Program Overview

Painting: Studio Art, B.F.A.

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Develop your creative vision and technical painting skills in a supportive learning environment as you prepare to exhibit original art.

Our painting program offers intensive studio practice, providing a strong foundation in the skills and techniques necessary to become a professional visual artist. This degree is perfect for students interested in developing their fine art ability rather than a graphic design or commercial illustration approach.

Program Highlights

• An Accomplished Faculty: Receive a comprehensive education in both traditional and contemporary painting techniques from accomplished artists.
• Emphasis on Creativity: Explore your own artistic vision, and develop your own style, through coursework and studio time.
• Pre-professional Training: Develop and exhibit a portfolio of original artwork, and set yourself up to become an exhibiting artist.
• Diverse Student Body: Learn from and collaborate with students from different backgrounds and cultures to broaden your artistic horizons.

What You’ll Study

Build a portfolio that includes painting in various styles using a variety of techniques through our intermediate, advanced and capstone painting courses. Students work in a dedicated group studio where they form connections with other painters and have access to the arts community in Columbia, as well as a strong alumni network.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Artistic Skill: Demonstrating proficiency and talent in creating, expressing and interpreting visual or performing arts
• Creativity: Thinking imaginatively, generating original ideas and expressing unique perspectives through art and innovation
• Entrepreneurship: Identifying opportunities and creating and launching new ventures
• Attention to Detail: Being meticulous and thorough in all aspects of a task or project
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and demonstrating compassion and support
• Collaboration: Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers:
  • Artist
  • Illustrator
  • Animator
  • Art Educator
  • Museum of Gallery Professional
  • Art Consultant
• Job Titles of Alumni:
  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Fine Artist
  • Principal Creative
  • Shop Manager / Tattoo Apprentice
  • Teacher
• Average Alumni Salary: Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $66,398
• Workplace Settings:
  • Design Studio
  • Art Studio
  • Graduate School
  • Museums or Galleries
  • Other Creative Industries
• Employers of Alumni:
  • Google
  • Nike
  • Richland Library
  • Hubbell Incorporated
  • University of South Carolina
  • Gupta Media

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Master's:
  • Studio Art, M.F.A.
    • McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

I enrolled in this program to learn versatility, networking and the administrative side of my craft. In working with new techniques, I learned that I also enjoy photography. This helped me find my personal voice within the artist community in Columbia.

Anthony Lewis