Skip Sub Menu

Studio Art

The Studio Art program at Drake University offers two distinct degree pathways—a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA)—each designed to cultivate students’ creative growth through different approaches to artistic practice and education, with opportunities to work in four media areas: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture.

The BA in Studio Art offers a flexible, liberal arts–based approach for students who wish to explore the visual arts within a broader academic framework. This degree supports cross-disciplinary inquiry and is especially well suited for students pursuing double majors or diverse academic interests. BA students gain skills in studio art while engaging critically with visual and material culture through coursework in drawing, design, art history, and theory. Emphasis is placed on process, experimentation, and conceptual exploration across a range of media. The program culminates in a Senior exhibition and artist’s statement, allowing students to synthesize their studio practice with their liberal arts education. The BA prepares graduates for continued artistic development, civic engagement, or careers that integrate visual thinking and creativity in varied fields.

The BFA in Studio Art is a professionally oriented degree intended for students pursuing intensive studio training and preparation for a career in the visual arts or graduate study. This rigorous program centers on conceptual development, critical visual thinking, and technical proficiency across a variety of media. Through deep engagement with materials and methods, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, students develop a personal artistic philosophy and the ability to create original, compelling work. Advanced coursework supports focused study in a chosen area while also encouraging interdisciplinary exploration. Students gain broad historical and theoretical perspectives while working toward a public senior thesis exhibition and professional digital portfolio. The BFA curriculum includes a formal review in the junior year to assess progress and readiness for advanced work. Ideal for those with a strong commitment to their studio practice, the BFA equips students with the skills, voice, and vision necessary for careers as professional artists, educators, or creative professionals in visual culture fields.

Students in both tracks benefit from access to individualized faculty mentorship, well-equipped studio spaces, and a curriculum that balances tradition with innovation. Whether pursuing professional practice or interdisciplinary exploration, Studio Art students at Drake develop the skills, perspective, and critical insight to contribute meaningfully to the world through art.