Berea College

What you'll study

The programme provides a foundation in observational and conceptual skills before progressing to specialised studio work and a senior capstone exhibition. First-year and second-year study emphasises core studio courses such as drawing, 2-D and 3-D design, and introductory courses in painting, sculpture, ceramics and printmaking. Parallel coursework in art history and visual culture situates studio practice within broader histories and contemporary debates.

In later years students choose intermediate and advanced electives to focus their practice—common pathways include painting, ceramics and sculpture, printmaking, photography and digital/new media. The curriculum typically includes modules in:

• Figure and life drawing
• Colour theory and composition
• Advanced studio seminars
• Technical workshops (kiln and glazing for ceramics; darkroom and digital labs for photography; printshop processes)
• Professional practices: portfolio development, exhibition planning, grant-writing and arts entrepreneurship
• Art history and critical theory spanning global and regional perspectives
• Community-engaged projects and internships with local arts organisations
• Senior thesis and public exhibition or equivalent capstone project

Hands-on access to studios, workshops and digital labs is integral, with small class sizes and regular critiques to support technical development and conceptual growth.

Entry requirements

Berea College admits applicants who demonstrate academic readiness and a strong commitment to the college's mission of service and learning. Typical entry requirements include:

• A completed secondary school diploma or equivalent.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating achievement across a broad curriculum.
• A portfolio of recent artwork showcasing drawing ability, technical skill and creative thinking; portfolio requirements and submission formats are provided by the department.
• A personal statement describing artistic interests, goals and how the applicant would engage with Berea's learning and labour program.
• Letters of recommendation, usually from teachers or arts mentors, that speak to academic potential and artistic promise.

As a college with a work-study requirement and a mission to educate students of limited economic resources, applicants should be prepared to participate in the campus work program that supports both learning and living expenses. Prospective students are advised to consult the admissions office for detailed portfolio guidelines and any additional materials.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with practical studio skills, critical thinking and experience in exhibiting and professional practice. Common career paths include:

• Professional visual artist (studio practice, commissions, exhibitions)
• Roles in galleries, museums and arts organisations (curatorial assistant, collections technician, exhibition coordinator)
• Arts education and community arts programming (teaching, outreach, workshop leadership)
• Design-related work (graphic design, illustration, multimedia production)
• Continuing to graduate study such as an MFA, MA in art history or specialised training in conservation, art therapy or arts administration
• Creative entrepreneurship—running studios, craft businesses or artist collectives

The programme’s emphasis on professional practice, internships and public exhibition prepares students for both freelance careers and staff positions within the cultural sector.

Why study at Berea College

Berea College offers a distinctive combination of intensive studio training within a liberal arts context and a campus culture committed to service and community. Key advantages include:

• Strong hands-on experience: well-equipped studios in ceramics, printmaking, painting, sculpture and photography supported by technical faculty.
• Small classes and faculty mentorship: low student-to-faculty ratios enable close critiques, individual guidance and collaborative learning.
• Community engagement: opportunities to work with local arts organisations and to present work in on-campus and regional exhibitions.
• Work-learning model: the college’s labour program integrates practical responsibility with study, building professional habits and reducing student debt burden.
• Liberal arts breadth: study in other disciplines complements studio work and supports versatile career options or further study.

For prospective students seeking an immersive studio education within a socially engaged college environment, Berea’s Fine and Studio Arts programme provides both technical training and the professional tools needed to launch a creative career.