City University of New York

What you'll study

The programme combines sustained studio work with critical, historical and theoretical studies. Core studio modules typically include drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography and digital/new media, with options to specialise in one or more areas as you progress. Courses in art history and visual culture explore modern and contemporary movements, critical theory and methodologies for analysing art. Seminar and critique classes train you in visual literacy, peer review and professional presentation.

Students complete foundation-level courses that establish technical proficiencies and then move into intermediate and advanced studios where independent projects and a substantial final-year exhibition or thesis project are required. Professional practice modules cover portfolio development, curating, grant-writing, arts management and exhibition installation. Electives and general-education requirements allow you to combine arts study with complementary areas such as education, digital design, media studies or business.

Typical modules and learning activities

• Foundations in 2D and 3D Design
• Drawing and Visual Thinking
• Painting Workshop
• Sculpture and Installation
• Photography and Image-Making
• Digital Media and Time-based Practices
• Contemporary Art History and Criticism
• Professional Practices: Portfolios, Exhibitions and Entrepreneurship
• Senior Thesis or Final Exhibition

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary-school qualification. Admission typically requires submission of a visual-arts portfolio demonstrating technical ability, creative exploration and conceptual development; the portfolio may be submitted digitally. You will also need official academic transcripts and a personal statement outlining your artistic interests and goals. Some programmes within CUNY may request letters of recommendation or an interview/portfolio review.

Typical academic standards include a competitive high-school GPA; mature or transfer applicants are considered on the strength of post-secondary study, work experience and portfolio. International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements. Specific colleges within CUNY may have additional criteria, so check the precise entry guidelines for the campus that offers ARTST24-BA.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers in the creative and cultural sector. Typical pathways include working as professional studio artists, illustrators, photographers, multimedia artists or designers. Many find roles in galleries, museums and cultural organisations as curators, exhibition technicians, registrars or program coordinators. Skills developed in the programme are also relevant to arts education, community arts programming, arts administration, publishing, editorial and creative industries.

Many students continue to postgraduate study (for example MFA or MA programmes) to deepen studio practice or prepare for academic and high-level curatorial roles. The programme’s emphasis on professional practice and internships supports entry into freelance careers and small-business entrepreneurship within the arts.

Why study at City University of New York

Studying this BA at the City University of New York gives you direct access to one of the world’s most active cultural ecosystems. CUNY’s colleges are embedded in New York City, enabling internships, collaborative projects and exhibition opportunities with major museums, independent galleries and arts organisations. Faculty are practising artists, scholars and curators who bring current professional perspectives into studio teaching and critique.

As a public university system, CUNY emphasises affordability, diversity and community engagement, offering a wide range of campus facilities such as dedicated studios, darkrooms, digital labs and on-campus galleries. Cross-campus collaborations, visiting-artist programmes and public lectures expand learning beyond the studio and support the transition from student to practising professional in the arts.