Why study studio art at BGSU in Ohio?
- Esteemed educators. The School of Art faculty members are practicing artists of all specialties. Each is well-qualified to prepare students for dynamic art careers.
- Individualized guidance. With a small student-to-faculty ratio, studio art B.A. students get the kind of mentorship that maximizes success rates.
- Collaborative learning. The BGSU School of Art fosters a collaborative learning environment where you’ll exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback and build lifelong connections with fellow artists.
- Flexibility to follow your own path. Students in the B.A. studio art degree program choose advanced courses that align with their career plans. They can explore several mediums – including drawing and painting, glass, ceramics, jewelry and metals, photography, printmaking and sculpture – or narrow their focus to one or two.
- Rooms to grow. BGSU has expansive studio spaces within the Fine Arts Center and Wolfe Center on the main campus. These include: painting and drawing studios, a photography studio, printmaking studios, a ceramics studio, a glass studio, a jewelry and metals studio, and a sculpture and integrated studio.
- Connect with other creators. Join our vibrant arts community.
- BGSU Arts Village Learning Community
- Studio art student organizations – Art Historians’ Association, AIGA Student Chapter, Clay Club, Computer Arts Club, Photography Club, Print Society, Sculpture Club, Student Art Glass Association and Student Metal Arts Council
- Community art outreach efforts and more
- Medici Circle sponsorships. Enriching and immersive art experiences are at your fingertips with Medici Circle sponsorships. Receive funding for field trips to art exhibitions in major cities, travel for presentations, conferences and workshops and compensation for work displayed in Fine Arts Center Galleries.
- Incredible study abroad opportunities. Study in Florence, Italy. The RING Fund and the School of Art Experiential Learning Fund offer financial assistance, particularly for students with limited travel experience.
- International Studies Institute, housed in one of the city’s most famous Renaissance palaces
- Santa Reparata International School of Art, which offers a studio-based curriculum in a wide variety of mediums with excellent studio facilities
- Next-level learning. Take your career a step further with a Master of Fine Arts in art (MFA), specializing in either 2D studio art or 3D studio art.
BGSU is the largest state art school in Ohio.
Career – what can you do with a studio art degree?
At BGSU, we believe art is the heartbeat of thriving communities. The bachelor’s degree in studio art prepares students for the working world with versatile skill sets.
- Encourages exploration across multiple artistic disciplines.
- Emphasizes creative problem-solving, critical thinking and adaptability.
- Integrates liberal arts coursework that enhances communication, cultural understanding and analytical skills
A B.A. in studio art allows students to choose a study path that best aligns with their career aspirations. Graduates have the freedom to either continue with artistic pursuits or find creative roles in complementary fields such as marketing, education, business or technology.
A recent national survey of over 200,000 arts graduates found that three-fourths work professionally in their chosen fields. But there are also many opportunities for those inclined to branch out. Today’s employers want creative workers and leaders.
Career paths
- Studio artist
- Art director
- Community art educator
- Museum or gallery assistant
- Illustrator
- Graphic designer
- Creative project manager
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Bowling Green State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design.
School of Art bachelor’s degree options
In addition to the B.A. in Art with specialization in studio art, the BGSU School of Art also offers these undergraduate programs:
- Two other B.A. degrees in art, with specializations in digital arts and art history
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in studio art for those who wish to focus more intensively on studio practice with the aim of working as a professional artist
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in digital arts for students eyeing opportunities in motion graphics, digital illustration, animation, etc.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in art education for individuals interested in K-12 art education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in graphic design if you’re looking to enter a career in web design, UX/UIX, product design, etc.
Curriculum
The studio art B.A. offers hands-on engagement in a range of both 2D and 3D art disciplines:
Students complete three first-year program courses in art foundations, three 2000-level studio courses and four 3000- and 4000-level studio courses. For example, students may choose to take Introduction to Printmaking, Introduction to Painting and Introduction to Photography (all 2000-level courses).
From there, you may choose a mix of intermediate and advanced level courses in those areas or concentrate on a single medium.
You also must complete a minor, as well as take four art history classes and numerous electives from either the School of Art and/or the College of Arts and Sciences. The goal is to ensure entrepreneurial and/or skill-based competencies that open doors to a broader range of in-demand roles in the art world.
No portfolio review is required for admission to the bachelor of arts degree program. Students are required to complete an Art in Context capstone for the B.A. art specialization in studio art. The capstone involves portfolio preparation and a variety of research activities leading to understanding studio art in the broader cultural context.
BGSU studio art faculty members offer personalized guidance in selecting courses and tailoring your academic experience.
Sample courses
- Ceramics I
- Introduction to Glass
- Introduction to Printmaking
- Physical Practices in Sculpture
- Jewelry, Metal and Object Design
- Survey of World Art
The studio arts program is part of the School of Art in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 03/21/2025 01:29PM