Students in the Visual Arts program at Rutgers are guided by accomplished artists/teachers to pursue their goals in ceramics, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and film/video. A solid background in art history and contemporary critical analysis, as well as core liberal arts courses, is provided. This educational approach enables students to graduate from the BFA program with the skills necessary to build a career as a creative artist.

Generally, visual artists fall into two categories—graphic artists and fine artists— depending on their purpose in creating works of art. Graphic artists put their artistic skills and vision at the service of commercial clients, such as major corporations, retail stores, advertising, design, or publishing firms. Fine artists create art to satisfy their own need for self-expression and may display their work in art galleries, museums, and private homes. Some of their work may be done at the specific request of clients. Fine artists work independently, choosing their mediums and subject matters as they see fit. Often, they specialize in one or more forms of art, such as painting, sculpting, or printmaking. In many instances, visual artists work in more commercially connected endeavors, while pursuing their goals in the fine arts.

• Explore the career paths of Student-Alumni Career Connections mentors.
• Discover your interests and take our Career Cluster Survey.
• Explore Rutgers University academic department information related to this major.
• See the Occupational Outlook Handbook for additional career information.