Studio Art
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BFA in Studio Art

Push the boundaries of your creative potential.

Houston Christian University’s (HCU) Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art degree program offers an immersive journey into the expansive world of visual arts, where the mastery of traditional techniques meets the exploration of innovative artistic expressions.

This comprehensive approach, from focused studio time to exploratory electives and practical apprenticeships, prepares you for a vibrant career in the arts, ensuring you graduate with a rich portfolio and a deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary art practices across mediums.

Beyond our campus, Houston’s arts districts and an array of museums covering all mediums and eras of art invite exploration and inspiration. These opportunities for engagement with Houston’s artistic community enhance your training and set the stage for a vibrant artistic career.

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Studio Art Major Overview and Requirements

As a Studio Art major pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at HCU, immerse yourself in a curriculum that prioritizes hands-on, studio-based learning across a wide range of artistic mediums. The program’s core philosophy emphasizes mastering your chosen medium and exploring and integrating disciplines, including Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture.

With a requirement of 121 undergraduate credits, the curriculum ensures the supermajority of your studies are dedicated to core major courses, allowing significant studio art time to develop your skills and artistic voice. Electives offer the freedom to dive into more experimental art, art theory, and other mediums, broadening your artistic horizons and enabling a well-rounded education.

Degree Plan

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Courses

In addition to core studio time in Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture, as a BFA Studio Art student, you’ll complete courses that investigate historical and contemporary art theory and practice, such as:

  • 2D Design
  • 3D Design
  • Gallery and Museum Practices
  • History of Modern Art
  • Life Drawing

Studio Art Minor

The 18-credit Studio Art minor program provides a comprehensive introduction to the visual arts, fostering personal artistic growth that complements any major field of study. Whether you’re aiming to integrate your art into your career or simply seeking an artistically enriched college experience, the Studio Art minor offers valuable skills and insights that benefit you both personally and professionally.

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What Can I Do With a BFA in Studio Art From HCU?

The intensive studio experience of the BFA in Studio Art, coupled with critical engagement in contemporary art practices, prepares you for dynamic roles in creative industries, cultural institutions, and even therapeutic settings. With a foundation built on technical skills, creative expression, and critical thought, your career possibilities are as expansive as your imagination.

The focus on intensive studio practice and portfolio development in a BFA program directly correlates with the readiness to engage in professional artistic careers and the potential for higher earnings in creative fields.

Career and Salary Outcomes

Graduating with a BFA in Studio Art prepares you for professional roles and artistic vocations, such as exhibiting your work in galleries or public spaces, curating a gallery, or overseeing the selection and presentation of artworks. With a bachelor’s degree in fine studio art, you graduate equipped for a first museum role as an intern or assistant, and you are also well-prepared to begin producing your art from a developed and informed perspective.

Depending on your portfolio and professional interests, the formal education of a BFA in Studio Art leads to careers such as curator or museum worker or professional fine artist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports these roles earn over $53,000 yearly on average.

Additionally, the BFA in Studio Art lays a solid foundation for further education, such as Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs. A graduate art degree distinguishes your advanced training and helps you develop a portfolio that opens doors to academia and advanced artistic careers like art director or creative director, typically associated with higher salary prospects. The BLS reports that art directors earned an average annual salary of $105,180 in 2022.

Opportunities for Studio Art Majors

Studio Art Seminars and Apprenticeships

As you advance through seminar-style courses that immerse you in deep conversation and learning, as a Studio Art major you foster relationships with professors that manifest into opportunities to step into apprenticeships with established artists. This unique experience bridges classroom learning and professional artistry, allowing you to observe and participate in the creative process, manage exhibitions, and understand the art market firsthand.

Through these seminars and apprenticeships, we aim to equip you with the skills, experiences, and confidence to excel in the art world, ensuring you’re ready to make your mark as a professional artist upon graduation.

Continue to the Respected MFA in Studio Art

Elevate your artistic career with our Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art after completing your BFA. This advanced degree program assists artists seeking to deepen their engagement with contemporary art practices, refine their technique, and further develop a professional body of work under the mentorship of our esteemed faculty.

If your passion extends to teaching, HCU’s options for teacher certification or a Master of Education prepare you to inspire future artists in educational settings. Whether you aim to advance in the art world or teach your craft, HCU supports your journey to success.

Immerse in Houston’s Artistic Community

Houston Christian University sits at the heart of Houston’s rich art scene, home to on-campus gems like the Fine Art Museum, Contemporary Art Gallery, and the exhibition space Gallery 220. These venues offer you a direct pathway into the larger artistic community, providing unique opportunities to engage with art installations, meet local artists, and even display your own work. Make a mark on the art world of Houston, the state of Texas, and beyond, even before graduation.

Explore art museums and upcoming art events at HCU.

Related Bachelor’s Programs and Certificates

In addition to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, The Department of Visual Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and other bachelor’s degree programs in graphic design and areas that align with your career aspirations as an artist.

Certificates are also available to solidify your learned expertise in our areas of art study, no matter which HCU major you pursue:

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Join a community where creativity meets medium and ideas transform the world around us — just by bringing them to material existence. In our bachelor’s in Studio Art program, you’ll be guided by experienced artists, participate in enriching studio workshops, and join a network of peers who share your dedication to artistry.

Become a Studio Art Major at Houston Christian University

Whether your goal is to become a practicing artist at the highest levels or to bring your love of art to others so they may know its blessings, HCU’s BFA in Studio Art degree program provides the foundation, resources, and guidance to turn your aspirations into achievements.

Ready to make art in a community that lives by Christ’s teachings? Apply to be a Studio Art major today.