The visual arts curriculum at SVSU builds a strong foundation in art history and offers diverse, hands-on studio experiences that explore the breadth of each medium. Students also engage with the work of outstanding contemporary artists exhibited in the University Art Department Gallery, located on the first floor of the Arbury Fine Arts Center.
Art (BA)
Art (BA)
About
The Art program at SVSU equips students with a strong understanding of the history, theories, and techniques of the visual arts. The major spans drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, illustration, photography, web and font design, UX design, and video production. Small class sizes ensure students work closely with professors who are active, accomplished artists. In a friendly, supportive, yet challenging atmosphere, students learn alongside peers and have opportunities to display their work with other contemporary artists in the University Art Department Gallery. In the SVSU Art program, students strengthen their craft as they develop the knowledge and skills to influence and impact society, challenging and changing the way we see and think about the world, whether they continue to graduate school or begin their careers in a field related to art.
Cardinal Points
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There are multiple art-specific scholarships available for students.
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Internships, fieldwork and co-ops are available for students to gain real-world experience.
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Students have opportunities to study abroad in locations such as Italy or Japan.
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Students have multiple opportunities to exhibit their work, including in Cardinal Sins, State of Michigan congressional exhibitions, and the University Art Department Gallery, which showcases student pieces alongside works by international artists.
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Visiting artist lecture and exhibition series for students to engage with acclaimed artists and their work.
Highlighted Courses
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Key Electives
Click here to see a listing of programs
Programs
Majors
Other
Complementary Majors & Minors
Beyond The Books
Display Student Work in the University Art Department Gallery
Students have opportunities for their work to be displayed in the University Art Department Gallery alongside the work of acclaimed contemporary artists.
Active Student Organizations
Students dive into extracurricular activities such as the Art and Design Creative League, American Institute of Graphic Arts Design Club, Cardinal Photography Students Association, Student Art League and the Comic Strippers Club.
Interdisciplinary Programs for Career Development
Interdisciplinary programs work with multiple departments at SVSU to help lead students to greater career opportunities and development.
After Graduation
- 7% projected growth for employment of web developers and digital designers through 2034. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025)
- $89,877 is the national average salary for a user interface designer in the U.S. in 2024. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- 5.2% projected growth for employment in computer generated illustration through 2032. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- With a bachelor’s degree from SVSU’s Art program, graduates pursue careers as professional artists, animators, illustrators, designers, and other related creative industries.
Our Students After Graduation...
Employers
Saginaw Valley State University
Yeo & Yeo
Beltran Media
The Blank Frame
Shutter the Thought Photography
Saginaw Township Community Schools
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Graduate Programs
Miami University
Ohio University
University of Ohio
University of Idaho
Washington State University
Career Opportunities
Product Specialist
Design and Marketing Specialist
Graphic Designer
Art Teacher
Photographer
Entrepreneur
School Counselor / Advisor
Executive Director