SupportRequirements for Majors
To satisfy the Studio Arts major requirements, students must complete a sequence of nine required and three elective studio arts courses for a total of 36 credits. Students who plan to apply to master's programs in the visual arts after graduation are advised to earn more than the 36-credit minimum requirement.
In addition to the studio arts requirements, majors also must complete a 13-credit art history area of related study by completing four courses offered by the Department of History of Art and Architecture (HA&A). One of the four HA&A courses must carry a one-credit W (writing) recitation.
The department strongly recommends that a student take no more than two studio arts courses in one term.
Art History Requirement
Three elective courses selected from SA 1330-1900.
(These courses are offered periodically; * denotes Capstone experience courses.)
SA 1365 Printmaking: Screenprinting
SA 1370 Preparation and Practice in Visual Arts*
SA 1450 Painting: Figure Portrait
SA 1530 Directed Study: Drawing*
SA 1540 Directed Study: Sculpture*
SA 1550 Directed Study: Painting*
SA 1560 Directed Study: Printmaking*
SA 1570 Directed Study: Electronic Media*
PLEASE NOTE:
- SA 1455 Painting: Landscape is normally offered during the first six-week summer session from early May to mid-June. SA 1440 Sculpture: Portrait is occasionally offered in the summer session.
- 30 Studio Arts credits must be completed before a student takes a Directed Study course. Enrollment in Directed Study courses is limited by permission only.
- 30 Studio Arts credits must be completed before taking SA 1900 Internship. A maximum of three SA Internship credits may be applied toward the 36-credit SA major. Students are permitted to take additional SA Internship credits after completing the 36-credit major.
- Graduating seniors are required to exhibit their work in the Studio Arts Student Exhibition in the University Art Gallery.
Advanced-Placement Credit
The Studio Arts Department may approve three credits for intended Studio Arts majors who have completed the Design or Drawing component of the International Baccalaureate Organization diploma. The three credits will be applied in lieu of either 0110 Foundation Design or 0130 Foundation Drawing.
Transfer Credit from Other Institutions
Students may transfer a maximum of 18 studio arts credits from other colleges and universities; a minimum of 18 studio arts credits must be earned at the University of Pittsburgh.
Assessment Policy
In response to current assessment initiatives of the School of Arts and Sciences, all seniors in the SA Department are required to submit a written Artist’s Statement about their work in the Annual Student Exhibition, including the process and paths that led to that work. This statement is also intended to enrich the capstone experience associated with the senior show. Information about the content, guidelines and submission of this statement will be distributed to all seniors early in the Spring term. Seniors are encouraged to present Gallery Talks during the annual exhibition. The department also creates an annual collection of digital images of outstanding work from all SA courses, as well as from the Annual Student Exhibition – creating a profile of the work and accomplishment of our students year by year.