Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

The curriculum includes 36 units of core studio and art-history courses plus 21 units of electives chosen from studio, design and related topics. Core courses include Principles of Creativity and Innovation; Drawing I; Principles of Design; Color Theory; Modern and Contemporary Art; Advanced Studio Art; History of Western Art; High Performance Practices; Creative Problem Solving; Project in Art; World Art; and Career Development.

• Elective examples (pick seven, 21 units): Painting I; Typography I; Sculpture I; Ceramics I; Photography; Basic Graphic Design; Art for Elementary Teachers; Life Drawing; Modern and Contemporary Art; Art and Religion; Intermediate Graphic Design; Drawing II; Typography II; Creative Leadership; Ceramics II; Advanced Graphic Design; Museum Studies; Exhibition Design; Internship in Art; plus select communications and marketing courses such as Visual Rhetoric, UI/UX Web Design, Media and Society, Principles of Marketing and Advertising and Promotion.
• Students complete ART 450 Projects in Art as a capstone and may pursue a three-year accelerated option; sample curriculum maps show sequenced general education plus studio work across fall, spring and summer terms.

Entry requirements

Apply online or by mail and submit official transcripts (electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or by sealed mail to the Office of the Registrar). Complete the FAFSA (FPU FAFSA code 001253). Recommended high-school preparation: 4 years college-prep English; 3 years college-prep math; 2 years social studies; 1 year lab science; 1 year performing art; and 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better. The university notes accepted students typically have GPAs around 3.2–3.6; speak with admissions for individual eligibility.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with hands-on studio competencies and a portfolio suited to professional artistic practice or to roles where studio art skills are applied. The program emphasises exhibition experience and local internships to facilitate networking with museums and community arts organisations. The major can be paired with minors or other majors—examples include Art Therapy and Art Education—to tailor career pathways.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Financial aid steps are the same as other undergraduates: submit the FAFSA (add FPU code 001253) and consult FPU’s Office of Undergraduate Admission for scholarship opportunities and cost information. Internships and campus activities (Art Club, exhibitions) can support portfolio development that strengthens competitive scholarship or internship applications.