About Visual Art Studies at CSUSB
If you're passionate about studio art — like painting, drawing, sculpture or ceramics — but want the freedom to explore other creative areas, the B.A. in Visual Art Studies at CSUSB offers the perfect balance.
This flexible degree is ideal for students who:
- Want to sample a variety of artistic disciplines
- Plan to double major or add a complementary minor
- Are interested in careers that combine visual art with fields like education, design, communication, or community engagement
Whether you're preparing for a creative career or simply want to develop your artistic voice, Visual Art Studies gives you room to grow — in the studio and beyond.
Careers in Visual Art Studies
Your career options will likely depend to some extent on the courses you decide to take outside the visual arts. Here are some common roles for those who work in visual arts:
- Graphic designer
- Artist
- Art teacher
- Ceramicist/potter
- Sculptor
- Painter
- Creative/art director
- Curator
- Animator
Gallerist - Illustrator
- Photographer
- Stylist
- Industrial designer
- Set and exhibit designer
- Fashion designer
- Special effects artist
Sample Courses
Creative Technology for Artists
An introduction to computer-based technology used by visual artists. Student projects will include the use of vector and raster based computer software as well as 3D modeling, digital video, and photography.
Beginning Imaging and Illustration
Combining digital and analogue mediums to explore visual communication. Emphasis on expressive problem solving, story-telling, modeling and rendering.
Language of Art
Students will gain foundational knowledge of the terminology, diversity of approaches, and potential career options related to the practice, interpretation, exhibition, and teaching of art.
Meet Professor Katherine Gray, MFA
Opportunities for Students
As a CSUSB Art & Design student, you’ll have access to incredible resources that support your creativity, exploration and professional growth.
The Visual Resource Center (VRC) is a one-of-a-kind space — a digital and analog library of images, books and material samples used for classroom instruction, student research and creative projects. It includes:
- The Innovative Materials Library
- A growing archive of 30,000+ digital images of artworks
- Art reference materials, journals and books focused on design, visual culture and studio practices
You'll also have access to state-of-the-art studios and facilities for:
- Painting, drawing and illustration
- Graphic, web, UX/UI and virtual reality design
- Imaging and animation
- Photography and printmaking
- Sculpture, welding and glass-making
- Ceramics, woodworking and furniture design
- Digital fabrication technologies
Need equipment? The department’s photo equipment lending program helps you get hands-on experience with professional gear. And when you're ready to showcase your work, you can exhibit in two on-site student galleries located inside the VRC.
Similar to Visual Art Studies
With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.