Art (BA)

Degree: BA Mode of study: On-Campus Location: Main Campus
Degree Type
Bachelor's Degree
Program Type
Undergraduate
Location
Main Campus - Cape
College
Arts & Media
Department
Art & Design
Careers
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW130932830 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130932830 BCX0">With an art BA degree, you&amp;#8217;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130932830 BCX0">ll develop your artistic skills and prepare for a career in the arts</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130932830 BCX0">.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW130932830 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130932830 BCX0"></span></span></p>
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Southeast Missouri State University students attend an art history lecture.

Study the arts in a major where you'll work closely with expert faculty to build your portfolio: You’ll do that here.

An art degree prepares you for advanced study or careers in a variety of professions like fine arts entrepreneurship, marketing, fashion merchandising, or psychology.

What You’ll Do

As an art major at Southeast, you’ll gain incredible real-world learning experience through juried exhibitions and the capstone course, Professional Practice in Visual Art.

  • Work closely with faculty to prepare for a formal portfolio evaluation required for all art majors.
  • Learn the history of the discipline of art.
  • Work side by side with expert faculty artists in multiple disciplines.
  • Create works of art in modern studios equipped with traditional and progressive technology.

What Can You Do with a B.A. in Art?

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time. 

Internship Opportunities of Recent Graduates

  • Marketing Assistant at Analgesics Management Systems
  • Graphics Manager-Office of the Vice Chancellor at UC Irvine
  • Crisp Museum
  • Arts Council of Southeast MO
  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • Annie Laurie’s
  • Programmer–KRCU
  • Horizon Screenprinting
  • Vitronic Promotional Group
  • Freelance Artist
  • Schnucks
  • Rust Media/Concord Printing
  • Family Support Division

Graduate Schools of Recent Graduates

  • Fort Hays State University
  • Kansas State University

Art (BA) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

View the Degree Map

Outcomes & Careers

  • $128k

    Art Director

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an art director is $128,100.

  • $76k

    Fine Artist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a craft and fine artist is $76,450.

  • $110k

    Special Effects Artist or Animator

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a special effects artist or animator is $110,110.

What You'll Study

Degree Map

As an art major, you’ll develop your artistic skills in several foundational areas and learn the history of the discipline of art. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours. A minor is required.

What will it cost?

Calculate Your Cost
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LIFE IN THE ARTS

THE WILL TO DO

Take a brief look at a typical day for our Southeast Missouri State University art students.
  • A student holds a pencil in her mouth while drawing on an easel.
  • A digital art student creates logos at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
  • A drawing student works with a ruler to get a straight line in her drawing on the easelat Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
  • A student paints art on March 4, 2021, at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
  • A student creates work for their class at Southeast Missouri State University on March 24, 2021, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
  • A sculpture student works with metal on March 4, 2021, at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
  • Print material used at Catapult Print on March 19, 2021, at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
  • A student shows off ceramics at Southeast Missouri State University on March 4, 2021, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Learn While Doing

We know that it takes countless hours of practice and feedback to be a great artist. In the Department of Art and Design we have the experiences, faculty, and spaces that will transform you from a talented student into a professional. Learn more.

Experiential Learning
Creative Spaces

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Student Work

  • Printmaking work by Torrey Gleason created while at Southeast Missouri State University.
  • “Trash” by Zoe Zeuschel created while at Southeast Missouri State University.
  • “My Four Little Scars” by Jessica Lambert created while at Southeast Missouri State University.
  • Interior design student work created while at Southeast Missouri State University.

Accreditations

  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design Accreditation Logo

Related Programs

View All Programs

Additional Resources

Art + Design
Contact Us
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Phone
Office Phone
(573) 651-2790
Location
Office
River Campus Seminary 104
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 7825
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701

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