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Studio Art (B.F.A. Honours)
Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours (B.F.A. Honours) - View all program options
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Honours program in Studio Art is intended for students who wish to acquire a thorough knowledge of contemporary artmaking as part of their general education and for those who wish to prepare for work leading to graduate degrees in art. The program offers courses in studio-based practices, art history and open electives. This program provides diverse opportunities for intensive creative exploration and the development of technical proficiency in a variety of visual art media including photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, digital and extended media, interdisciplinary practices, mixed media, installation and performance art. Studio Art courses investigate materials, skills-based practice, experiential learning, integrated approaches, critical thinking and theory, and professional development. The Art History (B.A.) program offers a wide range of complementary courses that explore contemporary, aboriginal, historical, theoretical and philosophical approaches to art.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying studio art at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
ART 110.3 | Art Today Ideas and Practices
ART 124.3 | Foundation in Drawing I
ART 125.3 | Foundation in Drawing II
ART 141.3 | Sculpture I Foundation
ARTH 120.3 | Art and Visual Culture I
ARTH 121.3 | Art and Visual Culture II
You choose
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Explore information about your program in the course and program catalogue
- Meet with an academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
- View the FAQ and resources for current students page
- Review portfolio requirements for the B.F.A. Honours in Studio Art program
- Review the suggested B.F.A. program schedule
What will I learn?
- The development of creative and technical skills as a visual artist
- The development of critical thinking and visual literacy
- The development of cultural sensitivity and awareness
- The development of sustainable art practice as a creative professional in a contemporary visual environment
- The preparation for career success as visual, artists, curators, teachers, historians, academic scholars, and hybrid creative practitioners
Gain relevant experience
- Consider a study abroad experience to earn credit toward your degree
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities
- Consider enrolling in an experiential learning course
- Visit one of the USask Art Galleries
Create local and global connections
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
- Before you register in your first-year courses, sign up to be a part of a Learning Community
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Join the Visual Arts Students' Union (VASU)
- Become a member of the Remai Modern Art Gallery
Get career ready
- Meet with a career educator at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
- Apply to work part-time or volunteer with the USask Art Galleries and Collection
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
ARTH 318.3 | Exhibition Technique The Social Construction of Art
You choose
- From a variety of courses in the studio art requirements of painting, drawing, printmaking, digital and integrated practice, sculpture, and photography
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Check DegreeWorks or meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- Apply for scholarships and awards
- Declare your major in the PAWS
- PHIL 271.3, Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art, is a recommended elective
- Review requirements for the B.F.A. Honours in Studio Art exhibition
- During the final 2 years of your four-year program, you may concentrate in two or more studio areas. Significant development may be difficult if a student works in more than four areas
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of certificates to complement your major.
Gain relevant experience
- Explore study abroad options or gain support as an international student through the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC)
- Become a peer mentor with the College of Arts and Science or Peer Health
- Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Attend one of the USask Art Galleries and Collection events or exhibitions
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and the Global Connections Network
- Join the Visual Arts Students' Union (VASU)
- Become a member of the Remai Modern Art Gallery
Get career ready
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
- Conduct occupational research through Job Bank and LinkedIn
- Apply to work part-time or volunteer with the USask Art Galleries and Collection
- Explore employment opportunities through akimbo, CAUT, or University Affairs
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nuturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
ART 495.0 | BFA Exhibition
You choose
- From a variety of 300-Level and 400-Level ART courses
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- If not already completed, ensure you enroll in ARTH 318.3 as it is a required course
- Review requirements for the B.F.A. Honours in Studio Art exhibition at the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery
Gain relevant experience
- Consider running for a leadership position with the Arts and Science Student Union (ASSU) or the USask Students' Union (USSU)
- Attend one of the USask Art Galleries and Collection events or exhibitions
Create local and global connections
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
- Consider running for a leadership position the Visual Arts Students' Union (VASU)
- Become a member of the Remai Modern Art Gallery
Get career ready
- Update your résumé, cover letter or CV to apply for jobs
- Meet with Career Services to prepare for your interview
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada
- Apply to work part-time or volunteer with the USask Art Galleries and Collection
- Explore employment opportunities through akimbo, CAUT, or University Affairs
- Create connections through Res Artis or TransArtists
- Consider joining CARFAC SASK for mentorship opportunities
- Consider becoming a member of the Saskatchewan Printmakers, Saskatchewan Craft Council, or the Prairie Sculptors' Association
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nuturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Possible destinations
People with a studio art degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Note that some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
Career paths
- Advertising Illustrator
- Animator
- Art Consultant
- Art Instructor
- Art Therapist
- Artist
- Ceramist
- Cinematographer
- Commercial Artist
- Corporate Designer
- Cultural Administrator
- Digital Animator
- Exhibit Designer
- Film Editor
- Furniture Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Interior Design Consultant
- Logo Designer
- Multimedia Designer
- Muralist
- Painter
- Photographer
- Programming Director
- Sculptor
- Set Designer
- Technical Illustrator
- University Professor
- Urban Planner
- Visual Effects Artist
- Web Designer
I had been working as an artist for a few years before deciding to return to the U of S to finish a Bachelors in Fine Arts (honours) in studio art. During my education I became a more rounded artist by being exposed to different forms of artistic expression and learning about past and present art movements. Beyond just enhancing my CV, the network and connections with students and professors formed during my time at the university continue to be valuable assets as I navigate the art world.
—Jillian, Bachelor of Fine Arts (honours) in studio art '23
Where do USask alumni work?
- BlackFlash Magazine
- City of Saskatoon
- Entrepreneur
- Federated Co-operatives Limited
- Government of Alberta
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Microsoft
- Remai Modern
- Saskatoon Public Library
- Saskatoon Public Schools
- SaskTel
- The StarPhoenix
- University of Saskatchewan
- Vancouver Film School
- Vendasta
Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool
"My decision to enter the Bachelor of Fine Arts (honours) program in studio art is among the best decisions I've ever made. I obtained significant knowledge in the field of arts from my professors and appreciated the importance of community and collaboration in art from my like-minded classmates. The opportunity to work hands-on in a gallery setting was the greatest learning experience I could've asked for in this program as I move on to pursue my career as an exhibiting fine artist."
—Rowen, Bachelor of Fine Arts (honours) in studio art '22
"The USask BFA honours program has been a pivotal cornerstone in my artistic development. The faculty's commitment to supporting each individual student on their artistic journey is truly phenomenal. I’ve become a significantly more skilled artist, I’ve gained confidence surrounding my research and work, and I’ve learned necessary skills to implement my painting practice in the professional world."
—Hailey, Bachelor of Fine Arts (honours) in studio art '23