Santa Clara University

What you'll study

This programme centers on core studio foundations alongside elective concentrations that may include painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics, and digital/new media. Early coursework focuses on fundamental skills—two‑dimensional and three‑dimensional design, colour, composition, and observational drawing—while mid‑level courses introduce specialised techniques, material studies and critical approaches to contemporary art practice.

Advanced study emphasises sustained projects, independent studio practice and professional outcomes. Typical module types and subjects include:

• Foundations in Studio Art – drawing, design, colour theory and visual literacy.
• Media‑specific Courses – painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics, and digital/new media workshops.
• Art History and Visual Culture – contextual studies that trace historical, theoretical and cultural frameworks for practice.
• Concept and Critique – seminars that develop conceptual rigor, critique skills and peer review processes.
• Professional Practices – portfolio development, exhibition planning, grantwriting, and arts entrepreneurship.
• Capstone or Senior Project – self‑directed body of work presented in a public exhibition or thesis.
• Internship and Community Engagement – placements with galleries, museums, cultural organisations or creative businesses.

Students also take broader general education courses in the Jesuit liberal arts tradition, enabling interdisciplinary connections with fields such as anthropology, business, computer science and environmental studies. Access to campus facilities is central: studios, digital labs, a photography darkroom, kilns and on‑campus exhibition spaces support hands‑on learning and public display of student work.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent and to demonstrate preparation for undergraduate study through academic transcripts and a recommended minimum level of high‑school coursework in the arts. Most departments require submission of a portfolio of recent creative work showing technical ability, conceptual development and personal voice; portfolio guidelines typically specify image counts, formats and an artist statement.

Other supporting materials usually include a personal statement or essay, one or more academic or character references, and a résumé of relevant experience. Standardised test requirements vary; consult the university for current policy. International applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency according to the university's published criteria and provide comparable academic documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with practical studio skills, critical thinking and a professional portfolio, preparing them for a range of career paths in the arts and creative industries. Typical outcomes include:

• Professional artist or maker, exhibiting work in galleries, alternative spaces and public art projects.
• Gallery or museum roles such as exhibition assistant, curator, registrar or education officer.
• Design and visual communication careers—illustration, graphic design, user experience and multimedia production—often pursued with additional technical training or internships.
• Arts administration, nonprofit management and cultural programming.
• Teaching in community arts settings or pursuing a teaching credential for K–12 art education.
• Further study at the graduate level (MFA, MA) for those seeking advanced practice, research or academic careers.

Proximity to Silicon Valley also creates opportunities for collaboration with technology firms, start‑ups and interdisciplinary projects that value creative problem‑solving and visual communication.

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara combines a small, student‑centred liberal‑arts environment with the resources and networks of the Bay Area. The programme emphasises close mentorship—small studio classes and regular critiques with faculty who are practising artists and scholars. Students benefit from on‑campus exhibition spaces and connections to nearby cultural institutions, including university museums and independent galleries.

The university's Jesuit tradition supports a broad education that links studio practice to ethics, social engagement and civic responsibility. Located in Silicon Valley, the campus offers unique interdisciplinary and professional opportunities, from internships with arts organisations to collaborations with technology and design programmes. Strong technical facilities, dedicated studio spaces and a culture of public presentation prepare students for both creative practice and careers across the arts and creative sectors.