Fine Arts | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Fine Arts

Create Art,
Create Community

MCAD’s Fine Arts major prepares students to become engaged artists in a changing world, developing technical skills within a specific medium while working across media through concept-driven courses. Students push traditional boundaries of disciplines, critique work in a cultural context, and explore the artist's role in society. Students acquire skills and knowledge needed to formulate meaningful, sustainable artistic practices as artists within a creative community. Fine Arts majors select a concentration in Drawing and Painting, Sculpture and Expanded Media, or Print Paper Book Arts. Students have access to remarkable instructors and visiting artists, as well as individual studios on campus, open 24/7, allowing for time to explore, experiment, and create.

Student in their studio surrounded by their artwork

Hear about the student experience

As a Fine Arts Studio major, you will:

  • Craft a plan based on your artistic ideas and aspirations.
  • Develop technical skills as an artist through materials-specific coursework within the concentration you select. 
  • Expand your skills across media through an array of intermedia courses and studio electives.
  • Develop the core concepts behind your work through interdisciplinary study.
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Class Highlights

This Bachelor of Fine Arts program emphasizes a collaborative process of working on teams with students from all MCAD majors. Required classes include: 

  • The Body Eclectic
  • Public Art/Art in Public Spaces
  • Remix: Quotation and Appropriation
  • Storytelling: Narrative Studio

After MCAD

There are many paths to explore with a degree in Fine Arts Studio. Potential careers include:

  • Fine Artist
  • Curator
  • Art Therapist
  • Arts Administrator
  • Community Arts Worker

“I started out as a photography major, but I switched to fine arts studio so I could have more freedom with my photography work, incorporating sculptural elements. I felt like my classes allowed for a lot of experimentation.” –Jamie Thomas ’14, Freelance Photographer