Studio Art B.A. and B.S.

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Program Summary

Be exposed to all aspects of Art.

The Studio Art program is committed to a tradition of emphasizing both technical skill and conceptual integrity. The curriculum is designed to expand students’ breadth of experience and understanding in various studio, media art and design disciplines.

Studio Art majors may select either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. The Bachelor of Arts degree is for those students who wish to take a broad or more liberal base of courses, while the Bachelor of Science degree represents extensive work in a studio discipline.

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Program Highlights

PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER
100% of employed grads are working in their fields; 90% of all grads are employed or in graduate school.

RELATIONAL BASED TEACHING
Class sizes of 12 or less and professors dedicated to mentoring their students.

ENGAGE IN THE ARTS
Visit local, national, and international galleries and museums and participate in student exhibitions and workshops.

Choose Your Concentration

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Studio 2D/3D

Drawing, Painting, Ceramics and Printmaking

In our 2D/3D major, we emphasize the power of hands-on creation, celebrating the tactile experience of working directly with materials. Blend drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, and digital design.

Studio courses combine 2D, 3D, and digital media to help you experiment, collaborate, and shape a path that’s uniquely yours.

2D Studio emphasis courses include:

  • Observational Drawing and Painting
  • The Interpretive Figure
  • Techniques in Printmaking
  • Experimental Printmaking
  • Artistic Book & Papermaking
  • Experimental Media

3D Studio emphasis courses include:

  • Concepts in Ceramics
  • Techniques in Ceramics
  • Context & Meaning
  • Experimental Media
  • The Interpretive Figure
  • Artistic Book & Papermaking
A student practices his graphic and digital design skills

Graphic & Digital Design

Learn to communicate visually using typography, color, layout, illustration, and photography. You’ll solve problems and design with purpose, clarity, and creativity.

Design solutions to real-world challenges, working within realistic limits like budget, time, space, and tech.

Courses include:

  • Typography
  • Introduction to Graphic Design
  • Design for Print & Products
  • Publication & Information Design
  • Time Motion Communications
  • Intro to Digital Imaging
  • Intermediate Digital Photography
  • Web Design

 

A student in a videography shoot

Videography

Explore your passion for audio-visual storytelling. Build skills in videography, visual art, and design. Investigate video production, photojournalism, social media, and digital design.

Courses include:

  • Typography
  • Intro to Digital Imaging
  • Time, Motion & Communication
  • Intro to Digital Video
  • Documentary & Field Production
  • Art Internship
  • Narrative in Video
Students practice their photography skills

Photography

Learn the full process, from capture to concept to final visual story. You'll work across studio, documentary, and fine-art styles to sharpen your eye and build your portfolio.

You'll study traditional and modern techniques, framed by Rochester’s rich photo culture. Local partners include the George Eastman Museum, Visual Studies Workshop, and Flower City Arts Center.

Courses include:

  • Introduction to B&W Photo Processes
  • Introduction to Digital Imaging/Photography
  • Intermediate Digital Photography
  • Time, Motion & Communication
  • Advanced Projects in Studio
  • Introduction to Digital Video
  • Introduction to Graphic Design
  • Typography
  • Senior Capstone

Want more information about this major?

Download a program guide with detailed information on the department, major and outcomes!

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Roberts has been the perfect place to merge my love for art, music, and writing. I found professors who were excited to blend my passions into my curriculum so I could excel in the things I love. I believe artistic, musical, and written works all share a narrative value. Every one of my pieces tells a story. Here at Roberts, I didn't have to choose one discipline over another.

Virginia Patrick '20 (Studio Art-Drawing/Painting & Music)

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How Much Will I Pay?

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Total Program
Sticker Price for 2025-2026:

$52,129


Last year

100%

of full-time freshmen students who applied 
for a scholarship received one

$25,324

average grants & scholarships package
for incoming freshman students last year

Estimate My Out-Of-Pocket Costs

Roberts' Strategic Pillars

Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Programs In Rochester, NY

ANCHORED IN CHRISTIAN FAITH

You’ll be spiritually prepared for engagement in a diverse world.

CUSTOMIZED EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS

Whatever your interests and circumstances, you’ll be equipped for your one-of-a-kind vocation.

READY TO
LEAD

You’ll be ready to lead, making meaningful contributions in your profession.

FLOURISHING PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES

Empowered to act in local and practical ways, you’ll make a difference in the communities where you live and work.

Courses and Requirements

View major requirements and more.

View Courses and Requirements Department of Visual Arts

What Will I Learn?

You will start your program with our Foundations Program, including courses in drawing, 2D design, 3D design, and digital media. Then, you will choose a specific concentration or focus, and through a series of courses and studios, you will grow to be a sensitive, insightful, contemporary emerging artists/designers.

Throughout the program, you will be introduced to a variety of media, including graphic design, ceramics, printmaking, digital media art, painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture. Studio coursework is completed in conjunction with a series of art history and contemporary art issues courses.

The path of these explorations culminate in a yearlong Senior Capstone project/exhibition. In addition, many students also complete a studio, gallery, or media/design internship.

Roberts Students Studying

Career Outlook

Here are just a few successes our graduates have achieved:

Internships

  • Dixon Schwabl Advertising
  • The Strong - National Museum of Play
  • Visual Studies Workshop
  • Rochester Museum and Science Center
  • Creative Workshop at the Memorial Art Gallery
  • The Eastman Museum (formally The George Eastman House)
  • Pyramid Arts Center
  • Wegmans Corporate Offices
  • Creative Shapes Incorporated
  • Worldvision Canada

Our Graduates are:

  • Studio Artists
  • Art Directors
  • Graphic Designers
  • Interactive Media Designers
  • Photographers
  • Photojournalists
  • Independent Film/Video Producers
  • Collegiate, Private and K-12 Art Teachers
  • "Creatives" at non-profit organizations

Grad Schools

  • Carnegie Mellon
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Visual Studies Workshop
  • Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
  • The Art Institutes – San Francisco
  • Central Academy for Fine Art - Beijing, China
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Follow Your Calling At Summer Camp

Experience what it feels like to be a Roberts Wesleyan Redhawk! Spend up to two weeks on campus when you participate in one of our overnight Academic Summer Camps.

In addition to hands-on experiences in your field of choice, you'll also go on fun outings in Rochester, NY. Scholarships may be available.

Learn More About Summer Camp

Frequently Asked Questions

A studio arts major includes a variety of visual art mediums involving anything from painting, drawing, and sculpting to photography, printing, art history, and graphic design, and more. If you are looking into pursuing an art career, then this program is a great way to start. A studio art class is also one of the more popular art programs.

The variety of studio art classes on offer provides a wide enough range for you to choose the ones that are best suited to what you want to do. Each artist more than likely will eventually specialize in a particular area, and the different studio art classes provide the freedom to discover and choose. Studio art degrees are considered a popular choice when it comes to visual arts majors.

Some careers for people with studio art degrees are animator, art director, artist, graphic designer, industrial designer, interior designer, and photographer, which usually require a bachelor's degree or equivalent amount of experience.

The benefits of obtaining an art degree include heightening your creative efforts and collaborating with other artists across different disciplines. Taking a variety of art courses also prepares you to be flexible for your future career.

Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.

Yes! At Roberts, we’re dedicated to supporting you. Our Office of Student Financial Services is here to help you make the most of every financial aid opportunity available.

We provide financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students, so you can focus on following your calling with confidence.