CANVAS TO CREATION
Focus your creative and artistic talents on developing your skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and illustration. Studio art allows you to explore the creative processes in visual arts. Technical, perceptual, and aesthetic issues are addressed while offering a historical and contemporary context. By their very nature, classes are hands-on to allow students the opportunity to engage with their work. Our dynamic faculty of practicing artists effectively guide and support student talent.
Degrees
Studio Art (B.A.)
Major
Why Study Studio Art?
Morningside University’s Studio Art program prepares students for careers in fine arts, arts education, galleries, museums, and creative industries through hands-on studio instruction, portfolio development, and personalized faculty mentorship. Students explore a wide range of artistic disciplines while developing the technical, creative, and critical thinking skills needed for professional practice, graduate study, and careers that value innovation and visual problem-solving.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Broad studio curriculum including painting, sculpture, drawing, and design
- Personalized mentorship from faculty artists
- Opportunities to exhibit artwork
- Strong preparation for careers in arts education and creative professions
THE MORNINGSIDE DIFFERENCE
Display Your Art
Morningside offers a multitude of opportunities to display your artwork. These include the Eppley Art Gallery, the HJF Learning Center, and throughout community spaces on campus.
Professional Workshops
Take part in workshops and activities that allow you to feature your work, gather feedback, and build your professional network.
Research & Active Learning
You can take part in field trips to museums, art galleries, and studios throughout the Midwest. Experiences working in the Eppley Art Gallery, Helen Levitt Art Gallery, the Eugene C. Eppley Fine Arts Building, and the MacCollin Classroom Building are also available to you.
What Can I Do With This Degree?
An Art degree prepares you to turn creativity into a career through hands-on studio experiences and artistic exploration across multiple mediums. Graduates develop strong technical, creative, and critical thinking skills that lead to careers in education, design, fine arts, museums, galleries, and creative industries, while also providing a foundation for graduate study. Potential careers include:
- Studio Artist
- Art Teacher (K–12)*
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Gallery Manager or Curator
- Interior Designer
- Set Designer or Scenic Artist
- Arts Administrator
*Teaching positions require licensure.
Art graduates pursue careers in education, museums, galleries, design firms, nonprofit organizations, and their own creative businesses. Many also establish successful independent studio practices, using their artistic talents to educate, inspire, and create in communities across the region and beyond. Graduates work in:
- K–12 Schools and School Districts
- Art Galleries and Museums
- Private Studios and Community Art Businesses
- Nonprofit Arts Organizations and Cultural Institutions
- Interior Design Firms
- Theater, Film, and Event Production Companies
- Colleges and Universities
- Freelance and Self-Employed Creative Practices
Art students build a strong foundation in creative expression while developing technical skills across a variety of artistic disciplines. Coursework includes design, drawing, sculpture, and art history, providing hands-on experience with diverse media while exploring artistic techniques, visual communication, and the cultural impact of art throughout history.
WHY STUDY AT MORNINGSIDE?
13:1
student/faculty ratio so you’re assured a quality education focused on you
99%
employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation
65+
majors & pre-professional programs available
Related Majors & Minors
Still looking for the right fit? check out some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.
Explore Related Programs
MEET THE FACULTY
Shelby Prindaville
Associate Professor
I love the genuine community we’ve built here with talented people who come together to pursue their passions. I also really appreciate the professional development support I’ve been granted to pursue new research and exhibition opportunities!
Shelby’s Profile
Next Steps
Visit
See for yourself all that Morningside has to offer.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available. Learn how you can qualify.
Apply Now
Take the next step towards building your future.
Contact Us
Our admissions team is eager to answer your questions about this program and how to apply.
