Overview

The Visual Studies programme at Temple University offers a contemporary, interdisciplinary approach to the study of visual culture and vision. This undergraduate degree is designed to bridge the gap between creative making and critical academic inquiry. Students engage deeply with the methods and effects of visuality while developing their own artistic voices within a world-class research institution.

Why Visual Studies at Temple University?

Students at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture benefit from an intimate art school environment supported by the extensive resources of a large research university. The curriculum is structured around four central themes: identities, narratives, sites, and global citizenship. These thematic lenses allow learners to interrogate the power of images in the 21st century and explore how visual culture can foster social justice. Additionally, the vibrant arts scene of Philadelphia serves as an extended classroom, providing students with direct access to professional innovations and historical collections.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 35232 per year
National fee: USD 35232 per year
Local fee: USD 19608 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum begins with a multidisciplinary foundations year, followed by specialised studio seminars and academic electives. Modules may include:

Drawing
2D Principles
3D Principles
Digital Imaging
Visual Studies: History, Theory, Practice
Arts of the World
Socially Engaged Arts Practices in Communities
Art Career Workshop
Senior Thesis

Careers with Visual Studies

Graduates are equipped with versatile technical skills and the ability to solve complex problems, making them highly competitive in the modern workforce. The programme prepares students for a variety of professional roles within the arts and cultural sectors. Potential career paths include:

Arts administrator or arts management
Curator or museum educator
Exhibition designer
Gallery director

The university provides dedicated career coaching through the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, offering mentorship on portfolio development, interview techniques, and internship placement. Students have previously secured internships in artist studios, marketing departments, and non-profit organisations such as The Clay Studio.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Visual Studies 1: Interdisciplinary Studio Seminar

Visual Studies 1 Foundation: Drawing

Visual Studies 1 Foundation: 3D

Visual Studies 1 Foundation: Composition and Color

Visual Studies 1 Foundation: Digital Imaging

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

122 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts View 1638 other Bachelors in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

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

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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

National Students

Self-Report High School Transcript

International Students

Temple's online application or online Common Application or Paper application to submit by mail

Official High School or University Transcripts with English Translations

Standardized Tests (SAT, ACT, TOEFL iBT, IELTS or PTE)

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

35232 USD / year

≈ 35232 USD / year
Out-of-State

35232 USD / year

≈ 35232 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19608 USD / year

≈ 19608 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

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Visual Studies.

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

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