Overview

The Visual Studies-Art and Culture of Seeing B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania offers an innovative curriculum designed to bridge the gap between different academic disciplines focused on vision. Students develop a sophisticated understanding of how images function as representations of experience and information in the modern world. This programme encourages a critical awareness of the problems and possibilities inherent in thinking and writing about visual culture.

The curriculum is fundamentally interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from various departments including Philosophy, Psychology, and the History of Art. By engaging with these diverse fields, students gain a comprehensive perspective on the status of artifacts and the mechanics of human perception.

Why Visual Studies-Art and Culture of Seeing at the University of Pennsylvania?

The programme benefits from strong partnerships with the Departments of Fine Arts and Architecture, as well as the Annenberg School of Communications. Students have the unique opportunity to forge connections across the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. This collaborative environment allows for a deep exploration of visual neuroscience, aesthetics, and digital culture within a world-class research institution.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 63204 per year
National fee: USD 63204 per year
Local fee: USD 63204 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Eye, Mind, and Image
Form and Meaning
3 Dimensions: Time and Space
What is Visual Studies?
Perception
Aesthetics
Philosophy of Mind
Renaissance to the Present
Art and Civilization in East Asia

Careers with Visual Studies-Art and Culture of Seeing

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths that require a high level of visual literacy and critical thinking. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree supports careers in gallery and museum management, digital media, and visual communications. By mastering the interpretation of visual artifacts, students are well-equipped for roles in industries where the analysis of imagery and information is essential.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Eye, Mind, and Image

Form and Meaning

What is Visual Studies?

Perception

Visual Neuroscience

The Rise of Image Culture: History and Theories

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts View 1639 other Bachelors in Visual Arts in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Common Application or Coalition Application & Penn-specific Essay

Official High School Transcript

School Report

Counselor Recommendation

Academic Teacher Evaluations (2)

Early Decision Agreement (only if applying for Early Decision)

Mid-Year Report

Final Report

SAT or ACT

English language proficiency

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

63204 USD / year

≈ 63204 USD / year
Out-of-State

63204 USD / year

≈ 63204 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

63204 USD / year

≈ 63204 USD / year

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

1313 - 2284 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Visual Studies-Art and Culture of Seeing.

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

Philadelphia

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners