The Department of Arts and Media

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A degree or a concentration in the arts develops and deepens your artistic interest and your ability to express your concepts and ideas. You can focus on fine or graphic arts, performing arts, creative writing, digital and media arts, art history, or arts management while you explore historical and cultural context, theoretical and philosophical issues, and current perspectives related to art.

Why earn a degree in the arts?

Students who study the arts can:

  • Increase their skills and techniques as fine/visual or performing artists
  • Prepare for graduate school
  • Advance in their current occupations in the arts world
  • Teach
  • Work in museums or galleries
  • Become a graphic designer
  • Work in digital arts
  • Work in media
  • Work in film
  • Become an art therapist
  • Manage arts organizations
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Your studies will refine your research skills, artistic technique, and ability to form and communicate ideas, images, and critical judgments. Together with your faculty mentor, you'll create a degree program that meets your specific interests and goals.

Degrees Available

As a regionally accredited university of the State University of New York, SUNY Empire offers the following degrees:

  • Associate of Arts
  • Associate of Science
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Professional Studies

Nondegree Students

Taking individual courses as a nondegree student is possible and will offer you the same range of courses and rigorous standards as degree-seeking undergraduate students. Even if you’re not pursuing a degree, you can take courses to prepare for university-level study, stay current in your field, or improve your job skills.