Imaginative. Impactful. Interdisciplinary.

Program Overview

The Studio Arts program in the Patti & Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance provides students with a comprehensive studio experience that includes both traditional and technology‑based approaches to artmaking. The curriculum emphasizes creative development, technical proficiency, and critical thinking across a broad range of media. We offer a BA in Studio Arts and Technology and a BFA in Integrated Studio Arts which serve very different student goals.

BA in Studio Arts and Technology is designed for students who want to combine studio art with technology, media, or another academic field. It intentionally leaves room for interdisciplinary study and experimentation across disciplines such as digital media, robotics, photography, video, interactive art, and traditional studio practices.

BFA in Integrated Studio Arts is Purdue’s professional fine arts degree, intended for students who want deep, sustained immersion in studio practice and plan to identify primarily as artists. The program emphasizes conceptual development, material mastery, and professional exhibition experience.

Side-by-Side Summary (click here for accessible text alternative)

Data Table comparing two degree programs
Feature	BA Studio Arts & Technology	BFA Integrated Studio Arts
Degree type	Liberal Arts	Professional Fine Arts
Portfolio required	No	Yes
Studio intensity	Moderate	High
Credit flexibility	High	Low
Double major friendly	Yes	Rare
Focus	Art + technology + interdisciplinarity	Studio mastery + professional practice
Typical outcomes	Creative tech, media, interdisciplinary careers	MFA, galleries, professional artist paths

ISA BFA | 2D Extended Media

Drawing | Painting | Printing

Painting, Printmaking, Drawing, and Hybrid Artmaking. This interdisciplinary concentration brings together contemporary art, traditional and cutting-edge technologies and critical thought, giving students skills to imagine and create meaningful artwork with cultural impact.

ISA BFA | Art, Culture & Technology

Electronic and Time Based Art | Photography

Photography, Video, Physical Computing, New Media Culture. This interdisciplinary concentration brings together contemporary art, cutting-edge technologies and critical thought, giving students skills to imagine and create artifacts with cultural impact.

ISA BFA | Craft & Material Studies

Ceramics | Jewelry & Metals | Sculpture | Textile

Metals, Ceramics, Textiles, and Sculpture. This interdisciplinary concentration brings together the ability to work with a multitude of materials, combining contemporary art and critical thought with traditional and cutting-edge technologies, giving students the solid skills required to both imagine and create meaningful artwork with cultural impact.