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Visual Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies

Explore the role of visual culture today with the泭Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies from the at 51勛圖厙. Visual Studies is a contemporary interdisciplinary field of inquiry grounded in analyzing the methods and effects of visuality, vision, and visual culture.狼his 122-credit undergraduate degree program眩rains students to understand and articulate the latter through both studio practice (making) and critical thinking (academic research and writing).羔

Students interrogate historical and contemporary understandings of the power of the image and its significance for the global community alongside 啦聆梭梗娶s faculty of award-winning multidisciplinary artists, art historians and designers as well as the broader 51勛圖厙 faculty.泭

They create泭and examine visual culture in each year of study through four major themes. These themes are identities, narratives, sites泭and global citizenship and act泭as the lenses through which students learn.泭

Your intellectual, creative and practical skills will mature in relationship to guiding questions such as the following.泭泭

  • What kind of image is most powerful in the 21st century?泭
  • How do we visually communicate what we value?泭
  • How can visual culture foster social justice?泭
  • How can we be creative in ways that improve our own lives and the lives of others?泭

Visual Studies majors get the best of both worlds by earning half of their credits in 啦聆梭梗娶s studio art classes and half exploring a broad menu of courses in anthropology, art history, film and media studies, psychology, and more. The programs culminating event is a semesterlong senior thesis research project (written or studio-based) that youll present in a public exhibition. 泭

The Visual Studies bachelors program teaches students how to be strong researchers and writers with an interdisciplinary perspective while supporting their growth as artists. The program is ideal for students who want to capitalize on the resources of both an excellent, intimate art school and a large research university to develop skills as makers and thinkers. Philadelphias vibrant arts scene serves as an extension of the classroom, where students can absorb the latest practices and innovations.

    Foundations Program

    Foundations

    All undergraduate first-year students at Tyler begin with a yearlong immersion in our foundations program. Foundations is a multidisciplinary curriculum through which students gain knowledge in essential concepts and theories,泭established principles and practices,泭and time-honored skills and techniques in the study of art, design and the built environment. Students develop a global understanding of artistic traditions and the role of art and design in society before choosing a major in their second year at Tyler.

    In the art programs, including graphic and interactive design, students begin with focused study of drawing, 2D design and 3D design. They explore diverse materials, processes and perspectivesfrom the traditional and low-tech to the innovative and experimental. This bachelors degree泭program is highly structured and intensive, and imparts fundamental studio practices for all visual art. Through the foundations coursework, students gain an academic grounding in the forms, techniques, styles, subjects and symbolism represented in art, architecture and design. Faculty members from across the art and design areas teach the foundations courses, assuring a broad range of experience and diverse viewpoints.

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    Classes & Curriculum泭泭

    Take foundational courses in drawing, 2D and 3D art principles as well as digital imaging. Explore the history of art from primordial to medieval times through the 21st century.泭泭

    Required studio courses include thematic seminars on personal identities, construction of narratives, site and place in art-making, and the components of global citizenship. Academic requirements include foreign language study泭such as French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Latin, Arabic or Ancient Greek. Students can complete nearly half of their coursework with non-studio electives.泭

    Examples of coursework for the Visual Studies Major program include the following classes.泭

    • Analytical Reading and Writing泭
    • Arts of the World I: Prehistoric to 1300泭
    • Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good泭
    • Introduction to Visual Studies: History, Theory, Practice泭
    • Visual Studies Seminar: Identities泭泭

    Learn more about the coursework for the泭Visual Studies Major.

    Related Graduate Degrees泭泭

    Earn a Minor

    Visual Studies Major students are required to fulfill a minimum of 21 credits from traditionally academic disciplines of their choice. Many students take this opportunity to earn a minor in their secondary interest, which can inform and enrich their studio practice.

    A masked Tyler student holds a phone as they stand in front of their work in a gallery.

    Photo by Tyler School of Art and Architecture

    Tuition & Fees

    In keeping with 51勛圖厙s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

    are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

    These tuition costs apply to the 20252026 academic year.

    Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
    Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

    Our Academic Advisors

    啦聆梭梗娶s offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. The academic advisors help you chart your course through your degree program and major, and ensure you are on a clear educational path.泭

    Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university.泭

    Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the teams during regular business hours, 8 a.m.5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

    Academic Advising Office泭
    Tyler 212 泭
    2001 N. 13th St.泭
    Philadelphia, PA 19122

    Program Contact

    For more information about the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies program, please contact the following faculty member.

    Leah Modigliani is an assistant professor and the head of the visual studies program.泭
    Phone: 215-777-9170泭
    Email: 泭

    Student Clubs & Organizations

    Joining a student organization can enrich your coursework, help you build meaningful networks with peers and gain leadership experience. Below are examples of student clubs and organizations that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally.泭

    • is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization. AIAS provides unmatched programs, information and resources on issues critical to architectural education. 泭
    • at 51勛圖厙 serves minority architecture students, enhancing their educational experience by providing them with ample opportunities to explore facets of design and community-building outside of the classroom. 泭
    • at 51勛圖厙s Ambler Campus works to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, education and fellowship.泭

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    Study Away

    Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs.泭

    Programs to study in ,泭泭and Venice are offered throughout the year.泭

    For a half-century, has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the Eternal City is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.泭泭

    51勛圖厙 Japan offers a . Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus.泭

    The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions.泭
    Email: 泭
    Phone: 215-204-0720

    Accreditation

    Tyler School of Art and Architectures degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.泭

    • 泭
    • 泭

    Tyler School of Art and Architectures architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.泭

    • 泭(Master of Architecture)
    • 泭(Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture)
    • 泭(Master of Science in City and Regional Planning)
    • 泭(Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management)

    Additional Program Information