What is possible when you design your future? Anything.
Art is about expression – communicating important ideas across a variety of mediums.
As a studio art major at Fresno Pacific University, you’ll be exposed to the contemporary practice, visual culture theory and historical perspectives of the visual arts.
Courses explore mediums of drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture as you develop your critical and conceptual skills to realize a personal artistic vision.
You’ll be equipped with the necessary skills and industry knowledge to pursue a professional career while you build your artistic portfolio.
Program Highlights
Publicly exhibit your work both on and off campus
Be a part of the FPU Art Club
Participate in local art events & activities like field trips to art museums
Intern and make connections at local organizations like the Fresno Art Museum, Arte Americas or the Art of Life Cancer Foundation
The studio art major provides students with the studio art skills and knowledge for those wanting to enter artistic fields where studio art is utilized. Studio art study includes the mediums of drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture. The studio art major may also be paired with various minors or other majors which may help provide specialized artistic knowledge such as Art therapy and Art education.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Historical and Theoretical Knowledge in Studio Art: Students will know fundamental historical and theoretical principles and concepts in the area of Studio Art.
Perception and Communication in Studio Art: Students will articulate artistic perception in studio art.
Studio Art and Design Methods: Students will be able to use appropriate artistic tools and mediums.
Studio Art Skills: Students will create and construct visual artwork relating to artistic concepts learning.
Moral Reasoning: Students will demonstrate awareness of Christian beliefs and values.
Industry Professionalism and Service: Students will value professionalism and learn how to make connections in industries which utilize studio art knowledge and skills.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Degree Pathways
Studio Art, B.A. Four Year Pathway
Studio Art, B.A. ADT Art History Pathway
Studio Art, B.A. ADT Studio Arts Pathway
Lower Division Major Prerequisite (6 Units)
ART 140 - Drawing I Credits 3
ART 150 - Principles of Design Credits 3
Required Core Courses (18 Units)
ART 120 - Painting I Credits 3
ART 350 - History of Western Art Credits 3
ART 355 - History of Western Art II Credits 3
ART 370 - High Performance Practices Credits 3
ART 460 - World Art Credits 3
ART 475 - Career Development Credits 3
Studio Art Major (33 Units)
ART 170 - Sculpture I Credits 3
ART 180 - Ceramics I Credits 3
ART 305 - Life Drawing Credits 3
ART 320 - Painting II Credits 3
ART 340 - Drawing II Credits 3
ART 365 - Color Theory Credits 3
Select four from the following:
Students must have at least 6 units of advanced studio art electives. These may include directed study classes.
ART 300 - Art for Elementary Teachers Credits 3
ART 325 - Modern and Contemporary Art Credits 3
ART 330 - Art and Religion Credits 3
ART 380 - Ceramics II Credits 3
ART 435 - Museum Studies Credits 3
ART 440 - Exhibition Design Credits 3
Study Abroad - Studio Art Credits 3
Complete the Following:
ART 450 - Project in Art Credits 3
Three-year Degree Option
This academic program is available as a 3-year bachelor's degree or as a standard 4-year bachelor’s degree. View more information about the 3-year option.
Sample Curriculum Map
Below is a sample curriculum map for this program. This map serves as an example of how courses are set up to ensure completion of the degree in 3 years. The course listing is based on a sample year and follows a fall, spring and summer academic year. Some courses are only offered on odd or even years. An advisor will work with you to create a curriculum map that is unique to you.
Year 1
Fall
Code
Title
Units
BIB-100
Jesus and the Christian Community
3
HIST-120
Ancient Civilizations
4
COM-110
Written Communication
3
ART-140
Drawing I
3
ART-180
Ceramics I
3
CP-152
First-Year Seminar
1
Total units: 17
Spring
Code
Title
Units
ART-120
Painting I
3
HIST-130
Medieval and Early Modern Civilization
4
COM-120
Oral Communication
3
SPAN-105
Elementary Spanish II
4
ART-150
Principles of Design
3
CP-152
First-Year Seminar
1
Total Units: 18
Year 2
Summer
Code
Title
Units
HIST-140
Modern Civilizations
4
PHYS-106
Physical Science
3
BLIT
3
Total units: 10
Fall
Code
Title
Units
MATH-120
Principles of Mathematics
4
KIN-120
Concepts of Wellness
3
ART-350
History of Western Art I
3
ART-340
Drawing II
3
ART-330
Art and Religion
3
Total units: 16
Spring
Code
Title
Units
BIOL-100
Principles of Biology
4
Social Science
3
ART-355
History of Western Art II
3
ART-170
Sculpture I
3
ART-365
Color Theory
3
Total units: 16
Year 3
Summer
Code
Title
Units
Social Science
3
PE-146
Backpacking
1
Studio Art Elective
3
Studio Art Elective
3
Total units: 10
Fall
Code
Title
Units
ART-370
Life by Design
3
ART-460
World Art
3
ART-475
Career Development
3
ART-305
Life Drawing
3
THEO-400
Theologies of the Christian Imagination
3
Studio Art Elective
3
Total units: 18
Spring
Code
Title
Units
ART-450
Projects in Art
3
ART-380
Ceramics II
3
Studio Art Elective
3
Studio Art Elective
3
Studio Art Elective
3
Total units: 15
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in) * Admission applications are free, no discount codes required.
Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Recommended High School Courses for Admission
4 years of college preparatory English
3 years of college preparatory mathematics
2 years of social studies
1 year of laboratory science
1 year of performing art
3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
Things to Keep in Mind
Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.
All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702 ugadmis@fresno.edu
All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
2. Studio Arts (AA-T) to Studio Art, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
Non-traditional Admission
Steps for Re-application
For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:
Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
Steps for Re-admission
Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:
Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
Steps for Non-matriculated Admission
Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:
Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
Personal essays are not required
Auditing a class
Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
Incoming requirements
This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.
Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.
Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)
$3,902
$3,902
Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost)
$5,026
$5,026
Willow Gardens & Jost Hall Apartments: 3 Person
Fall
Spring
Apartments - Room only
$3,306
$3,306
Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)
$3,958
$3,958
Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)
$4,514
$4,514
Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost)
$5,639
$5,639
Stand-Alone Meal Plans
Fall
Spring
70 Block
$651
$651
140 Block
$1,208
$1,208
Full Access Meal Plan
$2,332
$2,332
* Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
Notes about housing
For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.
If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
Name
GPA
Amount
Paragon
Full Tuition
President's
4.00 GPA and above
$18,000
Dean's
3.75-3.99 GPA
$15,000
Heritage
3.50-3.75 GPA
$14,000
Faculty
3.25-3.49 GPA
$12,000
Founder's
Below a 3.0 GPA
$8,000
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
$1,000
Federal Loans and Work-Study
Name
Amount
Federal Direct
$3,500 to $7,500
PLUS Loan
Up to remaining cost
Work-study
Contingent on employment
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
Earning a Studio Art BA from Fresno Pacific University equips you with the creative, technical, critical and innovative thinking skills necessary for a wide range of careers in the visual arts and beyond. Whether you want to pursue your passion as a practicing artist, art teacher, graphic designer, art therapist or apply these skills in related fields, this degree opens doors to various professional paths.
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.