BA in art

Bring your creativity to life with an art degree from Rowan University. Spend time in the studio, explore new mediums, study art history, work with experienced artists and more.

students all drawing around a table.

Why choose Rowan’s art program?

At Rowan University, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in art degree program is about exploring your creative potential and finding your artistic voice.

From digital design and photography to painting, printmaking and sculpture, the program gives you space to experiment, take risks and refine your craft. You’ll build a foundation in art and design while learning how to think critically about creativity and its impact on the world.

With access to campus galleries, state-of-the-art studios and one-on-one mentorship from faculty with professional experience, you’ll have endless ways to grow as an artist. You’ll also benefit from hands-on learning, like Rowan’s active on-campus Art Gallery, which hosts contemporary artists from around the world and provides opportunities to exhibit your own work. Overall, in the art major, you’ll build a strong portfolio, make valuable connections and leave prepared to pursue your goals as an artist, designer or educator.

Key considerations

Review degree requirements, tuition details and application deadlines. These Quick Facts make it easy to explore how Rowan’s art major can fit your goals.

Quick Facts

48

Months To Complete

120

Credits

Application Deadlines

7/1

Fall Entry Term

11/1

Spring Entry Term

4/1

Summer Entry Term

Studying art at Rowan

Discover what it’s like to earn a BA in art degree at Rowan. Explore coursework, studio opportunities, admissions information and financial aid resources, all in one place.

What You'll Learn

Rowan University’s art major weaves together studio courses, art history and liberal arts courses to help you develop your artistic skill set. The 120-credit curriculum introduces you to the essential elements of drawing, design and sculpture while encouraging you to explore new materials and ideas. Classes in art history deepen your understanding of how artists have shaped the world, making you think critically about your own work.

Flexibility is built into the program. You’ll choose a primary studio focus and fill your schedule with electives that align with your interests and career goals. With over 50 options spanning ceramics, illustration, photography, animation, graphic design and metals and jewelry, you’ll have the freedom to experiment across disciplines and take your creativity further. The program culminates in a senior portfolio and exhibition where you showcase your personal artistic vision and professional skills.

Art key courses

  • Art History Survey I: Prehistory to Medieval
  • Art History Survey II: Renaissance to Modern
  • Color and Design: Two Dimensional
  • Drawing I: Representational Drawing
  • Expressive Drawing
  • Introduction to Sculpture

Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.

How You'll Learn

As an art major, you’ll spend much of your time creating, experimenting and refining your technique in professional studio spaces on campus. During studio courses, you learn to translate ideas into finished work through hands-on projects and feedback from faculty. Early in the program, you’ll complete a portfolio review that showcases your growth across design and drawing before advancing into specialized studio areas such as painting, ceramics or digital media.

Outside the studio, your learning extends into our local art community. You’ll connect with professional artists, exhibit your own work in student shows and gain new perspectives by visiting regional museums and galleries. The program culminates in a senior exhibition or final project, which is an opportunity to showcase your artistic voice and career readiness.

Admission Requirements

Explore the admissions requirements and steps you must take to apply to Rowan’s art degree program.

After you submit your application, a representative from Rowan’s Office of Admissions will confirm your application status and notify you of any missing information. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.

Note: Rowan University is test-optional. You may submit your SAT or ACT scores, but you won’t be penalized if you choose not to.

Need assistance with your application? Our Office of Admissions team is here to support you—email admissions@rowan.edu to reach out.

Tuition and Aid

With affordability as one of our core values, Rowan offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to make your education more accessible.

Explore cost and financial aid information.

Art student stories

Discover Rowan’s art degree through the eyes of our students. Explore what they have to say about studio time, mentorship and opportunities to showcase their work.
Liz smiles inside an academic building on campus.

I think the art program is the most fun. Everyone knows each other in our building, and everyone wants to see you do better.

Liz K. Essex County, NJ

Charlotte sits outside on campus wearing a jacket.

We are passionate about what we do. We love going to Rowan, we love the professors and have a community here that is really good.

Charlotte S. Gloucester County, NJ

Ugonna holding two pieces of his art in front of Westby.

The professors have all pushed me to be the best that I can and to hone my 'still developing' artistic talents.

Ugonna U. Burlington County, NJ

Art major Marissa S. pictured in front of a brick building

I’m focusing a lot of my work on illustration. I hope to one day used what I’ve learned to illustrate for books.

Marissa S. Gloucester County, NJ

Angel stands outside the Student Center.

I chose art because it's been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I felt like choosing art would be a good career path since I'm passionate about it.

Angel F. Gloucester County, NJ

Careers and outcomes

From graphic design to education and visual media, an art degree from Rowan opens doors to career opportunities that combine creativity and artistic knowledge and skill. Graduates leave the program equipped to design, illustrate, photograph, teach and manage art projects across a variety of settings. And, you’ll develop a professional portfolio and gain hands-on experience that translates directly into roles in design, studio arts and more. Many students choose to pursue advanced degrees to refine their artistic focus or prepare for leadership positions in the arts.
Students on the green drawing

Upcoming virtual information sessions and events

Want to know more about being an art major at Rowan? Our virtual information sessions give you the opportunity to meet faculty, learn about courses and studio work and explore how students showcase their art through exhibitions and local galleries. You’ll also find out about career paths and resources available to help you meet your goals. Join us to take the first step toward your future as a Prof!

Engineering student discovers a passion for art

For mechanical engineering major Francisco Lora, Rowan’s art major offered something unexpected: the chance to turn ideas into tangible creations. “You learn how to handle a lot of different tools and a lot of different skills,” he says about his favorite course at Rowan, Intro to Metals and Jewelry. “At the end, you have a polished piece of jewelry that you made with your own hands, and you get a sense of pride from that.”

Related programs

Creativity takes many forms—explore more programs at Rowan in the arts and design.
decorative campus building in fall

Ready to learn more about Rowan?

From helping you find the right program to understanding how to apply, we’re here to make sure you get the information you need. Fill out the form to get started!
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Create your path forward

The Bachelor of Arts in art degree program at Rowan University combines creative practice with professional preparation. Through hands-on studio projects, collaboration across disciplines and more, you’ll discover just how many doors an art degree can open. Apply now or contact us to take the next step!