Why pursue a degree in the visual arts at Cal State Fullerton?
Artists and art historians challenge us to confront social issues, and they present textual and pictorial information in ways that inspire, educate, and entertain. We pride ourselves on being critically demanding and, at the same time, supportive and nurturing. The faculty encourages each student to develop a philosophical and personal direction that will sustain them throughout their artistic careers.
This is an exciting time to join Cal State Fullerton. With the completion of the Visual Arts Modernization Project in 2024, CSUF's visual arts program - the largest in the Cal State system - will be a leader in cutting-edge art education and practice within the CSUs.
What sets Cal State Fullerton’s program apart?
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits Cal State Fullerton. This accreditation speaks volumes about the program, students, instructors, and the caliber and expertise in the discipline.
The faculty brings a diversity of backgrounds, including advanced study from a wide range of institutions, and are award-winning, critically acclaimed, and internationally recognized individuals who make up the core of the faculty.
The department has been active in developing partnerships with corporate and public entities to enhance the educational and career opportunities of our students and alumni. The most developed of these interactions involves numerous companies participating in the department's internship program.
CSUF's students and alumni exhibit their work in international, national, and regional venues. These include museums, commercial galleries, art fairs, university galleries, art and cultural centers, corporate and private collections, film festivals, and online publications.
What exhibition opportunities are available for fine artists?
On campus, there are four student galleries within the Visual Arts Complex. There is also the TSU Gallery in the Titan Student Union, and the Atrium Gallery located in the Pollack Library.
What successes have Cal State Fullerton Alumni achieved after graduation?
Dispersed throughout the nation, CSUF Visual Arts Alumni are succeeding in the pursuit of their dreams. They have established careers as fine and applied artists, professors, teachers, department heads, and directors. Because artists are such great problem solvers, alumni can be found working in surprisingly varied businesses, both arts and non-arts-related.
Alumni are working within arts organizations, commercial exhibition spaces, art libraries, art collections, non-profit organizations, cultural centers, and in arts and entertainment-related industries. They actively exhibit their work in galleries and museums throughout the world and also receive grants, travel, and residency awards.
Many others have created design studios and advertising agencies that employ from among the ranks of current students. Alumni are currently working as animators, concept artists, CG supervisors and lighting directors, character animation directors, storyboard artists, special effects artists, modelers, sculptors, toy designers, character designers, and layout artists in the entertainment/animation industry.
Is there a portfolio requirement for admittance to the Visual Arts department?
Undergraduate Admission
If you are admitted to the university, you are admitted into the Bachelor of Arts program in Studio Art. No portfolio or interview is required.
Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts must successfully
complete ART 103, ART 104, ART 107A, and ART 107B with a minimum
grade of "C" and a combined GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Additional Requirements for Entertainment Art / Animation, Game Art, Animation and Immersive Media, and Illustration:
Students must also complete ART 117 with a grade of "C" or better and submit a portfolio for admission into these areas.
Graduate Admission
Admission to the graduate programs requires a portfolio or written scholarship as appropriate to the field of study.
