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A person sitting at a ceramics wheel throwing a pot.

The bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in studio arts is designed for the student who wishes to pursue an intensive studio art experience alongside another field(s) of academic study. Fifty percent of your coursework takes place in the studio arts major, and you may use the remaining credits to pursue another or multiple other degrees.

Focused on the development of interdisciplinary practices that integrate studio art and additional academic disciplines, the B.S. in studio arts is designed for the artist and entrepreneur who will create the unanticipated art forms and cultural phenomena that cannot be anticipated by traditional arts education.

Often students have a strong interest in combining their art practice with such academic subjects as psychology, history, politics and business and want to pursue a career as a professional artist or entrepreneur utilizing both creative and academic fields.

Program Highlights

Curriculum

The 122-credit curriculum includes major and academic requirements as well as studio and academic electives. As one of our students, you will be assigned a professional academic advisor who will guide you through your academic career and help you navigate class schedules, course selection and more.

Two hands work on an etching on a table.

Global Study

You can participate in study abroad or study away programs through VPA or Syracuse Abroad. B.S. studio arts majors often choose to study at the Syracuse University centers in Florence, Italy, or London, England, in the spring semester of their third year, or in Los Angeles via the VPA LA Semester program in the fall semester of their fourth year. Your advisor can discuss your options with you.

A person takes a photo of a historic building in Torino, Italy.

Career Exploration

In addition to working as a professional artist, career paths for studio arts majors may include: art critic, art dealer, art teacher, conservationist, cultural journalist, curator, gallerist, master printer, or a visual development artist for animation. You may also wish to consider a career as an art therapist; VPA offers a master of science (M.S.) degree in art therapy that prepares students to employ art-based approaches to counseling when working with diverse populations in a range of clinical and community-based settings.

All studio arts majors have access to career advisors and services through the College of Visual and Performing Arts' Office of Academic and Career Advising. The office connects VPA students with networking opportunities, mentors and more.

Two people sit at a table looking at a laptop.