Augustana University

What you'll study

The programme combines intensive studio practice with art history, theory and professional development. Students build foundational skills in observational drawing, colour theory and two- and three-dimensional design before specialising in areas such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics and digital/new media.

• Foundations: introductory courses in drawing, 2D/3D design and colour that establish technical facility and visual literacy.
• Studio courses: progressive studio classes in painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics and time-based media, with options to pursue independent projects.
• Art history and theory: surveys of Western and global art, contemporary theory, critical methods and contextual studies that underpin studio work.
• Professional practice: courses on portfolio development, exhibition planning, arts marketing, grant writing and the business of being an artist.
• Senior capstone: a sustained individual or collaborative project leading to a public exhibition and an accompanying artist statement or research paper.
• Electives and interdisciplinary work: opportunities to take courses across the liberal arts curriculum—such as literature, sociology or digital studies—to enrich creative practice.

Teaching methods emphasise studio time, group critiques, one-to-one faculty mentorship and public exhibitions. Facilities typically include dedicated studios, darkrooms, print studios, a ceramics lab, digital labs and gallery space for student shows.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Fine and Studio Arts usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants are expected to demonstrate creative potential and commitment to studio work.

• Academic credentials: satisfactory secondary school completion; international applicants should provide equivalent documentation.
• Portfolio: a curated portfolio of recent artwork is a central part of the application; materials should show range, process and conceptual thinking. Guidelines for portfolio composition are provided by the department.
• Personal statement/interview: a written statement outlining artistic goals and influences, and in some cases an interview or on-campus/virtual meeting with faculty.
• Additional requirements: recommendations may be requested; some applicants—particularly transfer students—may need to provide transcripts from prior post-secondary institutions.

Career prospects

Graduates from the programme pursue a variety of creative and cultural careers. The degree provides the practical skills and critical thinking needed for studio-based careers as well as roles in the wider arts sector.

• Professional visual artist: exhibiting, selling work, artist residencies and project-based commissions.
• Gallery and museum roles: curatorial assistant, exhibition technician, collections management and community engagement work.
• Arts education and outreach: with additional certification, graduates may teach in schools or lead community arts programmes; the degree also supports roles in informal education at cultural organisations.
• Design and media careers: roles in graphic design, photography, digital media, visual communication and creative industries where practical studio skills are valued.
• Arts administration and fundraising: work with non-profits, festivals, grant-making bodies and cultural policy organisations.
• Further study: many alumni pursue graduate study in fine arts, art history, museum studies, arts management or related fields.

Why study at Augustana University

Augustana offers a liberal arts setting with small class sizes, enabling close mentorship from faculty who are practising artists and scholars. The programme emphasises experiential learning: students regularly exhibit their work, participate in critiques, and engage in off-campus internships or community partnerships.

Facilities support a range of media, and the university’s gallery spaces and public events provide practical opportunities to mount exhibitions and engage with audiences. The curricular flexibility of a liberal arts degree also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and prepares graduates to adapt to diverse creative careers.

Finally, Augustana’s supportive campus community and focus on undergraduate education help students develop both artistic independence and the professional skills needed to transition from study to creative practice or further education.