Bachelor’s in Studio Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts

Join a large, dynamic community of artists at one of the finest Studio Arts degree programs in Pennsylvania. At PennWest, we are makers. We value and encourage interdisciplinary study and nurture creative expression in a wide variety of media. With six concentrations to choose from, you’ll discover a world of creativity waiting for you.

When you study Studio Arts at PennWest, you are held to the same rigorous standards as the finest art programs in the nation. You will learn from highly educated, professionally accomplished faculty. They not only share their expertise with you, but they go out of their way to ensure your success.

Dedicated studio spaces become your home away from home as you hone your talents and acquire new skills. You’ll find yourself surrounded by like-minded students, and exceptional opportunities to express yourself.

During your time at PennWest, permanent, professional art galleries will provide a constant flow of inspiration. You will have numerous opportunities interact with visiting artists and speakers. You’ll also enjoy visiting—and participating in—regular exhibitions of student and faculty work,  joining a variety of welcoming and supportive student organizations and connecting with real-world experts through our internship programs.

Upon completion of your bachelor of fine arts degree, you’ll be ready to fulfill your dream of becoming a working artist or go on to earn a master’s degree in a related field from PennWest University.

There is no portfolio review prior to admission. Just bring your passion for the arts and a desire to work hard in a multidisciplinary, highly supportive environment.

View program details

Contact:
Dietrich Wegner
dwegner@pennwest.edu

Nationally accredited

by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), which sets the standard for excellence in the field.

100-year history

of instruction in the visual arts and arts education.

6

Highly acclaimed concentrations

Locations
Studio Arts (no concentration)
Ceramics
Drawing & Painting
Illustration
Edinboro In-Person
Jewelry & Metals
Sculpture
Wood/Furniture Design
Edinboro In-Person
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Concentrations

Ceramics
Drawing & Painting
Illustration
Jewelry & Metals
Sculpture
Wood/Furniture Design

Careers and Salaries

Art enriches our lives and the people around us. Jobs in the field of art are as diverse as the types of art and the styles of artists. As an artist, you may work in a private or commercial art studio that’s in your home or in an office building, warehouse or loft. Some artists share studio and exhibition space, while others opt to work alone. You may sell your work privately or create artwork that is marketed by small—or large—corporations.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow 6 percent from now until 2031. They estimate about 5,900 job openings for craft and fine artists each year.

Your unique talents and your ability to market your skills will make you a valuable commodity in the marketplace.

Program Outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate a high level of proficiency with the primary material, tools, technique, and technology used in their concentration area supplemented by experience with other media.
  2. Students will fully investigate in their work conceptual issues and expressive potential of their medium.
  3. Students will integrate aesthetic principles in the development of their own artwork.
  4. Students will recognize that the making and study of art can be approached from a variety of perspectives.
  5. Students will defend meaningful interpretations and critical evaluations about their own artworks and the works of other artists both orally and in writing.
  6. Students will construct informed discussion of art as an essential component of viewing, producing, and evaluating art.
  7. ‍Students will explain cultural and historical contexts surrounding works of art in general and in their field of study.
  8. Students will conclude that art communicates, challenges and shapes cultural and societal values.
  9. Students will reframe their practices through experimentation.
  10. Students will organize and produce a resume, a written statement about, and an appropriate visual documentation of their work.

The Power of PennWest

PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.

Flexible. Affordable.
Designed to Meet Your needs.