Studio Arts B.F.A.

About this Program

• Pursue intensive coursework in traditional modes of art making such as ceramics, jewelry and metalsmithing, painting, printmaking and sculpture while exploring more contemporary approaches such as installation, performance art, public art and social practices.
• Enjoy 24-hour access to individual studio spaces and access to 70,000 square feet of shared work, critique and exhibition space.
• Learn from a professional faculty and an active schedule of acclaimed artists via our Visiting Artist Lecture Series.
• Join one of our student organizations, including Shaped Clay Society, JAM (Jewelry and Metalsmithing) Club and Command Print.
• Study abroad in Florence, Italy, through Syracuse Abroad or spend a semester studying and interning in Los Angeles through the college’s LA Semester program.
• Benefit from a strong, supportive alumni network.
• Students have the option to join the Design Living Learning Community.

Studio Arts (B.F.A.)

School of Art

The bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree in studio arts is the degree for the professional artist.

Focusing on the practice and production of contemporary art this degree affords you the opportunity to pursue intensive coursework in traditional modes of art making such as ceramics, jewelry and metalsmithing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture while exploring more contemporary approaches such as installation, performance art, public art, and social practices.

Students will have the opportunity to choose to concentrate within one of the traditional media intensives or pursue an interdisciplinary practice that incorporates various mediums, methods, and approaches guided by mentorship programs and extensive advising. With an emphasis on professional practices, emphasizing the skills and abilities to develop and maintain a sustainable artistic practice, this degree aims to build on Syracuse’s rich legacy of educating the innovative artists and cultural practitioners of the future.

As a studio arts major, you may strengthen your resume and broaden your perspectives with a VPA study abroad experience during your time at Syracuse. Consistently ranked among the top 25 international education providers in the U.S., Syracuse Abroad offers more than 100 programs in 60 countries. Studio arts majors often go abroad in Florence, Italy.

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; Syracuse University 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.