Top Studio Art Colleges

As a studio art major, you’ll hone your skills in the hands-on practice of creating beautiful works of art that communicate an aspect of the human experience. Typically, studio majors concentrate in one particular area such as: painting, sculpture, illustration, printmaking, photography, or drawing. In addition to studio coursework, most studio art programs also require a number of art theory and art history courses as well.

Some studio art majors will pursue a career as an artist on a full-time or part-time basis, creating works for private sale. Others will work for museums in positions such as: archivist, art educator, curator, exhibit design, or public relations. Jobs in corporate media departments, education, art therapy, or commercial art in a studio or publishing house are other common employment routes for studio arts majors.

What do you need to make it in a Studio Art program?

It goes without saying that those pursuing studio art as a major need to possess a high degree of innate artistic ability, creativity, and imagination. Personality-wise, those who are routine-oriented, disciplined, determined, and responsive to criticism/feedback are at an advantage.

Your Studio Art College Checklist:

• Does the program result in a B.A. or B.F.A. degree?
• What kind of work do current students do? Ask to see examples of student work.
• How many students are typically in each class?
• Is the geographic location of the college conducive to internships, cultural experiences, and field-related connections?
• Does the school have partnerships with local museums or art galleries?
• What study abroad opportunities are available? What do these experiences entail?
• Is the school strong in your specific medium/area of concentration?

The Top Studio Art Colleges & Universities

Studio art is a competitive field, and finding the right college and program is often key to landing a good job. Schools that are held in particularly high regard by professionals, employers and students include: Rhode Island School of Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, and Cornell University. For a complete list of College Transitions Top Studio Art Colleges and Universities, click here.

*College lists are compiled on the basis of counselor interviews, guide books, exhaustive internet searches (of college and departmental websites), and data provided by The College Board and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).