Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Studio Arts

Make Art with a Vision that Matters

Prepare to become a creative agent for positive social change.

Why choose studio art at Marian?

You will begin by building a strong foundation in art with opportunities to grow your knowledge and skills in both two- and three-dimensional media. Access to our studio facilities 24/7 provides you with the flexibility and support to produce high-quality art in an appropriate environment. Working with practicing professional artist-teachers, you will engage the professional art world through visiting artists, tours of local artist's studios, and opportunities to participate in Indianapolis community art projects.

Our program assists you with developing a mission and vision for your art and articulating how it interacts with the world. Advanced studies culminate with a senior exhibition, professional communication materials, and a comprehensive portfolio ready for graduate school application or a professional position in an arts organization.

What will you study?

Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts

Foundation studio courses (12 credits)

• ART 110: Drawing and Design I  (3 credits)
• ART 206: Color Theory and Application (3 credits)
• ART 210: Drawing and Design II  (3 credits)
• ART 255: Photography I  (3 credits)

Art history courses (12 credits)

• ARH 235: Survey of Western Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance (3 credits)
• ARH 236: Survey of Western Art II: Baroque to Contemporary (3 credits)
• ARH 344: The Modern World —OR— ARH 346: The Contemporary Scene (3 credits)
• One 300 level ARH course  (3 credits)

Studio art courses (21 credits)

• ART 201: Three-Dimensional Design  (3 credits)
• ART 221: Painting I  (3 credits)
• ART 200: Sculpture I or 203 Ceramics I  (3 credits)
• ART 490: Senior Seminar  (1 credit)
• ART 491: Senior Portfolio and Professional Practices  (2 credits)
• Three additional ART courses  (9 credits)

Recommended elective course

• ART 460: Art Internship (3-6 credits)

The following portfolio reviews are required for continuation in the program:

• Foundation portfolio review: First semester sophomore year
• Junior portfolio review: Second semester junior year
• Senior portfolio review: Senior exhibition semester in senior year

Sample four-year plan and checklist   See our student portfolios

Minor in Studio Art (18 credits)

• ART 110: Drawing and Design I  (3 credits)
• ART 206: Color Theory and Application (3 credits)
• ART 221: Introduction to Painting  (3 credits)
• ARH 235: Survey of Western Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance —OR— ARH 236: Survey of Western Art II: Baroque to Contemporary (3 credits)

Two additional art courses from:

• ART 200: Sculpture I (3 credits)
• ART 210: Drawing and Design II  (3 credits)
• ART 201: Three-Dimensional Design (3 credits)
• ART 203: Ceramics I (3 credits)
• ART 237: Printmaking I (3 credits)
• ART 255: Photography I (3 credits)

Professional Studio Arts Opportunities

Art and Design graduates pursuing a studio art career are valued by employers for their creativity, critical thinking abilities, problem solving-skills, and resourcefulness. Here is a small sampling of possible careers paths you can pursue upon graduating from Marian.