University of South Carolina School of Visual Art and Design

The Department of Art in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina encompasses four major areas of study and research—Art Education, Art History, Media Arts, and Studio Art.

Our talented students draw, paint, sculpt, illustrate, and create ceramic art, comics, films, graphic designs, graphic novels, photographs, prints, videos, multi-media art, and more. They pursue research in art history and art education, and teach the next generation of creators in South Carolina’s schools, as they pursue the BA, BFA, MA, MAT, and MFA degrees, in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. After graduation they go on to careers in film, video, graphic design, as art teachers, in museum work, as practicing artists and working professionals in many fields, or further their education in graduate programs across the country and internationally. Our superb faculty, supported by an excellent professional staff, works closely and individually with our students, as educators and mentors. The Art Department faculty includes 36 members possessing terminal degrees in their fields: 21 MFAs and 15 PhDs. All are dedicated teachers and accomplished professionals with national reputations and connections in their fields.

We are located in historic McMaster College, at the corner of Senate and Pickens Street, on the beautiful campus of the University of South Carolina, in the capital city of Columbia. Our building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated and enlarged in the 1990s into an 85,000-square-foot facility specifically for the study and creation of the visual arts.

We welcome you to visit us anytime, and thank you for your interest in our programs.