COURSE CURRICULUM

At Texas State University, the Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art follows a structured four-year curriculum designed to build both technical skill and conceptual understanding in visual arts. In the freshman year, students take foundational studio courses such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking alongside art history and general education requirements like English composition and communication. They also begin a modern language and complete introductory coursework that builds academic and creative skills. In the sophomore year, students continue developing their artistic foundation through beginning studio courses, art history, and general education subjects such as mathematics, philosophy, and history, while also selecting a minor and starting open electives. The junior year introduces more advanced study, including upper-level art history, additional studio practice, science and social science requirements, and continued language study, along with minor coursework. In the senior year, students focus on advanced studio electives and upper-level art history or studio art courses, while also completing remaining general education requirements, BA-specific coursework such as literature and science/math components, and additional minor classes. The program requires a total of 120 credit hours, including a balance of general education, major coursework, electives, and a minor. Students choose from a range of beginning and advanced studio disciplines, including expanded media, ceramics, metals, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and digital photography. Advanced courses often explore specialized or conceptual topics and may be repeated for deeper study. Overall, the degree is designed to progressively develop students from foundational art training to independent artistic practice, preparing them for professional careers in the visual arts or graduate study in art and design fields.