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drawing project in progress

Art Major

Earn a degree in general art

If you are looking for an art school in Missouri, consider studying at SBU. Receiving a general art degree at SBU will teach you how to communicate effectively through a strong foundation in various art mediums including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and ceramics. 

You can specialize your education with an optional studio concentration in either two-dimensional art (drawing/painting) or three-dimensional art (ceramics/sculpture), or combine it with another major or minor.

Many art majors use this general art degree to go on to graduate school to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in studio art or another graduate degree, including art therapy.

This degree is offered through SBU's Geneva Casebolt College of Arts and Social Sciences.

Resources

Degree Plan

9:1
Student to Faculty
ratio

(Benefit from small class sizes with a 9:1 student:faculty ratio, enabling you to receive individualized instruction and guidance.)

Female art student working on painting outside

The SBU Advantage

  • An emphasis on foundational classes taken in the first two years ensures that you develop skills in a variety of art platforms
  • Thrive in the small class sizes that promote individualized instruction and lifelong friendships
  • SBU creates opportunities for you to interact with practicing studio artists and gain exposure to the regional and national art scenes

Faith Integration

SBU's Department of Art is intentional about the integration of Christian faith and academic discipline. You will learn how faith influences how we see the world and how art provides a platform by which we can communicate our faith and worldview. Faith discussions are woven into course material. For example, art history courses examine the impact of Christian history on famous and influential art pieces.

Additionally, you will learn how you can use your God-given artistic abilities to make a difference. At SBU, you will have the opportunity to incorporate art with missions and will be challenged to consider how faith influences art.

Brett Stump
"I can say with confidence that the courses offered at SBU not only gave me the information I need to succeed in my career field, they also equipped me for further learning. The faculty truly care for their students and were always willing to help me out however I needed."
Brett Stump '09
Middle and high school art teacher at El Dorado Springs (Mo.)

Additional Information for Art Students

Driskill Art Gallery

The University Gallery provides students with hands-on opportunities in curating exhibits, hanging shows and displaying their own work. Additionally, the Driskill Art Gallery hosts regional artists throughout each academic year.

Art Club

Join the SBU Art Club to interact with other art students and participate in extracurricular activities which will enhance your art education.

Scholarships

You may submit an art portfolio to apply for an art performance scholarship.

Additionally, there are several privately funded art scholarships for which you may apply, including the Dunnegan Scholarship and the Earl & Gloria Shell and Sharon Shell Garrison Scholarship.