Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Additional information

Program description

The BFA program in art with a concentration in painting and drawing offers a dynamic environment for creative and conceptual growth that promotes an active studio practice. The program's curriculum encourages a wide spectrum of approaches to painting and drawing techniques. Students develop proficiency through working from a variety of sources and subjects, and a range of materials and processes. Faculty encourage students to develop their own unique artistic vision and critically assess imagery in context to the history of art and contemporary practices. Faculty emphasize critical concepts in their teaching and encourage research, interdisciplinary engagement and coursework from disciplines across the university. Faculty also provide students professional mentorship regarding opportunities such as assistantships, internships, scholarships, residencies and exhibitions.

The School of Art, the Ceramics Research Center and Archive, and the ASU Art Museum support a robust schedule of public exhibitions and visiting artist and scholar lectures. These events offer students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art and culture while building a professional network. Further augmenting the curriculum are numerous internships offered by a wide range of arts organizations. Capstone and research studio courses engage students intellectually and critically as they gain the practical experience of developing a distinctive body of work and presenting that work in one of the School of Art galleries, meaning that graduates of this program are prepared for the future with a portfolio of completed works that showcases their unique artistic vision.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Global Education programs provide an opportunity for students to explore their creative side through an intercultural lens, deepen their understanding of the world and gain valuable career-building experiences. Study abroad can prove to be a vital accompaniment to any art concentration, allowing for broad historical and archaeological explorations. Students develop insight into the cultures and minds of some of the world's most notable artists when they experience the places that gave rise to specific artistic styles.

With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs give students a breadth of knowledge in arts and culture uniquely different from their own. Study abroad encourages students to develop and broaden their intercultural sensitivity, communication skills and leadership ability, and challenges them to think differently. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students learn to adapt and persevere, and they are provided with a chance to look inside themselves in a way they haven't done before, growing their personal and professional self-confidence along the way.

Career opportunities

A degree in the arts offers students a pathway to a rich and varied choice of careers. The School of Art programs prepare students to initiate creative careers as artists, scholars and educators in the public and private sphere.

Art graduates find employment opportunities as artists in the field, selling their works through commercial galleries and commissions and to private collectors; as museum or gallery professionals, art dealers and directors; as private school art teachers and college professors; and as community-based artists (venues might include health care settings, nonprofit agencies, and local and national public arts). Other options include working at arts agencies and public art programs or gaining admission to prestigious graduate programs across the nation.