Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Interdisciplinary Studio Arts (BFA)

Create Art Without Limits—Shape Your Own Path

The Interdisciplinary Studio Arts B.F.A. at Youngstown State University is your chance to create without limits. Love ceramics, digital art, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture? At YSU, you can mix them all and build something totally your own.

 

You won’t just make art, you’ll learn how to think like a creative professional. With tons of hands-on experience, you’ll grow your technical skills while developing your own unique voice. A built-in business minor, plus opportunities for additional certifications, gives you the tools to turn your creativity into a sustainable career.

 

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to create, adapt, and stand out—whether that’s in the art world or any creative career path.

Speak to a Faculty Member

Joy Christiansen Erb

Department Chair & Professor

jchristiansenerb@ysu.edu

 

Interdisciplinary Art graduate, Lauren Barrett, standing in front of her artwork during the Spring 2026 Graduating BFA Exhibition

“This program isn’t competition; it is collaboration, creative thinking, and gaining technical and soft skills.”

-Lauren Barrett, B.F.A., 2026

Our studio areas

All students gain experience in each discipline, with the freedom to dive deeper into any concentration.

CERAMICS

YSU’s Ceramics area offers one of the largest facilities in the state, with open studio hours seven days a week.
Learn more about Ceramics at YSU

Digital Media

Artistic storytelling without boundaries.
Learn more about Digital Media at YSU

Painting

Challenge yourself as a creator with support from incredible faculty and connection to a vibrant artistic community.
Learn more about Painting at YSU

Photography

Explore photography as both an art form and a professional practice through hands-on experiences.
Learn more about Photography at YSU

Printmaking

Learn one of the most ancient, and yet still relevant and innovative, forms of art and communication.
Learn more about Printmaking at YSU

Sculpture

Become skilled in the traditional: molten metal, carved wood, and molded clay, while experimenting with 3D digital production.
Learn more about Sculpture at YSU

Graduate with the business skills for success

YSU’s Interdisciplinary Studio Arts degree gives you a professional advantage to launch your artistic career. 

  • A built-in business or social media minor allows you to gain competitive skills without any added time to complete your degree.
  • Choose between a community engagement, museum, or studio internship
  • Learn how to sustain your artistic career through our Professional Preparedness / Artist Business Practices course.

More tools for your artistic toolbox: Certificates in YSU's Department of Art

STUDENT VOICES: YSU DEPARTMENT OF ART

YSU Art students explain their work and experiences, in their own words.

Get in touch

872 Arch Ave.
Chaska, Palo Alto, CA 55318
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ph: +1.123.434.965

Work inquiries

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ph: +1.321.989.645