Art Practice, BA
As an Art Practice major, you’ll try your hand at everything from traditional studio work to animation, graphic design, film, and other contemporary practices.
The department’s instruction in art practice integrates technical fundamentals and conceptualization, creative experimentation and critical thinking, personal expression, and social responsibility. You will benefit from a community of shared inquiry, engaging in discussion and group critiques as part of your professional preparation
Curriculum
Earn an Art Practice, BA and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential at Saint Mary's in just four years through our Single Subject Teaching Credential Integrated Pathway!
Art Courses
Learn More About Our Program
Get to know our award-winning faculty and their specialties, as artists and scholars. Or explore scholarship opportunities and an array of study abroad possibilities.
What can you do with a degree in Art Practice?
A degree in Art Practice prepares you with a strong foundation in skills applicable to a wide variety of professions.
(*Some careers may require graduate school or additional study).
Professional Artist
Create and exhibit original works across media, from painting and sculpture to installation and mixed media.
Illustrator
Produce drawings and visual concepts for books, magazines, advertising, or digital platforms.
Photographer
Capture and edit images for artistic, commercial, or documentary purposes.
Graphic Designer
Develop visual content for branding, print, and digital communications using design principles and software.
Art Director
Lead visual strategy for creative projects, managing artistic teams and ensuring cohesive aesthetics across media.
Architectural or Environmental Designer
Apply visual design and spatial awareness to projects involving architecture, interiors, or public art.
Museum or Gallery Curator
Organize exhibitions, manage collections, and interpret artwork for educational and public engagement.
Art Educator
Teach art in schools, museums, or community settings, fostering creativity and technical skill in others.
Creative Entrepreneur
Build an independent art business or studio practice, marketing and selling original creative work.
Art on Campus
At Saint Mary’s, opportunities to engage with art abound. Visit the College Museum of Art, which features rotating exhibitions from contemporary artists alongside a comprehensive collection of work from renowned California landscape painter William Keith. Or stop by Studio 160, our springboard for the large and diverse community of young artists at Saint Mary’s. You could be next!
