Exploring the human soul.
As one of the few disciplines that emphasize form over function, Art truly distinguishes human beings from other species. Artists create visual representations of the world – both real and imagined – using paint, clay, and even digital information.
When you major in Art at PC, you learn to work and think independently and to trust your ideas. You learn to communicate those ideas through various artistic media and writing. And you come away with a solid Liberal Arts education that prepares you for graduate school and various career paths.
PC’s smaller class sizes allow you to interact with fellow students and receive individualized attention from your professors. Outside the classroom, experiences like studying abroad and volunteering in the community expand your learning opportunities.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Explore a variety of visual arts styles and learn more about art that inspires you. - Broaden your knowledge.
Pair your studies with other disciplines like English, psychology, and history. - Solidify your skill set.
Develop the skills to create unique pieces of art. - Become a critical thinker.
Learn how to take your ideas from inspiration to experience.
45 Hours
Required for Art major coursework
Senior Art Show
To put your creativity on display in a real gallery
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
Cecilia Santiago ’25
“You’ll love majoring in art at PC if you’re passionate about art like I am. You’ll develop technical skills, push beyond your limits, and get a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary art practices. It’s a fulfilling and rewarding experience!”
What You’ll Study
By majoring in Art, you hone skills that are important in the studio and the real world. You develop the ability to observe and analyze as you study representative works from Art History. Through projects, you learn to be more creative, develop concepts, solve problems, interpret criticism, and see your work through to completion.
At PC, you gain experience in the tools and techniques of both traditional and new media. Your degree covers a wide range of courses in Studio Art and Art History. Along the way, you’ll compile a professional-quality portfolio that includes your artistic statement and images of your work.
If eligible, you may also conduct an honors project, which earns you marks of distinction on your transcript and diploma.
Get Involved
At Presbyterian College, you can actively pursue your passion for Art through programs and opportunities that take visual Art out of the classroom and into the real world—all while expanding your experience, perspective, and skillsets.
Careers in Art
Of course, creating art doesn’t require a degree. But if art is your passion, having a bachelor’s degree in art increases your marketability. Many art majors go on to work as creative directors, project managers, and interior designers. Graduates have pursued advanced degrees in fields like art therapy and art education. They have attended notable graduate schools like New York University and Savannah College of Art and Design. Some alumni work in art-related fields such as fine arts education, auctioning, and architecture. Others work in law, medicine, and other fields outside of the arts.
Career Professions
Historian
Art Authenticator
Art Program Director
Photographer
Exhibition Manager
Collection Manager
Art Appraiser
Creative Director
Preservation and Conservation
Art and Estate Appraiser
Collections Management
Art Therapy
Illustrator
Tattoo Artist
Graphic Design
Community Arts Instructor
Museum Administration
Public Art Administrator
Reproductions and Retailing
Archive Management
Gallery Curator
Art Dealer
Art Teacher
Restorations
Acquired Skills
Presentation Skills
Typography
Digital Illustration
Cultural Awareness
Artistic Integrity
Drawing
Layout Design
Creativity
Art Conservation Techniques
Anatomy Knowledge
Scale Drawing
Storytelling
Painting
Portfolio Development
Mixed Media Techniques
Aesthetic Sensibility
Color Theory
Composition
Perspective
Conceptual Thinking
Quick Stats
$49,000
Average Median Salary
Art majors often start with modest earnings, with early career salaries around $27,878. However, as they gain experience, mid-career earnings can rise to approximately $37,643, and the average workforce wage reaches about $49,000. Top earners in specialized fields such as art direction or animation can earn significantly more, with art directors earning a median annual wage of $106,500.
3% Growth
Projected Employment Rate
Employment for craft and fine artists is projected to grow by about 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is slower than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 4,900 job openings annually, primarily due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force.
High Versatility
Major Career Diversity Index
Art majors possess a high degree of career versatility, with opportunities spanning education, entertainment, advertising, design, and nonprofit sectors. While some roles may require additional skills or certifications, the creative and interdisciplinary nature of an art degree allows graduates to adapt to various professional environments. Digital skills, such as proficiency in graphic design or animation, are increasingly valuable in the job market.
Source(s): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
