Studio Art, B.A.

Saint Louis University's studio art program provides students with experience and guidance in creating art. Students explore their individual artistic abilities while learning to understand and appreciate art in a global context. Connections across disciplines and cultural differences help students gain a conceptual and intellectual framework for their art. Students leave with a portfolio of work and an appreciation of the development of their own values and creative skills, as well as an understanding of the artistic processes, expressions and values of others.

Studio art at Saint Louis University provides an opportunity to gain artistic skill and knowledge in various artistic media within the rigorous and supporting framework of a Catholic, Jesuit University.

All courses offered in the studio art program are taught by student-focused faculty, not graduate assistants. That means all majors and minors in studio art will study and interact directly with faculty, who are active and professional members of their artistic field.

Saint Louis University houses two nationally recognized art museums: the Saint Louis University Museum of Art (SLUMA) and the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA). SLU students, faculty and visiting artists display work in the McNamee Art Gallery, located on the ground floor of the historic Cupples House. SLU is near the Grand Center Arts District, where the Contemporary Art Museum and the Pulitzer Arts Foundation are located. The Saint Louis Art Museum, located in Forest Park less than two miles from campus, is one of the nation’s leading comprehensive art museums.

Curriculum Overview

Courses are offered in ceramics, computer art, drawing, fibers and textiles, graphic design, installation, painting, photography, printmaking, social practice and sculpture. Studio art majors can concentrate in these emphasis areas: ceramics, computer art, drawing, fibers and textiles, graphic design, painting, printmaking and sculpture.

Through hands-on experience, students develop observational skills and expand their understanding of artmaking. The process of making art fosters an investigation of personal beliefs and spiritual reflection. Artistic growth is celebrated through student art exhibits and documented in student portfolios.

SLU's B.A. in Studio Art requires 43 hours. A major takes foundation courses, one seminar course, one of eight studio art emphases, studio art electives and art history courses. In their final spring semester, studio art majors take the Studio Art Senior Exhibit and Capstone course.

Studio art majors will choose from one of eight emphases:

• Ceramics
• Computer art
• Drawing
• Fibers and textiles
• Graphic design
• Painting
• Printmaking
• Sculpture

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Students may take advantage of opportunities for real-world art experience through internships at graphic design agencies, museums, galleries, magazines, newspapers and other companies. Internships may be solely for a student’s own experience or academic credit.

Careers

Graduates with a B.A. in Studio Art may work in galleries or museums, as designers, consultants, professional artists or art educators. They may also pursue further studies in Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts programs.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Studio Art Merit Scholarships

Applicants who would like to be considered for a Studio Art Merit Scholarship must register and submit their portfolio on SlideRoom. Portfolios should have 12 to 15 examples of artwork representing a range of interests and skills, including observation-based drawing. SlideRoom charges applicants a transaction fee to submit a portfolio.

1. Graduates will be able to produce work that is substantial and well developed in a chosen medium
2. Graduates will be able to compose in two and three dimensions
3. Graduates will be able to utilize drawing as a means for conceptual development
4. Graduates will be able to create work with awareness and application of the creative process
5. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to create artwork independently

Studio Art students must complete a minimum of 43 credits for the major.

Ceramics Emphasis

Computer Art Emphasis

Fibers and Textiles Emphasis

Drawing Emphasis

Graphic Design Emphasis

Painting Emphasis

Printmaking Emphasis

Sculpture Emphasis

Community Participation

Studio Art majors are expected to actively participate in the SLU art community by submitting work to all student art exhibitions and helping to host these exhibitions.

Continuation Standards

• Studio Art Seminar must be passed in order to continue in the Studio Art Major.
• A student must maintain a 2.00 GPA in major coursework.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
• Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Program Notes

¹

Students may elect from the following emphasis areas (courses specified)

• Ceramics
• Computer Art
• Drawing
• Fibers and Textiles
• Graphic Design
• Painting
• Printmaking
• Sculpture

²

Any two Art History Courses can be taken to fulfill the Studio Art requirement

³

For Studio Art Electives, majors must complete four courses outside of their emphasis, with three courses at the 3000 or 4000 level.

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

• Studio Art, B.A. (STLCC 2+SLU)