Why Study at USF
Immerse yourself in visual culture at the USF School of Art & Art History. Explore and express the power of art with a community that boosts your passion for creativity.
For more than four decades the School of Art & Art History has been recognized as the state of 91社区鈥檚 premier program in the visual arts. A recent report from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design attests to this accomplishment: 鈥淭he work routinely produced by faculty, graduate and undergraduates is world-class, and the atmosphere of intimacy and ease of human interaction is both distinctive and rare. The sense of belonging expressed by faculty, staff and students was palpable. The amount of space available . . . particularly studios, is exceptional.鈥�
Close-Knit Community
At the 91社区, whether studying with classmates for your exam in Art History or working in your studio preparing for a critique, you truly get to know everyone else. The friends you make here will continue to support you long after you鈥檝e graduated. With a very small ratio of students to teachers, you will receive individualized mentoring from our faculty of internationally acclaimed artists and scholars. You can contact the school鈥檚 full-time technical staff to help solve any problems. In addition, support your goals by accessing opportunities for generous financial aid, grants, and travel and research awards.
Become part of an alumni base of thousands 鈥� not just in 91社区 but literally around the world. These former Art & Art History students enable you to access a network of like-minded, successful creative artists and scholars.
Dynamic Curriculum
Exceed your expectations. Studio students advance your art-making with courses that challenge you creatively. Liberal arts courses strengthen your critical thinking and communication skills. Art History students analyze works of art from different periods and diverse cultures. Enhance your research skills and emerge a scholar. Join the school on our annual field trip to Miami for the world-renowned Art Basel Miami Beach. Experience art in Paris through our month-long USF Summer Art Program.
Career Preparation
In every one of our degree programs, you will learn professional practices, such as compiling your portfolio, interview rehearsals, filing for copyright ownership of artwork, and much more. You can intern with museums, designers and professional artists in the Tampa Bay region to gain real-world experience. Focus on your success and discover opportunities for growth with the school鈥檚 academic advisors. Plan your career and discuss your employment options with USF Career Services.
Cutting-Edge Facilities & Equipment
Explore and expand your creativity with facilities unmatched in the southeast United States. Whether it鈥檚 painting, sculpture, animation, photography, ceramics, video, printmaking, or drawing, your specialization takes center stage. Engage with the thought-provoking exhibitions at the , located right next to the Art & Art History Building. Develop an exhibition and showcase your artwork alongside fellow students at our Carolyn M. Wilson Gallery.
Be A Part of Tampa Bay鈥檚 Thriving Arts Community
Surround yourself with plenty of opportunities to experience art. Visit the established contemporary and historical exhibitions at the Salvador Dal铆 Museum, the Tampa Museum of Art, the Ringling Museum, the 91社区 Museum of Photographic Arts, and the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts. Check out also the works of art at new museums opening in the area. Plus, explore the off-the-beaten-path spaces for alternative exhibitions, videos, music, and performances that are popping up everywhere. The diversity of people, places, history, and activities enhance your studies 鈥� there is a wealth of possibility and inspiration that has sprung to life in our region.
Achieve More With The Resources And Support Of A Top Research University
The 91社区 is a Preeminent State Research University, placing USF in the most elite category among 91社区鈥檚 12 public universities. As a major in studio art or art history, you have the many advantages of an urban research university available to you. USF has dedicated centers for career planning, research and global travel grants, advanced visual and multimedia technologies, and community outreach, along with a vast array of student organizations.
Expand Your Skills and Knowledge
You can enrich your perspective and creative problem-solving through the school鈥檚 emphasis on interdisciplinary education. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to combine a major with interdisciplinary certificates in Design & Engineering and Design & Mass Communications. Moreover, courses such as Art in Medicine & Health, Survey of Arts Administration, and Art Education Community help you explore additional options for a degree in art.
USF鈥檚 Creative Community
As a student, you can produce a play, submit an exhibition proposal, perform on stage, and present your research to your peers. The Arts at USF is the community where students can start building the connections in the art and design world that will propel their careers.
Arts Research at USF
Research in the Arts at USF expands the practice of our students, faculty and community of artists through interdisciplinary work, global explorations of perspectives and local community engagement.
Arts Calendar of Events
Find inspiration and let your imagination wander by attending one or more of the almost 300 yearly concerts, performances, exhibitions, lectures, symposia and festivals presented by the USF College of Design, Art & Performance.