Your art degree at Winston-Salem State University gives you the skills to choose from a broad palette of career choices and graduate programs across the visual arts.
Over four years — on campus in the arts center of Winston-Salem, and online if you need a more flexible schedule — you’ll gain real-world experience and a comprehensive classroom education.
Art degree concentrations at Winston-Salem State University
As an artist, your options for jobs with an art degree are plentiful. Choose a particular specialization to gain more insight into the direction you’re interested in pursuing:
Full degree requirements for each option are listed in the course catalog.
Join our “RAMily” and earn your bachelor’s degree in arts here in the “City of the Arts and Innovation” — Winston-Salem, NC. In addition to the Piedmont Triad being a cultural hub, you’ll also be within easy driving distance of Charlotte, Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh.
Your Winston-Salem State art degree may include internships — here at our own Diggs Gallery, recognized by the Smithsonian as one of the nation’s best regional facilities for contemporary African art, or at other local or national museums, including the historic Reynolda House Museum of American Art and the Brooklyn Museum. You’ll also gain experience with real-world projects through your design practicum.
Our faculty stand out among arts colleges for their industry experience, diversity, creative endeavors and research contributions, giving you the benefit of all their knowledge in small classes with 12 to 15 students.
Depending on your concentration, you’ll have access to WSSU’s own top-quality computer lab and printing studio, both located on campus. Your bachelor’s degree in arts will also give you experience using professional materials and tools in real-world environments like studios, labs, museums and galleries here in the Piedmont Triad and across the country.
Many WSSU art degree students go on to earn their Master of Arts or Master of Fine Art. Our alumni have successfully placed in graduate schools such as:
Your Winston-Salem State education will prepare you for a broad array of jobs with an art degree, including:
WSSU bachelor’s degree in arts alumni typically see entry-level annual earnings of $30,000–$50,000.
Your art degree courses will give you a comprehensive education that prepares you for graduate school or jobs with an art degree. As one of the top HBCU arts colleges in the U.S., WSSU ensures you receive in-depth knowledge in courses such as Introduction to Computer Art and Design, Art History and African-American Art.
In addition to your 15 semester hours in foundational courses, you’ll choose four courses from electives in the studio art or computer graphics concentrations.
Finally, every senior art major showcases their unique artwork during the Senior Exhibit at the Diggs Gallery. This gives you firsthand experience in creating materials to promote your work, participating in a professional exhibition and hosting a reception.
View the full art degree program requirements and course catalog.
Student Life at WSSU |
Financial Aid and Scholarships |
Support and Resources Available to You |
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Winston-Salem State gives you a distinctive HBCU experience with a like-minded community. You’ll enjoy art exhibitions on campus, colloquia guest speaker artists and opportunities to network with American Institute of Graphic Arts students and professional groups. |
WSSU’s bachelor’s degree in arts offers you affordability and excellent value compared to other North Carolina arts colleges. Our graduates who attain jobs with an art degree often report back their good return on investment relative to the cost of their degree. You also can apply for a variety of scholarships — our network even includes scholarships specifically for workshops, as well as paid internships. Learn more about paying for college and Winston-Salem State’s financial aid options. |
Every WSSU student receives personalized guidance from an advising mentor who will help you in your academic and career journeys. Learn more about the Department of Art + Visual Studies. Learn more about the College of Arts, Sciences, Business and Education. |
Learning from some of the best professors in the country paved the way for my future. My professors fostered a positive space for their students to learn and gain the knowledge we would need in the real world.
Winston-Salem State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Winston-Salem State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500 or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website .
