Art and Visual Culture Studies, BA
Unlock creativity and explore art history with our Art and Visual Culture Studies major. Integrate art-making, critical thinking and research for careers in the arts.
About this Program
Creating Art, Exploring Visual Culture, Envisioning Social Change
The art and visual culture studies major at Seattle University integrates the fundamentals of artmaking with an exploration of art history and the ways visual culture shapes our world.
It features a robust curriculum with a focus on innovative educational approaches and new technologies. Our visual arts program maintains a contemporary view of art that centers the margins and empowers students to envision social change.
Through two specialization options, students gain technical and analytical skills that allow them to participate in the ongoing innovations and critical discussions within our increasingly visually oriented society.
The visual art and design specialization encourages students to explore their own unique artistic voice. While the visual culture studies specialization offers deep, episodic dives into different cultures and historical moments while keeping questions about the ethics of representation and the power dynamics of the making, display and circulation of images and objects at the center of students’ inquiry.
Two capstone courses allow students to deeply explore the connection between creative practice and issues such as technology, gender, race and the environment.
Prepared for Success
Studios and Galleries for Artists
The Department of Visual Art includes several studios and galleries that art and visual culture studies students can benefit from. Explore the light-filled spaces dedicated to developing artists and showcasing student work.
Internships in Seattle’s World-Class Arts Community
You are encouraged to connect with the rich and vibrant art scene in Seattle through internships. Students are encouraged to work with faculty to find the best opportunities to gain connections to the Seattle arts community.
Pathways to Professional Formation
The College of Arts & Sciences is committed to helping you through your lifetime journey of professional formation and discernment. We offer opportunities to deepen and broaden your understanding of your professional identity.
Creative Spaces for Artists
The Billodue Makerspace at Seattle University, located in the Jim and Janet Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation (Sinegal Center), provides creative spaces for art and visual culture students. You will be able to participate in a variety of maker-related activities including sewing, fiber arts, 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, vinyl cutting, and glass work.
Rewarding Careers for Art and Visual Culture Studies Majors
Students in the major have gone on to graduate study in visual art, art history, museum studies and received Fulbright awards to study overseas.
Recent acceptances to MFA, MA and PhD programs include:
- New York University
- Duke University
- American University
- Syracuse University
- California College of the Arts
- Georgetown University
- School of the Art Institute Chicago
- University of Washington
- University of York, UK
- University of Essex, UK
In addition to becoming art historians, graduates have also used their degrees to become museum curators, educators, event programmers, art writers, cultural critics, auction house professionals at Christie's and Sotheby's, nonprofit arts leaders, and grant writers, among other things.
Hear From Our Alumni
David Strand
“Seattle University’s excellent location in the heart of the city coupled with its knowledgeable and well-connected Art and Art History faculty helped me build a bridge from the classroom into the galleries and offices of the museum...During my time at Seattle University, I was able to pursue my own creative work while honing my research and writing skills in tandem with gaining vital professional experience."
BA Visual Art '15
Featured Faculty
Related Programs
Get In Touch
Aly Bedford, BFA
Academic Program Coordinator, Performing Arts & Arts Leadership
Academic Program Coordinator, Art, Art History & Design
Trung Pham, SJ, MFA
Chair, Art, Art History and Design
Associate Professor, Fine Arts