Overview

The Art programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara provides students with a rigorous humanistic education centred on the diverse practices of the contemporary creative landscape. This curriculum is designed to foster individual aesthetic development while maintaining a critical engagement with modern culture and theory.

Students begin with a core foundation that introduces them to hybrid artistic methods before progressing to advanced, individualised study. The department encourages an open-minded approach to art-making, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for professional practice, further academic research, or roles within the broader cultural sector.

Why Art at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The department boasts exceptional facilities, including a dedicated woodshop, 3D print lab, and metal fabrication centre. Students also benefit from specialised media arts labs, digital image input and output facilities, and traditional studios for painting, drawing, and printmaking.

High-achieving students may be invited into the Departmental Honours Program, which grants them private studio space and the opportunity to host a senior thesis exhibition in the Glass Box Gallery. The university also facilitates unique learning experiences through faculty assistantships, internships, and regular interactions with visiting artists and speakers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14934 per year
National fee: USD 14934 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a broad range of creative disciplines and theoretical studies. Modules may include:

Contemporary Art
Art History
Art Theory
Painting
Drawing
Sculpture
Printmaking
Digital Media
Media Arts

Careers with Art

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a wide variety of roles within the creative industries and beyond. Many alumni pursue careers as practicing fine artists or find success in design, digital media, and education. The degree also provides a strong foundation for work within museums, commercial galleries, and arts-focused non-profit organisations.

The programme has a strong track record of placing students in prestigious graduate schools, including Yale, UCLA, and the Slade London. Employment opportunities are diverse, ranging from positions in private companies to entrepreneurial tracks as independent designers and artists.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Contemporary Art

The Intersections of Art and Life

Contemporary Practice: Image Studies

Painting

Beginning Spatial Practices

Computer Programming in the Arts

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Visual Arts View 808 other Bachelors in Area & Cultural Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The University of California sets slightly different criteria for applicants who are not California residents. If you are an out-of-state applicant, you must meet the same admission requirements as a California resident student.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Out-of-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Art.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Barbara

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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