Studio Arts, General: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for emerging visual creators, this program equips students with the technical mastery, conceptual depth, and professional acumen needed to thrive in diverse artistic fields. It emphasizes hands-on development across a broad spectrum of media while cultivating critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to communicate ideas through visual form.
- Drawing and Painting: Foundational and advanced techniques in representational and expressive mark-making using traditional and experimental materials across various surfaces.
- Sculpture and 3D Form: Exploration of spatial design, material manipulation, and structural principles through carving, modeling, casting, and assembly across diverse media.
- Printmaking: Study of relief, intaglio, lithography, and screen printing processes, including image development, editioning, and surface treatment.
- CAD/CAM and Digital Fabrication: Integration of computer-aided design and automated manufacturing tools to create precise, innovative artworks and prototypes.
- Ceramics and Glass: Hands-on training in forming, glazing, firing, and finishing techniques for functional and sculptural ceramic and glass works.
- Textiles and Fiber Arts: Investigation of weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and mixed-media applications using natural and synthetic fibers.
- Photography and Digital Imaging: Mastery of camera operation, lighting, digital editing, and image curation for artistic expression and conceptual storytelling.
- Intermedia and Conceptual Art: Development of hybrid practices that merge multiple disciplines, technologies, and ideas into dynamic, interdisciplinary artworks.
- Art Theory and Criticism: Engagement with historical and contemporary discourses shaping visual culture, aesthetics, and the role of the artist in society.
- Color Theory, Composition, and Perspective: In-depth study of visual harmony, spatial relationships, and formal elements to strengthen artistic decision-making.
- Anatomy for Artists: Applied study of human and animal form to enhance accuracy, proportion, and expressiveness in figurative work.
- Studio Management and Equipment Maintenance: Practical training in workspace organization, tool care, safety protocols, and sustainable studio practices.
- Art Portfolio Development and Marketing: Strategies for curating, presenting, and promoting artistic work to galleries, institutions, and digital audiences.
Studio Arts, General Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Studio Arts, General Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Studio Arts, General degrees, including Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Artists and Related Workers, All Other and Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 115,260 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other 27-1019 | $72,760 | $33,720 - $133,180 | 7,370 | $34.98 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators 27-1013 | $60,560 | $26,420 - $140,660 | 10,000 | $29.12 |
Salary Comparison
Studio Arts, General Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $41,790 in Kansas to $107,953 in California—a 158% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 115,260 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Studio Arts, General by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Studio Arts, General programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Studio Arts, General is found at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) (884 graduates), California State University (CSUF), Fullerton (302 graduates), California State University (CSULB), Long Beach (207 graduates), San Jose State University (SJSU) (167 graduates), and University of North Texas (UNT) (161 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7,176 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
884 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | saic.edu |
| California State University (CSUF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
302 | N/A | Fullerton, California | Public | fullerton.edu |
| California State University (CSULB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
207 | N/A | Long Beach, California | Public | csulb.edu |
| San Jose State University (SJSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
167 | N/A | San Jose, California | Public | sjsu.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
161 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| Bard College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
155 |
SAT: 1290-1440 ACT: 30-32 |
Annandale-On-Hudson, New York | Private | bard.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
148 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
122 | N/A | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| California State University (CSUEB) |
Bachelor's
|
121 | N/A | Hayward, California | Public | csueastbay.edu |
| The New School |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
106 | N/A | New York, New York | Private | newschool.edu |
| CUNY City College (CCNY) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
103 | SAT: 1220-1460 | New York, New York | Public | ccny.cuny.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
99 |
SAT: 1050-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
98 |
SAT: 990-1230 ACT: 18-26 |
Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
96 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
96 |
SAT: 940-1170 ACT: 20-26 |
California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
94 |
SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
|
91 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 21-28 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
90 | SAT: 1210-1470 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
90 |
SAT: 910-1110 ACT: 16-22 |
Edinburg, Texas | Public | utrgv.edu |
| Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
89 | N/A | New York, New York | Public | fitnyc.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Bachelor's
|
82 |
SAT: 980-1220 ACT: 21-27 |
Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
81 | N/A | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Residency
Other Award
|
81 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 28-33 |
Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
81 |
SAT: 1370-1520 ACT: 32-35 |
College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| School of Visual Arts (SVA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
81 |
SAT: 1165-1450 ACT: 21-31 |
New York, New York | Private | sva.edu |
| CUNY LaGuardia Community College |
Associate's
|
80 | N/A | Long Island City, New York | Public | lagcc.cuny.edu |
| University of California (UCSB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
77 | N/A | Santa Barbara, California | Public | ucsb.edu |
| University of North Georgia (UNG) |
Bachelor's
|
77 |
SAT: 1020-1215 ACT: 19-25 |
Dahlonega, Georgia | Public | ung.edu |
| CUNY Brooklyn College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
74 | SAT: 1140-1420 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | brooklyn.cuny.edu |
| The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art |
Bachelor's
|
73 |
SAT: 1400-1520 ACT: 33-34 |
New York, New York | Private | cooper.edu |
| Towson University (TU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
72 |
SAT: 1050-1270 ACT: 19-28 |
Towson, Maryland | Public | towson.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
72 |
SAT: 1230-1490 ACT: 27-33 |
Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
70 |
SAT: 1150-1360 ACT: 24-29 |
Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
68 |
SAT: 1230-1420 ACT: 28-33 |
Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Bachelor's
|
68 |
SAT: 980-1190 ACT: 19-26 |
San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
67 |
SAT: 1480-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
63 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 22-27 |
Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
62 | N/A | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
62 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
61 | N/A | Dekalb, Illinois | Public | niu.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
61 |
SAT: 940-1190 ACT: 21-28 |
Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
60 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| University of Louisville (UofL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
57 |
SAT: 1020-1250 ACT: 19-27 |
Louisville, Kentucky | Public | louisville.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
55 | N/A | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Alfred University |
Bachelor's
|
55 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 24-31 |
Alfred, New York | Private | alfred.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Bachelor's
|
55 |
SAT: 1110-1320 ACT: 21-27 |
Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Bachelor's
|
51 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-26 |
Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| Kent State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51 |
SAT: 1000-1230 ACT: 18-25 |
Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51 |
SAT: 1180-1380 ACT: 26-32 |
Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| University of Houston (UHCL) |
Bachelor's
|
51 |
SAT: 990-1170 ACT: 18-23 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uhcl.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
|
50 | N/A | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) |
Bachelor's
|
50 |
SAT: 940-1140 ACT: 20-28 |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | miad.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
49 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Bachelor's
|
49 |
SAT: 820-1010 ACT: 16-20 |
Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNO) |
Bachelor's
|
49 | ACT: 18-26 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unomaha.edu |
| CUNY Queens College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
48 | SAT: 1100-1320 | Queens, New York | Public | qc.cuny.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
46 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
46 | N/A | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
46 |
SAT: 1190-1340 ACT: 25-31 |
Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| Loyola Marymount University (LMU) |
Bachelor's
|
44 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Private | lmu.edu |
| Bridgewater State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
42 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 18-27 |
Bridgewater, Massachusetts | Public | bridgew.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
41 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
40 | N/A | Valencia, California | Private | calarts.edu |
| University of West Florida (UWF) |
Bachelor's
|
40 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-27 |
Pensacola, Florida | Public | uwf.edu |
| Stockton University |
Bachelor's
|
40 |
SAT: 1080-1260 ACT: 20-27 |
Galloway, New Jersey | Public | stockton.edu |
| Pratt Institute |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
40 |
SAT: 1220-1420 ACT: 26-32 |
Brooklyn, New York | Private | pratt.edu |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) |
Bachelor's
|
39 |
SAT: 970-1180 ACT: 17-26 |
Greeley, Colorado | Public | unco.edu |
| Southern Illinois University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
39 |
SAT: 910-1140 ACT: 20-27 |
Carbondale, Illinois | Public | siu.edu |
| Hudson County Community College (HCCC) |
Associate's
|
38 | N/A | Jersey City, New Jersey | Public | hccc.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
37 |
SAT: 1120-1340 ACT: 25-32 |
Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) |
Bachelor's
|
37 |
SAT: 916-1133 ACT: 19-25 |
Highland Heights, Kentucky | Public | nku.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
37 |
SAT: 1370-1530 ACT: 30-34 |
Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Public | unc.edu |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) |
Bachelor's
|
37 |
SAT: 1220-1360 ACT: 24-28 |
Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | uncw.edu |
| Tennessee Technological University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
|
36 |
SAT: 1020-1250 ACT: 20-27 |
Cookeville, Tennessee | Public | tntech.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
36 | N/A | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
|
35 |
SAT: 1100-1290 ACT: 22-28 |
Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
35 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
35 |
SAT: 1290-1450 ACT: 28-32 |
Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
34 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 29-33 |
Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
34 |
SAT: 1320-1490 ACT: 28-33 |
Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
34 |
SAT: 1260-1430 ACT: 28-32 |
Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| Otis College of Art and Design |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
33 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Private | otis.edu |
| University of North Florida (UNF) |
Bachelor's
|
33 |
SAT: 990-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Jacksonville, Florida | Public | unf.edu |
| Western Carolina University (WCU) |
Bachelor's
|
33 |
SAT: 1050-1260 ACT: 20-26 |
Cullowhee, North Carolina | Public | wcu.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Master's
|
33 |
SAT: 1020-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Columbia College Chicago (CCC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
32 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | colum.edu |
| Fort Hays State University (FHSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
32 |
SAT: 970-1200 ACT: 19-25 |
Hays, Kansas | Public | fhsu.edu |
| Lesley University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
32 | N/A | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | lesley.edu |
| Appalachian State University (App State) |
Bachelor's
|
32 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 21-27 |
Boone, North Carolina | Public | appstate.edu |
| Delaware County Community College (DCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
32 | N/A | Media, Pennsylvania | Public | dccc.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 24-31 |
Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| San Francisco State University (SFSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31 | N/A | San Francisco, California | Public | sfsu.edu |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) |
Bachelor's
|
31 |
SAT: 930-1190 ACT: 17-24 |
Richmond, Kentucky | Public | eku.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Bachelor's
|
31 |
SAT: 870-1090 ACT: 17-23 |
El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
30 | N/A | Pasadena, California | Private | artcenter.edu |
| Salisbury University (SU) |
Bachelor's
|
30 |
SAT: 1180-1310 ACT: 26-28 |
Salisbury, Maryland | Public | salisbury.edu |
| University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL) |
Bachelor's
|
30 |
SAT: 1030-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Public | umsl.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
|
30 |
SAT: 1210-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| Sam Houston State University (SHSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
30 |
SAT: 940-1140 ACT: 19-25 |
Huntsville, Texas | Public | shsu.edu |
| Wesleyan University |
Bachelor's
|
29 |
SAT: 1450-1540 ACT: 33-35 |
Middletown, Connecticut | Private | wesleyan.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Studio Arts, General programs
How much can I earn with a Studio Arts, General degree?
Salaries for Studio Arts, General graduates vary by role and location. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $80,190 annually, while Artists and Related Workers, All Other earn around $72,760. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $107,953 compared to $41,790 in Kansas. Approximately 115,260 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Studio Arts, General programs?
Currently 655 accredited institutions offer Studio Arts, General degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) (884 graduates), California State University (CSUF), Fullerton (302 graduates), and California State University (CSULB), Long Beach (207 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Studio Arts, General growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 11,798 in 2010 to a peak of 12,034 in 2020, before declining slightly to 12,013 in 2023-24. This represents a 2% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Studio Arts, General degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Artists and Related Workers, All Other, and Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators. Related occupations employ approximately 115,260 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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