Best institutions to study Art/Art Studies
A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of the visual arts.
717 U.S. institutions graduated 19,283 Art/Art Studies students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 50.0701, a specialization of Fine and Studio Arts (CIP 50.07), and leads most directly to the Photographers occupation (BLS SOC 27-4021).
About Art/Art Studies programs
A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of the visual arts. Includes instruction in art, photography, and other visual communications media.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Art/Art Studies program, under the Fine and Studio Arts umbrella, offers students an introductory exploration of the visual arts. This program is designed for those interested in developing their artistic skills and understanding the principles of art, photography, and visual communication media. It caters to aspiring artists, photographers, and educators in the visual arts field.
Students in this program will acquire essential skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing. Coursework often includes a focus on customer service, marketing, and the use of various technologies in the arts, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the creative sector.
Credentials awarded
What Art/Art Studies graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree10,329 graduates / yr · 485 institutions54%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years4,297 graduates / yr · 13 institutions22%
- Associate's degree4,031 graduates / yr · 216 institutions21%
- Master's degree473 graduates / yr · 68 institutions2.5%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year132 graduates / yr · 20 institutions0.7%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate17 graduates / yr · 6 institutions0.1%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship4 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Art/Art Studies completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 19,720 |
| 2013 | 20,187 |
| 2014 | 19,900 |
| 2015 | 19,734 |
| 2016 | 14,115 |
| 2017 | 15,612 |
| 2018 | 19,743 |
| 2019 | 19,776 |
| 2020 | 19,379 |
| 2021 | 17,957 |
| 2022 | 18,380 |
| 2023 | 17,308 |
| 2024 | 18,309 |
| 2025 | 19,283 |
Top 50 institutions for Art/Art Studies, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 793 | 16% | — | — |
| 2 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 718 | 16% | — | — |
| 3 | Estrella Mountain Community College Avondale, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 551 | 32% | — | — |
| 4 | Chandler - Gilbert Community College Chandler, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 522 | 30% | — | — |
| 5 | Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 447 | 19% | — | — |
| 6 | Phoenix College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 401 | 14% | — | — |
| 7 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 351 | 57% | — | $25,359 |
| 8 | San Diego State University San Diego, CAPublicBachelor's | 327 | 76% | — | $23,186 |
| 9 | Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 273 | 17% | — | — |
| 10 | Rio Salado College Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 268 | 9% | — | — |
| 11 | South Mountain Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 253 | 16% | — | — |
| 12 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 239 | 69% | — | $21,493 |
| 13 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 237 | 68% | — | $27,762 |
| 14 | California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 211 | 53% | — | $24,538 |
| 15 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicBachelor's | 209 | 0% | — | $27,762 |
| 16 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 192 | 93% | — | $31,367 |
| 17 | California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 187 | 70% | — | $22,839 |
| 18 | Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CAPublicAssociate's | 184 | 36% | — | — |
| 19 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FLPublicBachelor's | 153 | 78% | — | $23,324 |
| 20 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicBachelor's | 151 | 61% | — | $27,067 |
| 21 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 142 | 85% | — | $25,947 |
| 22 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 136 | 90% | — | $34,056 |
| 23 | Tufts University Medford, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 134 | 94% | $23,570 | $17,154 |
| 24 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 134 | 80% | — | $33,501 |
| 25 | Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VAPublicAssociate's | 125 | 33% | — | — |
| 26 | Fresno City College Fresno, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 121 | 24% | — | — |
| 27 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 117 | 75% | — | $28,008 |
| 28 | University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CAPublicBachelor's | 105 | 75% | — | $21,106 |
| 29 | Illinois State University Normal, ILPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 102 | 65% | — | $35,967 |
| 30 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 97 | 48% | — | — |
| 31 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicBachelor's | 95 | 52% | — | $35,846 |
| 32 | California State University - Fresno Fresno, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 93 | 57% | — | $22,167 |
| 33 | Long Beach City College Long Beach, CAPublicAssociate's | 88 | 30% | — | — |
| 34 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WIPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 86 | 90% | — | $30,503 |
| 35 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OHPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 84 | 88% | — | $29,186 |
| 36 | University of Memphis Memphis, TNPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 84 | 51% | — | $26,451 |
| 37 | Brigham Young University - Idaho Rexburg, IDPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 82 | 55% | $6,760 | $25,081 |
| 38 | University of California - Irvine Irvine, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 80 | 87% | — | $16,989 |
| 39 | Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CAPublicAssociate's | 79 | 48% | — | — |
| 40 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FLPublicBachelor's | 77 | 63% | — | $28,726 |
| 41 | University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NVPublicBachelor's | 77 | 51% | — | $27,740 |
| 42 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 75 | 84% | — | $21,908 |
| 43 | The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga Chattanooga, TNPublicBachelor's | 74 | 50% | — | $21,766 |
| 44 | University of Houston Houston, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 74 | 65% | — | $26,482 |
| 45 | University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HIPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 73 | 64% | — | $17,626 |
| 46 | Eastern Illinois University Charleston, ILPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 73 | 47% | — | $26,213 |
| 47 | Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 71 | 53% | — | $25,362 |
| 48 | University of South Florida Tampa, FLPublicBachelor's | 70 | 77% | — | $24,818 |
| 49 | Chaffey College Rancho Cucamonga, CAPublicAssociate's | 69 | 36% | — | — |
| 50 | El Camino Community College District Torrance, CAPublicAssociate's | 69 | 42% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Fine and Studio Arts field (CIP 50.07) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 53 states & territories
Where Art/Art Studies graduates come from. Each state links to all Fine and Studio Arts programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-4021, Photographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Art/Art Studies program can pursue careers as photographers, art teachers, and fine artists, among others. The job outlook shows little to no change, with an annual opening of approximately 12,700 positions and a median wage of $42,520. Typical education for these roles ranges from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 50.0701
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Photographersprimary SOC 27-4021 | $44,660 | +1.8% Little or no change | ~12,700 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education SOC 25-2031 | $72,040 | -1.6% Decline | ~66,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1121 | $78,620 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~9,000 | Master's degree |
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators SOC 27-1013 | $55,490 | -1.2% Decline | ~2,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Craft Artists SOC 27-1012 | $46,080 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~1,000 | No formal educational credential |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Art/Art Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
Tools and technology used
Other Fine and Studio Arts specializations
The 12 other 6-digit CIP codes under Fine and Studio Arts (CIP 50.07).
- Fine/CIP 50.0702
Studio Arts 11,751 graduates / yr637 institutions - Art HistoryCIP 50.07033,195 graduates / yr356 institutions
- Intermedia/CIP 50.0706
Multimedia 797 graduates / yr39 institutions - Fine Arts and Art StudiesCIP 50.0799771 graduates / yr69 institutions
- Jewelry ArtsCIP 50.0713725 graduates / yr20 institutions
- PaintingCIP 50.0708638 graduates / yr52 institutions
- DrawingCIP 50.0705368 graduates / yr33 institutions
- SculptureCIP 50.0709230 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Ceramic Arts and CeramicsCIP 50.0711172 graduates / yr44 institutions
- PrintmakingCIP 50.0710165 graduates / yr31 institutions
- FiberCIP 50.0712100 graduates / yr10 institutions
- Metal ArtsCIP 50.0714partial data6 graduates / yr3 institutions
Common questions
What degree can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or an Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 717 colleges offering the Art/Art Studies program across the United States.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in speaking, critical thinking, active listening, and writing, among others.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a photographer, art teacher, or fine artist, with various educational requirements depending on the role.
What is the CIP code for Art/Art Studies?+
Art/Art Studies is CIP 50.0701 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Fine and Studio Arts (CIP 50.07). NCES defines it as: A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of the visual arts. Includes instruction in art, photography, and other visual communications media.
How many institutions offer Art/Art Studies programs?+
717 U.S. institutions reported Art/Art Studies graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 53 states & territories, awarding 19,283 credentials in the year. That is 50.5% of all Fine and Studio Arts graduates.
How much do Art/Art Studies graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Photographers occupation, which Art/Art Studies most directly leads to, pays a median of $44,660 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Fine and Studio Arts field report median earnings of $25,156 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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