historic mansions, and about half of the student body lives in the school’s residence hall. Student activities include a traditional midweek tea every Wednesday afternoon, which brings together students and faculty for a casual gathering.

Students at The University of the Arts study fine arts, graphic and industrial design, film, dance, and music, with a choice of 41 undergraduate and graduate programs. Numerous minors are available, allowing students to follow additional artistic pursuits or combine their creative learning with business or technology studies to market themselves for a specific career path after graduation. Undergraduate students can also choose to minor in art therapy as preparation for entry into an art therapy master’s degree program. The school is located in downtown Philadelphia, giving its students easy access to renowned theaters, art galleries, and museums.

Villa Maria College offers a fine arts associate’s degree program that prepares students to work in a variety of entry level positions, including display worker, illustrator, photographer, and set designer. Curriculum guides students to gain experience with numerous materials and methods in studio courses. The school provides its art students with three studios for drawing and painting; printmaking facilities with photo exposure units and a screen printing press; and a family art gallery where students can share their work and see collections from peers, faculty, and local artists. In addition to arts courses, students take two English composition courses, a math course, and several liberal arts electives.

At Viterbo University, students majoring in art choose a concentration in their specific area of interest, with options including design, sculpture, interdisciplinary media, and pre-art therapy. In addition to the traditional bachelor of arts program, the school offers a bachelor of fine arts honors program designed for those who plan to pursue a masters of fine arts after graduation. Students are admitted to the BFA art program after a portfolio review in their sophomore year. The four-year curriculum includes electives where students can experiment with new mediums, as well as general education requirements. Student, faculty, and visiting artists’ works are displayed in an on-campus gallery that is open to the public.

Andrews University’s art department has programs in art, design, photography, and documentary film. Students have the opportunity to participate in study tours, where fine art students and faculty travel to international locations to visit museums and study art history. The university provides its students with imaging services, including mounting, rental of film and video equipment, and art and photography supplies. The school has a Christian foundation and faculty serve as mentors both in art and academic skills, as well as in their religious spirit. Graduates of the school’s art department find careers as illustrators, teachers, studio artists, gallery owners, and missionaries.

Aspiring artists at Jacksonville University study dance, music, theater, and visual arts at the undergraduate level. The school also offers choreography and visual arts at the graduate level, with low-residency programs that include summer intensive sessions, distance courses, and mentor relationships. Prospective students apply with auditions and portfolio reviews conducted in January, February, and March. Students in the dance program participate in two main-stage dance concerts and several other performances throughout the year. Theater students gain skills on and off stage, with training in acting, production, stage lighting, and management. The school’s music program offer tracks in music performance or composition, music education, and music business.

Art and design programs at Brenau University offer coursework in fashion design, fashion merchandising, and studio art. A portfolio review is not required for entry, but students are encouraged to submit one if they are interested in a scholarship. Programs include required general education courses in various academic subjects, giving students some flexibility in their career options after graduation. Although transfer students are accepted, the school does not recommend that students plan to take all art courses within two years after transferring. Art courses require extensive time in the studio, and should be spread out over the course of the degree program.

Arts programs at Marlboro College include visual arts, dance, painting, film and video studies, music, and theater, among others. Curriculum includes the formal vocabulary of the chosen medium so that students can critique their work and discuss the work of their peers. Many of the arts programs allow students to combine their studies with another field, such as biology, history, or politics, for a cross-disciplinary degree program. Students benefit from several services provided by the school, including a health center and career development assistance. Marlboro College is also committed to sustainability, with a greenhouse and farm on campus.

Temple University’s Tyler School of Art offers a wide variety of majors, including programs in less common fields like glass, horticulture, and fibers. Students can also study planning and community development, which focuses on developing designs and policies to solve the problems within communities. Students can study abroad during the academic year or over the summer, gaining insight into different cultures and philosophies that can inspire artists. Study abroad programs are in place in Rome, Japan, and Scotland. The school also has exchange programs within the United States for students majoring in ceramics/glass and painting, drawing, and sculpture.

At Buffalo State, students can earn a bachelor of arts or fine arts. Minors are also available, giving students in other degree programs the opportunity to explore their creative side over the course of their degree program. The school is located in Buffalo’s museum district, giving students easy access to cultural venues both on and off campus. The fine arts program also hosts a study aboard program to Siena, Italy, where students take courses in architecture, ceramics and painting, and Italian language. The school’s visual arts board brings guest artists and lecturers to the campus, and takes students on trips to galleries and other art venues.

SUNY Potsdam offers students numerous programs in the arts, including three-year bachelor’s degree options in studio art and theater. The school also has newly developed programs in graphic design and media arts. Many students pursue internships during their studies, and the school offers an internship search engine. Graduates pursue many career paths, from museum curation and gallery ownership to photojournalism and interior design. Potsdam also has a student art association that brings together art majors for trips to galleries, student art shows, watching art films, and keeping students informed of art activities within the community.

Faculty at Webster University’s department of fine arts believe that students must contribute intensive work, study, and involvement in art in order to be prepared for professional art training and career goals. Curriculum centers on the concept that all art is connected through fundamental concepts, yet there can be infinite variation. Students are encouraged to use art, theater, dance, and music to evoke emotion and contribute to the understanding of the human condition. The programs also provide for learning opportunities through concerts, exhibits, and professional productions. Webster’s conservatory for theater students is integrated with professional theater companies, with two companies located on campus.

Aquinas College offers art, music, theater, and English programs through its school of fine arts. Classes are small, allowing students to receive individual attention and mentoring from faculty. Campus art studios are open 24/7, and studio faculty members have active studios and successful national or international exhibition records. In the music program, students participate in internships with local organizations like opera companies, music schools, and symphonies. There are also student ensembles that perform new pieces of music each semester in collaboration with up and coming composers. Theater students choose a concentration in performance or technical studies, and participate in contemporary plays, musicals, and adaptations.

At the University of Michigan, art and design programs guide students to use their creativity to drive social change and innovation. Students are encouraged to collaborate with one another, forming a network of colleagues that will serve as life-long connections after graduation. At the undergraduate level, students spend their first year on foundation skills including critical thinking and research methods. As the program progresses, learners have more flexibility to choose the courses tailored to their creative interests. Additionally, all undergraduate students in the art and design school study abroad for three weeks to one year.

The Conservatory at Shenandoah University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in music, theater, dance, and arts management. Students can choose church music, jazz studies, theater design and production, or other paths to work toward their career goals. The school hosts over 30 performing ensembles and puts on more than 300 performances each year. Admission requires an audition or portfolio review, as well as an interview process. Typically students must audition on campus, but those who live more than 250 miles from the school may follow an online audition process. Faculty members have notable achievements in their fields, including Grammy Award winning conductors and Metropolitan Opera singers.

Brigham Young University – Provo offers art, dance, design, music, and theater and media arts studies for students interested in pursuing a degree in the arts. Popular areas of study include animation, music dance theater, and performing arts management. The school offers academic advisors to assist students in choosing a major early in their college career and charting their class schedule to plan for an on-time graduation, as well as supporting students’ success throughout their studies. Other student resources include a career placement center and a student association, which serves as the intermediary between students and school administration.

Students at Carson-Newman University can pursue an art or photography degree at the bachelor’s level. Both programs combine traditional fine art foundations with an academic four-year liberal arts program. The school also offers emphasizes in graphic design, painting and drawing, and art education. The university’s religious foundation has an impact on its curriculum, where Christian faith is integrated with course content. Students seek to produce art and design that is spiritually meaningful while communicating its intended message and being visually pleasing. Teachers also guide students to examine proper ethical and moral standards for visual artists.

Aspiring artists studying at the University at Buffalo can focus on art and design, art history, or visual studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Curriculum combines developing creative skills with academic knowledge in critical theory and aesthetics to create thoughtful artists who can communicate their unique visions. Graduate students in the art department are eligible for an exchange program with Beijing, where students embark on cross-cultural art collaborations with Tsinghua University. Graduates of the school’s art programs find employment at art galleries, museums, and design and advertising firms, as well as colleges and universities.

Fine and performing arts students at Columbia College – Chicago enter one of 50 programs to study their craft. The school’s creative art therapies program provides a path to a practical and professional career choice that uses the student’s artistry and creativity. The business and entrepreneurship program is also part of the fine arts department, with curriculum that guides students on becoming managers, agents, and business partners for artists, performers, and athletes. Outside of classes, students participate in public dance performances, student music ensembles, a photography auction, and student-directed theater productions to practice their skills and share their abilities with their peers and the greater community.

Lindenwood University’s fine and performing arts department is staffed by accomplished faculty who help students turn their craft into a professional career. Programs are values-centered, with an emphasis on educating students who are responsible citizens and who hold themselves to high academic, artistic, and ethical standards. Performing arts students study dance, music, or theater, with a foundation of a liberal arts curriculum. Those interested in visual arts choose a specialization in art history, fashion or graphic design, art conservation, art therapy, or studio arts. The school also offers many of these programs as minors for those who are majoring in another area but still wish to explore their creative talents.

At Louisiana College, students can study music, art, or theater in the school’s department of fine arts and media. The campus provides computer graphics labs, a darkroom for photography, a woodworking shop, and art studios, as well as a gallery that displays professional exhibitions and student work. Students from other departments can pursue a minor in art areas as well, including web design and graphic design. The school’s curriculum is rooted in its religious foundation, with faculty guiding students in their spiritual growth and promoting a Christian worldview through their craft. Students can access numerous support resources from the college, including counseling, educational support services, and career services.

Palm Beach Atlantic University has 12 majors and five minors in its school of music and fine arts. The school provides a Christ-centered education with programs that reflect these beliefs; for example, the popular music major includes industry and worship leadership tracks. The school hosts international festivals on campus and provides opportunities for students to participate in vocal, choral, and instrumental groups. Faculty are experienced and accomplished in their fields, with a dancer from the American Ballet Theater, a Metropolitan Opera leading lady, and an artist with a permanent collection at the South Carolina State Museum of Art.

The University of Idaho allows art students to choose an area of creative engagement within their art program, with graphic design, digital imaging, and printmaking among the options available. Curriculum guides students to become visual thinkers who use creative problem solving to benefit their community and the world. Learning is guided by creative discovery and collaboration with peers, partnered with practical experience. Students are also encouraged to gain interdisciplinary knowledge to merge their artistic pursuits with other academic areas. The school’s virtual technology and design program blends art with technology for studies in gaming and entertainment design, and simulation and visualization.

Juilliard is renowned for its programs in the arts, with dance, drama, and music studies offered through a variety of programs. Majors include specific instruments such as piano or guitar, acting, play-writing, and dance. Aspiring leaders can also study orchestral conducting. Students must take a full-time course load for degree programs, although the school also offers non-credit and credit courses in the evening for the general public. There are numerous extracurricular activities available for students, including community service clubs and groups that play non-classical music. First year students are required to live on campus in residence halls.

Art students at Roosevelt University can study theater or music at the school’s conservatories. Music students gain technical expertise through studio lessons, recitals, and chamber music, and have the opportunity to participate in internships with renowned music companies. They also have access to significant musical venues through the school’s location in Chicago, such as the Chicago Symphony and the Jazz Showcase. In the theater conservatory, students choose from acting and musical theater concentrations. The program guarantees students credit for onstage performances every semester, and offers a low student-teacher ratio. Learners interested in visual arts as well can minor in fine art.

University of Hartford offers several programs in the arts for its students, including graphic design, art and art history, dance, theater, and a wide variety of music programs. In the music education program, students begin working in local music program during their first year, and continue field work until they are student teachers in their senior year. The dance program has a teaching track as well, ballet pedagogy, where students learn pedagogical structure and theory to coach dancers of all levels. Theater students choose from actor training or music theater tracks, though all take the same first year foundational courses before beginning specializations in their sophomore year.

Art students at Northern Arizona University begin their studies with core classes in drawing, design, and color. They then begin a specialized major, with areas of focus ranging from interior design to art education. Students learn methods for working with different media and subject matters, build technical skills, and develop their understanding of color theory and composition. Printmaking students hone their abilities in silk-screen and lithography, while sculpture students learn carving, welding, and woodworking. Beyond the visual arts, NAU also has programs in music and theater, as well as a minor in arts and cultural management.

At the University of Missouri – Kansas City, students in the art and art history department benefit from a curriculum that stresses interactive learning experiences and engagement with the community. Class sizes are small, and professors serve as mentors for students’ academic growth and career planning. In addition to creative skills, the programs stress critical thinking and verbal communication skills, and a refined sense of professionalism. At the school’s conservatory, dance and music programs provide areas of study that run the gamut from music theory to keyboard studies. Dance students are permitted two weeks leave per semester for professional dance opportunities.

At Madonna University, programs in the art department focus on career preparation. Professors form supportive relationships with peers to foster their development and support their growth as artists. In each art program, students must show growth over the course of their studies in their chosen medium, with a portfolio and exhibit to demonstrate this progress. In addition to courses in art history, graphic design, and studio art, the school has workshops in Chinese and Japanese art and gardens, American and Detroit architecture, and American sculpture. Musicians can focus their studies in vocal or piano performance, music education, or music management.

Art students at the University of Iowa learn in a multidisciplinary environment that encourages students to interact with faculty, each other, and peers across other departments and fields of study. Fine art students choose a discipline, division, or studio area, with options including 3D design, intermedia and video art, and photography. Music students can study performance or teaching, as well as music theory and music therapy. Common course requirements include conducting, group piano, and music history. Aspiring actors join the theater program, which focuses on acting, directing, design, playwriting, and technical theater. Minors in art, music, and theater are available as well.

SUNY Fredonia’s visual arts and new media department offers students bachelor’s degree in nine areas of study. Curriculum includes theoretical and historical studies combined with studio practice, fostering the creative and practical skills of the artists. Students are prompted to consider the cultural, philosophical, and historical influences that affect art, and how to develop their art to convey societal and individual messages. In Fredonia’s music department, students are guided to become musicians who are leaders in performance, music education, and sound recording, among other areas. Theater and dance students at the school hone their craft while learning to work collaboratively for a seamless production.

The Art Academy of Cincinnati is a small school of about 200 students that offers individualized attention and a supportive environment for learners. Programs range from design to sculpture, with minors available in film, art history, and creative writing. Students have the option to participate in an internship during their junior year, studying with an individual artist or designer, or working at a large firm. Students interested in pursuing a career as an art teacher can participate in AAC’s dual degree program with the Vermont College of Fine Arts, a summer residency program that accelerates the route to teacher certification.

Coker College’s art students are encouraged to collaborate with one another for support, critique, and inspiration. Students have access to studios 24 hours a day, and receive one-on-one guidance and mentoring from professors. Courses are discussion-based, with a round-table teaching style that helps students learn to communicate and defend their opinions. The programs end with a capstone project or senior show that illustrates the skills and knowledge gained over the course of the degree. Dance students have many opportunities for learning and growth outside the classroom, including conferences, visits from guest artists, and international performances.

Students at BYU Hawaii interested in the arts can study visual arts, music, and theater. The music department prides itself on its family-like atmosphere, with students receiving personal attention and mentoring from faculty starting in their freshman year. Students seeking a music degree first take a studio course on a provisional basis, and then apply for the music program of their choice based on their performance in the first semester. Art students study technical skills and learn to develop gallery exhibitions in the painting and sculpture programs, while graphic design students practice digital imaging for web design, branding, and publication.

The Cleveland Institute of Art gives students a choice of 15 majors related to the arts. The school’s biomedical art program offers a rare combination of art, science, and technology that prepares students to find a career creating visual education materials on science and medicine. Another career-focused program centers on industrial design, where learners study design combined with manufacturing, sustainability, and business practices. All programs combine foundation studies with experiential learning and faculty mentorship. The school has over 200 external partnerships through which students can complete internships to gain real-world knowledge in their field.

Students at CUNY Hunter College’s fine art school study three elements of art: history, theory, and practice. Curriculum follows a holistic approach where students learn about technical skills as well as practical ones, such as curating an exhibition. Set in New York City, the school offers access to numerous museums and galleries that contribute to students’ educational experience. Dancers at Hunter can refine their skills and plan for a career as a performer, choreographer, or producer, or they can join the dance education program to become a teacher. Hunter’s theater program curriculum includes playwriting, directing, and acting, and students contribute to theater productions as part of their graduation requirements.

Art and design programs at Purdue University give students access to four computer laboratories, numerous libraries with art and design books and journals, and an on-campus art gallery. Faculty members are accomplished, practicing artists in their fields, and they lead numerous field trips to galleries and conferences throughout the school year. Students also have an opportunity to gain relevant experience in the arts through on-campus employment as gallery assistants, photography lab monitors, and slide library or shop assistants. Outside of their courses, students can join Purdue’s arts-related special interest clubs, such as Textile Art at Purdue and the student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.

The Maryland Institute College of Art has degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as post baccalaureate certificates and individual courses, that guide students in becoming working artists, designers, and teachers. Curriculum guides learners in professional development, arming them with skills that will aid their careers and assist them in finding an appropriate work/life balance after graduation. Students can also pursue international and off-campus study with a semester abroad or a travel intensive. The school provides a career development center for its students that provides counseling, weekly workshops and programs, graduate school advising, and alumni services.

Oklahoma City University’s Art Department is recognized as an outstanding program that focuses on art fundamentals: mastery of drawing skills and the elements and principles of design. Students graduate with an understanding of art theory, and contemporary issues that are all necessary in the creation of contemporary art. All classes are taught by professors and students can choose to focus on a specific area of study within their discipline. Class sizes are small, allowing for one on one time with professors and taught in the Norick Art Center, a 29,000 square-foot facility. An active art club sponsors two student art shows each year.

Students at Hardin-Simmons University participate in a visual arts curriculum within a Christian learning environment. The curriculum focuses on historical context, contemporary issues and imaging technology combined with theory and practice. In addition to the art curriculum, students are taught to be creative problem-solvers and learn up-to-date imaging technology while being given a strong foundation in the liberal arts. Faculty are regionally and nationally recognized and their teaching style aims to offer a balanced program of teaching, artistic execution and promotion of the arts. Students are prepared for jobs in the visual arts market and exhibition circuit.

Mississippi College is a Christian college that focuses on spiritual development and support. The Department of Art offers programs that lead to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in art and allows students to explore the creation of art in a creative environment that exercises Christian values. The degree programs focus on the exploration and development of traditional and contemporary skills in visual design and communication. Students may choose a Bachelor of Arts in studio, graphic design, interior design, and art education. Graduate degrees require a focus or emphasis in one studio area.

Bethany College’s art department offers a variety of programs that range from traditional studio art to art therapy and web and print design. Faculty are professional artists who help students build portfolios for future employment. The department offers several majors and new facilities that include two art galleries where students can create and display their own work. Dedicated art faculty guide students as they work in fully furnished studios for ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, which includes a fully equipped metal casting facility, a digital arts computer lab that provides access to design media software, and a wide format photo printer. Graduates go on to work as artists, graphic designers, print makers, photographers, therapists, educators, business leaders, gallery owners and film makers.

The University of Northern Iowa’s Department of Art offers students a wide variety of artistic media, but is small enough to still offer one on one experiences with faculty. Art students at UNI begin taking courses in their major during the very first semester. Freshman courses are designed to introduce fundamental skills in visualization, analysis and production that prepare students for more specialized study in upper-level courses. 16 full-time faculty are successful artists, designers, and scholars with national and international accolades. In addition to faculty, the department hosts 30 visiting professionals in all areas of art and design. These professionals offer lectures, workshops and critiques.

For students who aspire to become a working artist in either graphic design, painting and drawing, photography, printmaking, or sculpture, or want to immerse themselves in the visual arts, the School of Art+Design in the School of the Arts at Purchase College offers one of the preeminent undergraduate programs in the country. The School of Art+Design is competitive, and work in the studios and classrooms is rigorous. Being close to New York City gives students access to world-class artists and venues that attract some of the finest exhibiting artists and educators in the world. Students attend classes in the Visual Arts Building, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the Northeast.

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Department of Art aims to provide transformative educational experiences that promote artistic vision by offering programs that help students learn the skills and acquire the knowledge for professional careers and leadership in Art Education, Art History and Studio Arts. As a UCO Art major, students will strengthen their skills in visual and conceptual components of art, create a portfolio to gain greater insight into art theory and technique, and hone problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Students can choose a focus in ceramics, jewelry/metalsmithing, sculpture, painting, photography, or drawing. Alumni of this program go on to prestigious graduate programs and have become art educators, historians, and professional studio artists.

As part of Parsons’ School of Art, Media, and Technology (AMT), The New School exposes art students to a range of studio practices, ideas, communities, and global dynamics related to contemporary art. Students develop the skills and artistic strategies to translate concepts into expression through composition, color, form, space, and performance. This program guides students in discovering their creative voice, familiarizing them with traditional techniques of painting, drawing, and sculpture as well as innovative interdisciplinary methods in media involving public engagement, video, animation, photography, and digital imaging. A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is awarded upon completion of 120 credits and students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Art History students at Marymount Manhattan College develop a strong, fundamental understanding of the history of art. Students take classes in a wide range of fields, including ancient and classical to medieval art, renaissance and baroque, eighteenth-century to modern art, contemporary art, non-western and indigenous art, and the theory and practice of art. Studio art classes help train students’ interpretive skills and offer insight into the technical methods of the artist. Internships are an important part of the Marymount curriculum and give students firsthand experience as museum educators, art dealers, auction gallery specialists, curators and museum publicists.

The College of Fine Arts at Ohio University offers programs in art + design, dance, film, interdisciplinary arts, music and theatre. The school prides itself on being innovative and providing a challenging and supportive learning environment. A vibrant community has formed around the school that includes artists, art educators, actors, designers, dancers, musicians, playwrights and scholars. Faculty have performed and designed in the world’s biggest venues, exhibited at prestigious museums and galleries, published creative and scholarly research and served as leaders with international arts organizations. Students are given the opportunity to share their talents with the community through hundreds of performances, productions, lectures and exhibitions throughout the year.