Art: Studio Art

Major, Minor

Our studio art degree

Build the real-world skills and perspective you need to thrive in the visual arts. Our studio art degree focuses on the hands-on understanding of fine art principles and cultivates creative solutions with various methods, materials and technology that fire up your imagination.

In small classes, you’ll learn from instructors who have exhibited their work around the world.

You can tailor your studies to focus on animation, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking or sculpture.​ Whichever path you choose, you’ll work across disciplines, learn by doing and emerge with an impactful creative portfolio.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to work with acclaimed artists-in-residence and participate in workshops with visiting artists. In our art gallery, you’ll get hands-on experience exhibiting your work.

Highlights of the studio art degree

As a student earning a studio art degree, you can:

• Customize your education: Take courses like Gender and Art, Modern Architecture, Art of the Ancient Near East and Egypt, or Digital Sculpture and Intro to Digital Fabrication courses that focus on distinct methods or concepts in art.
• Learn in state-of-the-art facilities: You'll have access to a letterpress shop, designated print lab, three animation labs (digital, traditional and stop motion animation), a metal shop and foundry, digital fabrication studios (laser cutter/plasma cutter/3D printers and CNC router), versatile printmaking studio and two professional lighting studios for photography.
• Earn scholarships: Apply for scholarships designed specifically for art students, including one to attend a workshop at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN.
• Network personally and professionally: Join a community of artists in student organizations such as the Ceramics Club, Printmaking Club and Photography Club.​ You can also travel to national conferences for professional visual artists.
• Study Abroad: Spend the summer honing your drawing skills in Florence, Italy surrounded by famous works of art.
• Showcase your talents on campus: Exhibit your work at the Central Michigan University Art Gallery.