Art (BA)

close up of a bachelors art degree student at southeast missouri state university student drawing in her art for drawing class

BA On-Campus Main Campus

DEGREE TYPE

Bachelor's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Undergraduate

LOCATION

Main Campus - Cape

COLLEGE

Arts & Media

DEPARTMENT

Mass Media, Art, & Design

APPLY NOW

Explore your creativity, sharpen your artistic skills, and discover where your talent can take you. As an Art major at SEMO, you'll work alongside professional artists, experiment across a variety of media, and graduate with a portfolio that reflects your unique perspective.

The Bachelor of Arts in Art gives you the flexibility to explore multiple creative disciplines while developing the technical and critical thinking skills every artist needs. Whether you're planning for graduate school or a creative career, you'll build a strong foundation through studio experiences, faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning.

Why Choose Art at SEMO?

As an art major at SEMO, you’ll gain incredible real-world learning experience through juried exhibitions and the capstone course, Professional Practice in Visual Art.

Work closely with faculty who are practicing artists and dedicated mentors.
Explore drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, and digital media.
Build a professional portfolio through studio courses, critiques, and exhibitions.
Learn in dedicated studio spaces on SEMO's River Campus.
Prepare for careers in the arts, education, museums, nonprofits, or creative industries.

What Can You Do with a B.A. in Art?

Creativity opens doors. A B.A. in Art develops the visual communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills employers value across industries. Whether you pursue graduate school, become a practicing artist, work in museums or nonprofits, teach, or launch your own creative business, you'll graduate with a portfolio and the confidence to adapt your talents wherever opportunity takes you.

Internship Opportunities of Recent art b.a. Graduates

Learning extends beyond the studio. Art students complete internships that build professional experience, expand their networks, and help them explore different creative paths before graduation.

Marketing Assistant at Analgesics Management Systems
Graphics Manager-Office of the Vice Chancellor at UC Irvine
Crisp Museum
Arts Council of Southeast MO
Southeast Missouri State University
Annie Laurie’s
Programmer–KRCU
Horizon Screenprinting
Vitronic Promotional Group
Freelance Artist
Schnucks
Rust Media/Concord Printing
Family Support Division

Graduate Schools of Recent art b.a. Graduates

Fort Hays State University
Kansas State University

Request Info

We'd love to help you learn more about SEMO! Tell us how we can get in touch.

Art (BA) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

View the Degree Map

BA Art Degree Jobs & Salaries

$128k

Art Director

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an art director is $128,100.
$76k

Fine Artist

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a craft and fine artist is $76,450.
$110k

Special Effects Artist or Animator

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a special effects artist or animator is $110,110.

Turn Ambition into Action

Degree Map

As an art major, develop your artistic skills in several foundational areas and learn the history of the discipline of art. Complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours. A minor is required.

Degree Map

48 Hour Major – no minor required

Required Courses:

AH110 Art History Survey I (3)
AH210 Art History Survey II (3)
AR100 Drawing I (3)
AR104 2D Design (3)
AR106 3D Design (3)
AR323 Introduction to Photography & New Media (3)

Choose 6 hours from:

AR180 Digital Literacy for Art + Design (3)
AR201 Color Composition (3)
AR202 Drawing II (3)
AR284 Photography Fundamentals (3)

Choose 6 hours from:

AR302 Relief and Mixed Media Printmaking (3)
AR314 Drawing III (3)
AR325 Painting (3)
AR330 Paper, Book, and Fibers (3)

Choose 6 hours from:

AR332 Sculpture I (3)
AR342 Ceramics I (3)
DS104 Exploring Interior Design (3)

Choose 3 hours from:

AR319 Introduction to Graphic Design (3)
AR327 Web Design (3)

Choose 3 hours from:

AC201 Account Basics for Non-Business Majors (3)
AR318 Art & Design Internship (3)
AR399 Professional Practice in Visual Art (3)
DA100 Dance Appreciation (3)
DS104 Exploring Interior Design (3)
DS111 Technical Drafting for Interior Designers (3)
DS205 History of Interiors I (3)
DS206 History of Interiors II (3)
DS207 Interior Systems (3)
DS332 Materials for Interior Environments (3)
MC101 Media & Society (3)
MC221 Digital Media Production (3)
MC304 Diversity in Media (3)
MU182 Music: An Artistic Expression (3)
MU184 "Who Are You?" From Rhythm and Blues to Woodstock, Led Zeppelin and Beyond: A History of Rock (3)
MU190 Jazz Appreciation (3)
TH100 Theatre Appreciation (3)
TH101 Acting for Non-Majors (3)
TH105 Rehearsal & Production (1)
TH155 Makeup (3)