Bachelor of Arts in Art: Concentration in Art History and Studio Art

College of Liberal & Creative Arts

The 46-unit bachelor of arts in art degree program provides innovative and rigorous concentrations in studio art and art history/studio art. All art history and studio courses are integral to each of the concentrations, providing introductory experiences in selected areas, and are core prerequisites to all concentrations. They focus on perceptual skills, modes of consciousness, creative expression and critical thinking. Attention is given to traditions and heritage of the discipline, contemporary issues and forms, imaginative problem solving and written English proficiency within the discipline. Courses are designed to provide a broad experiential and conceptual orientation to the visual arts and art history. 

As an Art major you will study studio art practice, taking classes in areas such as drawing & painting, textiles, photography, ceramics, printmaking, digital media and emerging technologies, as well as interdisciplinary classes in topics such as social practice and public art.

Art and art history classes are in high demand and many fill before the end of the first registration period. See an advisor to stay on track. 

For those students who want to teach art in K-12, it is recommended that they major in Art: Concentration in Studio Art and minor in Education. More information is found at the following website in the section titled Discontinued Concentration in Art Education: http://art.sfsu.edu/content/ba-art

Access the list of the major requirements to better understand the structure of the major.

The roadmap puts all of your graduation requirements into an easy to follow semester by semester plan so you know what to take to stay on track.  Whether you are a freshman or a transfer student, you'll be able to find a roadmap that best fits you. 

Besides your major requirements, students must complete their GE and University requirements.  Be sure to make sure you've completed all of these requirements for graduation. 

To learn more about this major, check out the major department’s website below.  You can also find out how you can access their faculty advisors who can assist you not just with course choices, but also answer questions about the field and discuss your career plans.     

School of Art

Fine Arts Building, Room 293
Phone: (415) 338-2176
Email: sch_art@sfsu.edu
Website: https://art.sfsu.edu/content/ba-art
Chair: Gwen Allen

Freshmen Student Advising Information

After choosing “Basic Subjects” GE courses in Steps 1-3 of your Orientation process (if you haven’t done so, log onto your Orientation Profile page to follow the “Pre-Orientation Advising Module”), STEP 4 Choosing Major Classes will show you if there are any classes you can take to satisfy major requirements for your first and/or second semester.

Once you have determined your Roadmap above, review the first section below and write down any course recommendations based on your corresponding major roadmap on your Freshmen Class Planner worksheet.

First Semester Course Recommendations — Roadmaps A, B, C & D 

Major Class & Title 

Units 

Other Requirement Area(s) Met 

Select one: 

ARTH 201 – Western Art History I #1 

ARTH 202 – Western Art History II #1 

ARTH/HUM 205 – Asian Art History 

 

Art History Lower-Division Course 

GE: Area C1 

GE: Area C1 

GE: Area C1 

SF State Studies: GP 

 

Advisor Footnotes: 

  • #1AP Art History exam with a score of 3, 4, or 5 awards credit for ARTH 201 (GE Area C1) 

  • #2 Advisors are assigned by the first letter of the student’s last name. Assigned advisors is available on the department website: https://art.sfsu.edu/advising 

If the course or courses in the previous section are FULL by the time your register, consider choosing one (or perhaps two) major course electives from the following list... 

Major Elective Class(es) 

Units 

Other Requirement Area(s) Met 

Select one: 

ART 210 – Introduction to Digital Media Arts 

ART 222 – Introduction to Textile Art 

ART 231 – Introduction to Drawing 

ART 235 – Introduction to Printmaking 

ART 240 – Introduction to Contemporary Sculpture 

ART 245 – Introduction to Ceramics 

ART 260 – Introduction to Darkroom 

 

 

 

Studio Art Lower-Division Course 

 

 

 

 

GE: Area C1 

GE: Area C1 

 

GE: Area C1 

 

 

Lower division art and art history courses.

The Art major prepares students for many kinds of careers, including administrative or curatorial positions in museums, galleries, and auction houses, writing editorial positions, or for graduate school in studio art, art history, museum/curatorial studies, or conservation.

Transfer Student Advising Information

Please see the box above labeled “Major Curriculum/Roadmaps & GE/University Requirements” for information on what courses to take in your first semester at SF State. View our Frequently Asked Questions for Transfers for helpful tips and additional information.