Program Overview

Printmaking: Studio Art, B.F.A.

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Enjoy a hands-on way of bringing your creative vision to life. From making your own paper and ink to printing custom T-shirts and fine art, printmaking combines traditional and experimental techniques for a unique art experience.

As a printmaking student, you will learn how to operate a variety of printing presses and combine traditional tools with modern technology. You will learn all the major printmaking techniques ― relief, intaglio, screen printing, lithography, and digital imaging ― while building skills for work in design and fine arts.

Program Highlights

• Professional Practices: Learn skills that apply to a variety of art fields, such as crafting an artist's resume or creating a website.
• B.F.A. Exhibitions: Finish your education by presenting a thesis exhibition in professional gallery spaces.
• Travel the World: Attend national printmaking conferences, galleries, and museums in New York, Chicago, and other major cities.
• Launch Your Career: Open pathways to success after college such as museum or gallery work, commercial design, or starting your own business.

What You’ll Study

Some of our most popular courses include Introduction to Printmaking and Screen Printing. Students also have the opportunity to make dye and paper from plants in our Natural Dye and Paper Garden or printmaking matrices by carving wood, etching metal, or drawing on limestone.

Building Skills

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

• Continuous Improvement: Identifying and implementing incremental changes to enhance quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Attention to Detail: Being meticulous and thorough in all aspects of a task or project.
• Entrepreneurship: Identifying opportunities and creating and launching new ventures.
• Multicultural Awareness: Understanding cultural variation and adapting behaviors and communication styles accordingly.
• Problem Solving: Identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems or challenges using creative and effective strategies.
• 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:
  • Textile and Surface Designer
  • Museum Staff
  • Gallery Staff
  • Professional Exhibiting Artist
• 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:
  • Museums and Galleries
  • Art Studios
  • Technology Manufacturers
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Academia
• 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
  • Art Education (PK-12 Certification), M.A.T.: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education

"It gave me one of the best experiences that I’ve had to experiment and learn in a way that worked for me. I worked with a gallery after graduating and my foundation in printmaking helps me to solve technical problems even as I’m doing commercial design work."

Philip Muller