Liberal Arts
Studio Art Degree
Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Degree Programs
At BVU, the experience and practice of the visual arts is an interdisciplinary pursuit. Within the art studio major, the areas offered are art history, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing, and design. All in-studio courses for the studio art major involve hands-on experience taught by faculty members who are professional artists. Art Education licensure available at (K-8), (5-12), and (K-8) and (5-12) grade levels.
Take Me To
Why should I earn a studio art degree?
Salary
The median annual salary for independent artists, writers, and performers was $52,060 in May 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Fine Arts Award
Each year, a Fine Arts Award is presented to a student for outstanding work in fine art. The award purchases a work by the artist for the BVU art collection.
Be Prepared
You’ll have a solid preparation in technical skill, concept-based decision making, communication, and professional portfolios.
What Can I Do With a Studio Art Degree
- Artist-in-residence
- Professional artist
- Illustrator
- Master printer
- Arts administrator
- On Campus
On Campus
Storm Lake
Why study studio art at BVU?
Creative Spaces Abound
BVU’s dedicated studios are large, contemporary, and versatile. Students have easy and ample access to:
- Metal Shop – MIG, TIG, ARC, and oxy-acetylene welders; plasma cutter, dry cut saws, band saw, and sand blasting.
- Ceramics – Mixing clay, formulating and applying glazes, kiln firing, electric and kick wheels, plus extruders and slab rollers.
- Woodshop – Band saw, table saw, panel saw, radial arm saw, sliding compound miter saw, lathe, laser drill press, sanding station, and many hand tools.
- Painting – A flexible space with many easels and taborets along with custom pigment mixing for oil, acrylic, and encaustic paints.
- Printmaking – Four high-end intaglio and lithograph presses, including lithography stones.
- Mac Lab – Mac computers with large monitors, loaded with the most recent version of Adobe CS, several digital scanners, color laser printers, large format printers, and an archival printer.
- Gallery Spaces – Two different gallery spaces with customizable lighting and digital projection capabilities.
Internships
In the past, BVU studio art students have held internships with:
- New York Artist Karen Gunderson
- Iowa Arts Council
- Hank Goodman Stoneware
- Des Moines Art Center
- Planet Hollywood
Graduate School
BVU studio art graduates have gone on to further studies at:
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Minnesota College of Art & Design
- University of South Carolina
- Washington State University
- Wichita State University
Art Education
A degree in art education qualifies you to apply for a state license to teach art in grades:
- K-8
- 5-12
- K-8 AND 5-12
BVU seeks to unite students with artists, innovators, and creators to mentor and inspire Beavers while showcasing their own talents and work. Artist-in-Residence Program
Join a Welcoming Community.
Share Remarkable Experiences.
CORTNEY WEAVER, Class of 2017
Cortney developed precise fine motor skills, an artistic eye, and a desire to do her best through BVU’s studio art program. Combining her studies in art and biology, allowed Cortney to pursue her master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics at Northwestern University in Chicago. Thanks to her BVU professors, who continually challenged her to be the best she could be, she feels confident when designing, fabricating, and building prostheses.
Studio Art Courses
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreStudio Art Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future of Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most—if not all—of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
View Course EquivalenciesREQUEST INFORMATION
Explore a Studio Art Degree
Find out more about earning a bachelor's in studio art with BVU.
