Fine and studio art exposes students to a variety of art ideas, studio practices, and community and global relationships. Students get the opportunity to translate their concepts into individual expression by making use of color, form, drawing, space, structure, and composition. They acquire intellectual, conceptual, and critical skills to successfully begin a career as a professional artist. The following degree programs are generally offered for students to earn
fine and studio art degrees:
-
Associate's degree
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Master's degree
-
Doctorate degree
-
Certificate/Diplomas
Coursework
Studio art programs are designed for students who wish to become artists and acquire knowledge about art. Courses are offered in drawing, painting, ceramics, film making, digital technology, and photography. These foundational courses are considered to be an integral part of the curriculum. Studio art students use their acquired knowledge and skills to work in fields such as design, art critiquing, teaching, conservation, publishing, advertising, and art therapy. Although, the coursework offered in studio art programs may vary from one institute to another, some major courses in the field include:
-
Drawing and Design
-
Introduction to Fine Art Drawing
-
Introduction to Sculpture
-
Introduction to Painting
-
Introduction to New Forms
-
Fine Art Drawing: Figure
-
Art History
-
Business Practices
-
Theory and Criticism of 20th Century Art
-
Art and Technology
-
Survey of Western Art and Architecture
Art School Considerations
Accreditation
When selecting an art school, the first and most important step is to check if the school is accredited. You will need to stay cautious of diploma mills that take money from students, but fail to provide quality education. Make sure that you select an art school which is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Make sure you focus on these two accreditation bodies, as accreditation mills are as common as the diploma mills. You may contact admission counselors to answer questions related to accreditation.
Curriculum and Instructors
It is preferable that you ask about the quality of instructors, and the types of courses you will be taking. Even if you know that you want to study fine art, you should look for a school that offers a diverse and comprehensive art curriculum, so that you may receive a well-rounded education. A school that offers several specializations may give you options to select a major in which you are interested.
Career Resources
While researching art schools, it is good to find out how successful the school's graduates have been. You should also ask the admission counselor about the availability of career resources, and for data of graduates who have found jobs in their particular fields. In the studio art field, some employers may prefer graduates from online schools, as those students are expected to be quite familiar with the digital world.
Online Education
Students and working professionals who do not have the time or resources for acquiring on-campus education, may look for online fine and studio art programs. Online programs let students have more control over their time, and they may be more cost effective. They may also introduce students to various art software and art resources available on the internet.