Undergraduate

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Undergraduate Art

About the Art Program

Our art programs offer students a strong foundation in the arts and an opportunity to explore art’s connections with a wide range of disciplines. Faculty is comprised of art professionals from various backgrounds and disciplines who are focused on providing individualized instruction for every student they teach. Our programs provide students with a diverse background, which, in concert with professional training, should lead to a successful career in art and applied vocations. By increasing awareness of themselves, their environment and their culture, and by learning to think and act creatively, students prepare themselves for a life enriched through art.

What Can I Do With an Art Degree?

A degree in art can help students prepare for a world in which the expression of thoughts and ideas, and the conveying of information, has become an increasingly visually-oriented enterprise. The skills gained through studying art are highly valued and transferable to many career paths, including those requiring a strong sense of visual design and organization. Alongside a range of practical, specialized skills related to a variety of media, art graduates develop critical thinking skills; sound observational, analytical and research skills, including the ability to creatively problem solve; craftsmanship and attention to detail; and the ability to work well independently and collaboratively. Whether one chooses to apply these desirable skills and understandings to being a practicing artist or to another field, an art degree can help prepare students for their future.

Art students painting

Why Choose an Art Degree?

  • Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design
    Accreditation by NASAD implies that our program meets or exceeds the industry standards developed by experts in the field.
  • Opportunity for freedom of individual creative pursuits
    The department fosters a creative learning environment filled with opportunities for students to advance technically and conceptually while gaining a broadened understanding of historical, theoretical and cultural context relevant to art and art-making.
  • Small classes and accessible faculty
    Faculty is comprised of art professionals from various backgrounds and disciplines who are focused on providing insightful, individualized instruction for all students. Every undergraduate is assigned an academic adviser to guide them through their program of study and help them make decisions about educational and career goals.
  • Well-equipped studios in six centralized locations
    Students have extensive access to studios providing opportunities to engage in wide ranging artistic production.
  • Educational experience
    The department offers domestic, international and study abroad travel opportunities, all of which serve to enhance student knowledge and experience.
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The BFA I pursued at SRU was well-rounded in all visual artistic areas and this helped me to excel in my current field of jewelry repair with basic and complex problem-solving skills.

Maria Camera ‘15, Bench Jeweler
Design & Service Center for Signet Jewelers

Art BA, BFA and Concentrations

Students looking at painting

Art, Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Provides a broad, liberal-arts–based visual arts education, ideal for students seeking a well-rounded creative experience or planning to combine art with another major. Offers flexibility to explore multiple media, build a versatile portfolio, and prepare for diverse career paths or advanced study.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Students in classroom

Art, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program prepares students for a professional career in art. By combining liberal studies with hands-on training, the program develops the skills, creativity, and direction needed for success in fine and applied arts.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Ceramics Artwork

Art, BFA - Concentration in Ceramic Arts

Focuses on building technical skills and creative expression in ceramics through both functional and sculptural practices. Students explore varied forms, design approaches, and firing methods—culminating in a robust and evolving portfolio

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Digital Art Flowers

Art, BFA - Concentration in Digital Media

Designed for those interested in contemporary digital arts. The curriculum includes video production, 3D modeling/animation, 3D printing, projection, and animation—offering rich opportunities to develop a cutting-edge professional portfolio

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Person drawing portraits

Art, BFA - Concentration in Drawing

Encourages both traditional and experimental drawing techniques, with faculty-led projects aimed at enhancing perception, technical skill, and conceptual depth. Emphasizes innovation and personal artistic growth.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Person making fiber arts

Art, BFA - Concentration in Fiber Arts

Explores textiles and flexible materials—such as dyeing, felting, papermaking, and book arts—with an interdisciplinary approach. Prepares students to develop a diverse and expressive fiber-based portfolio.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Computer with graphic design software in art

Art, BFA - Concentration in Graphic Design

Combines digital and manual design methods to teach students to craft compelling visual communication for specific audiences. Prioritizes building a strong, professional design portfolio.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Student looking at art through glass

Art, BFA - Concentration in K-12 Art Teacher Preparation

Prepares students for K–12 art education through a combination of intensive studio art training and certification-related coursework. Includes a full semester of student teaching and results in teacher certification through Carlow University.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Metalsmithing Art

Art, BFA - Concentration in Metalsmithing

Teaches traditional and contemporary metalworking—including jewelry, functional objects, and sculpture. Focuses on technique, material mastery, and creative experimentation across disciplines.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Person painting with brush

Art, BFA - Concentration in Painting

Focuses on contemporary painting practices. Students develop technical skills, personal style, and conceptual depth through interdisciplinary approaches, building portfolios culminating in senior exhibitions.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Darkroom in red

Art, BFA - Concentration in Photography

Balances fine art and applied photography, offering exposure to both analog and digital processes across genres like portraiture, documentary, and narrative. Emphasizes personal expression and portfolio development.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Printmaking dot art

Art, BFA - Concentration in Printmaking

Emphasizes both traditional and experimental print techniques. Students refine technical skills and develop personal artistic voices, with a strong emphasis on portfolio preparation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Art, BFA - Concentration in Psychology (Pre-Art Therapy)

Combines intensive art studio training with foundational psychology coursework to prepare students for graduate programs in art therapy. Balances creative development with therapeutic theory and practice

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Sculpting by student

Art, BFA - Concentration in Sculpture

Focuses on hands-on sculptural work, technical skill development, critical problem-solving, and historical context. Students gain both practice and analytical insight into three-dimensional art-making.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Old Main Building

Art - Certificates

For a listing of this program’s undergraduate certificates and related offerings, visit SRU’s official program catalog page.

Catalog | Program List


Career Outcomes

While many SRU art majors will continue their education after earning their bachelor’s degree, graduates of the department have secured careers in the following areas:

  • Art teacher, numerous school districts in Pennsylvania and other states
  • CAD Designer, Macy’s, Inc., New York
  • Graphic Designer, Natural History Museum, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Rights, Reproductions & Photographic Services Manager, Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Collections Database Administrator, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Professor of Art or Art Education
  • Licensed Art Therapists in Pittsburgh, Butler, and New York City
  • Art Handler, The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh

Internship Opportunities

SRU art students may complete internships based on their individual interests. Students have completed internships at various locations including:

  • Special Needs Art Internship, Neshannock High School, New Castle, Pennsylvania
  • Artists Image Resource
  • Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Tucor, Inc., Harmony, Pennsylvania
  • SRU’s University Communication and Public Affairs

Clubs & Organizations

  • Art Society
  • Potter’s Guild

Resources

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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