Few colleges or universities even offer a visual studies degree. Being rare is just one reason the bachelor’s degree in visual studies stands out.
This visual studies program is flexible to meet your wide-ranging interests and goals. Here, you — and your fellow artist-scholars — earn a degree that combines both art studio practice and academic research in the arts and beyond. You don’t have to choose. You can do both (or more)!
Consider these reasons to choose visual studies at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture:
When you pursue visual studies at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, you explore big questions for today and tomorrow:
As you challenge yourself as an artist-scholar, expect rigorous academics, research, and writing as well as self-exploration through your art studio practice.
The work you do at Tyler, the things you learn, the ways you grow, all lay the foundation for what you want to do after graduation and in life. Along the way, you gain in-demand, transferable skills:
To help you envision what’s possible with your talents and interests, your visual studies degree also includes an Art Career Workshop.
Plan to tap into non-art academics offered by Temple University as well.
Tip: The visual studies degree from Tyler allows you to take a lot more electives.
Many of your future classmates in visual studies add a minor or certificate to a visual studies degree. Some even double-major in things like political science, education, or public health, for example.
Yes, you take studio classes in a variety of media and methods:
Visual studies at Tyler features so many extras to make your degree more demanding and interesting — and, honestly, fun.
Get off campus and into Philadelphia and beyond to see who’s doing what and how thought-leaders and community-project partners address challenges and needs. It’s always good to escape your bubble and even your own mind for a bit to connect with others.
Attend guest lectures and symposia with leading art historians, artists and theorists. Temple University also hosts visiting scholars from a variety of disciplines and areas of expertise.
Gain hands-on experience that builds your confidence and your resumé through optional 3-credit internships. These types of community partners in and near Philadelphia host visual studies interns:
Seniors in the visual studies program at Tyler develop and refine their thesis experience over two semesters. With support from faculty-mentors, you research and produce a one-of-a-kind final project to earn your degree.
Here are a few answers to common questions about the visual studies BA degree from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture.
Visual studies graduates leave Tyler well prepared to present themselves and their ideas publicly. That’s a professional talent not a lot of people bring to job interviews or work projects. Because you get exposure to graduate-level literature on visual culture as an undergraduate visual arts major, you leave better equipped to speak knowledgeably about whatever it is you do.
While some visual studies degree graduates go on to top graduate schools and programs to earn MFAs or degrees in art therapy, here’s a list of examples of their work and workplaces now:
Yes. When you take art studio classes at Tyler, you will use the materials and spaces in our stand-aloneart building.
In addition, Temple’s Duckworth Scholars’ Studio in the mainCharles Llibrary provides spaces, resources, and technology to support your research and creative work.
Meet your faculty-mentors from Tyler’s visual studies degree program. Expect them to challenge you as an artist and a scholar.
Read the latest news about the visual studies faculty, current students, and alumni.
