Certificate in Studio Art
Hours: 12 On-Campus
About
The Certificate in Studio Art at Fort Hays State University offers a dynamic opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their creative skills, whether they are art majors or students from other fields. This certificate delivers hands-on training in a variety of studio practices, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics. Participants build technical proficiency and develop their own artistic voice.
Designed with flexibility, the certificate accommodates a wide range of creative goals. Art majors can broaden their experience by exploring new mediums that complement their core studies, while non-majors can engage in a structured and meaningful exploration of the visual arts.
No portfolio is required for admission, making this certificate accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Why pursue a Certificate in Studio Art at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Studio Art offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about the visual arts, blending hands-on practice with creative exploration. The certificate features a well-rounded curriculum that introduces students to various artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics.
One of the certificate’s key strengths is its focus on practical learning and flexibility. Designed to complement any major, it allows students to integrate artistic practice into their academic or professional pursuits. Whether seeking personal enrichment or aiming to expand creative skills, participants gain a strong foundation in studio art through immersive, skill-building experiences.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is ideal for students and professionals passionate about developing their creative abilities and deepening their understanding of the visual arts. It is especially well-suited for individuals who:
- Art and design majors looking to specialize further in a specific medium
- Non-majors interested in gaining practical art skills
- Professionals in creative industries seeking to enhance their artistic abilities
- Students aiming to integrate artistic practices into their primary field of study
- Individuals seeking personal enrichment through the exploration of the arts
Real-World Applications
The certificate provides valuable real-world applications for students and professionals looking to expand their creative skill set. Whether enhancing a professional portfolio or incorporating artistic techniques into an existing career, participants gain hands-on experience in drawing, painting, and sculpture. These skills are directly applicable to a variety of fields, including both traditional and non-traditional art-related areas such as education, museum studies, and more.
Beyond conventional art careers, the certificate cultivates highly valued abilities in innovation-driven industries. Skills like visualizing complex ideas and communicating concepts clearly are essential in fields such as product design, marketing, and scientific research. By balancing technical proficiency with creative exploration, the certificate prepares students to confidently apply their artistic expertise across a wide range of professional settings.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The Certificate in Studio Art offers a forward-thinking curriculum that evolves alongside current trends and technological advancements, ensuring students gain experience with modern tools and materials. This approach equips them with relevant and competitive skills in today’s fast-changing creative industries.
In addition to technical training, the certificate emphasizes engagement with contemporary artistic movements. Students are exposed to traditional techniques and innovative approaches to artmaking, preparing them to adapt to the evolving demands of the art and design fields.
Hands-on Activities
Hands-on experience is central to this certificate. Students work directly with a variety of media and techniques, learning through practice in well-equipped studio spaces. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, featuring project-based courses that enable students to apply their skills in meaningful, tangible ways. Whether working independently or collaborating with peers, students deepen their understanding of the creative process while honing their technical abilities.
Beyond studio practice, students have opportunities to participate in exhibitions and showcase their work publicly. These experiences enrich their learning and provide valuable real-world feedback. By combining practical studio instruction with public engagement, the certificate ensures students have a portfolio reflecting their personal growth and creative development.
What You’ll Learn:
- Techniques in areas such as printmaking, drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture
- Development of personal artistic concepts
- Greater proficiency in a chosen studio area
How You’ll Learn:
- Hands-on studio work
- Exploration of various mediums
- Individual study opportunities
- Technique development in traditional and modern art forms
- Faculty-guided projects
The Certificate in Studio Art covers essential areas like drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics, giving students a solid foundation across artistic disciplines. Courses build progressively, starting with fundamentals and advancing to more complex techniques and concept-driven work. This structure supports both technical skill and creative growth.
ART 310: Figure Drawing
Observational drawing is explored using human figures.
ART 410: Drawing III
Developing additional competence in drawing.
ART 615: Problems: Drawing I
Individual study for a major concentration in drawing.
Discover the full Certificate in Studio Art course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Professionals who complete the certificate are well-equipped for a range of creative careers that demand both technical skill and innovative thinking. Its comprehensive training across multiple artistic disciplines provides practical abilities and conceptual insights essential for success in diverse professional roles.
Art Educator
Art educators benefit from the Certificate in Studio Art’s strong foundation in drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics, preparing them to teach various subjects in schools or community settings.
Fine Artist
Fine artists create original works for exhibitions, galleries, and private collectors. With a focus on technical proficiency and cohesive artistic vision, the certificate supports the development of personal style and effective visual communication across diverse media.
Museum or Gallery Curator
Curators manage collections, organize exhibitions, and develop educational programs within museums or galleries. Their ability to critically assess artworks and communicate their significance will be essential in this profession.
Art Conservator
Art conservators work to preserve and restore artworks, ensuring they are maintained for future generations. Hands-on experience in creating and handling art provides a solid understanding of the challenges involved in art conservation, preparing students to manage delicate restoration projects skillfully.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,444.76* (on-campus) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Students interested in the Certificate in Studio Art are encouraged to explore related programs at Fort Hays State University. These options offer additional opportunities to build specialized skills and deepen knowledge that complement the certificate experience.
- B.A./BFA in Art (Studio Art: Drawing-Painting)
- Certificate in Basic Graphic Design
- B.A./BFA in Art (Education)
- Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media)
This certificate can significantly enhance the creative and practical skills applicable to graduates' primary field of study, broadening their career opportunities.
Yes, specific courses may require materials such as sketchbooks, paints, or clay, which your instructors will outline at the start of each course.
The certificate requires 12 credit hours, which can typically be completed within one academic year if pursued full-time.
No portfolio is required for admission, making the certificate accessible to all students, regardless of their previous experience in the arts.
Yes, the Certificate in Studio Art is flexible and accessible, allowing non-art majors to explore their interests in the arts alongside their primary studies.
Information about the School of Visual and Performing Arts
The School of Visual and Performing Arts at FHSU inspires creativity within a supportive and passionate community. Each program in Art and Design, along with Music and Theatre, offers students the opportunity to develop their talents and prepare for rewarding careers in the arts. Whether students aspire to create visual masterpieces, perform on stage, or educate the next generation, expert faculty provide hands-on learning experiences that both inspire and challenge.
With access to state-of-the-art facilities and personalized mentorship, students gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen fields. From local exhibitions and major performances to internships and professional development opportunities, these programs equip students with the tools to make a lasting impact in the world of visual and performing arts.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA): Connect with industry professionals and fellow graphic design students, attend conferences, and expand your network.
- Arts for Social Change: Use art as a catalyst for positive social change through lectures, workshops, and public events.
- Ceramica Clay Club (CCC): Participate in ceramic workshops, art events, and interdisciplinary projects that spread art into the community.
- FHSU Theater: Dive into acting, writing, and directing through performances and peer education programs.
- Fe Sculpture Club: Explore metalworking and host art events both on campus and in the community.
- Interior Design Student Organization (IDSA): Prepare for a career in interior design through networking, field trips, and professional development.
- Creative Arts Society (CAS): Enhance diversity and culture through guest-artist lectures, workshops, and community art projects.
- Collaborative Art Project (CAP): The Collaborative Art Project is a partnership between Amy Schmierbach, professor of art at Fort Hays State University, FHSU students, and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK). Schmierbach and the students lead workshops for DSNWK individuals, offering structured art experiences focused on weaving, drawing, and photography. The project aims to expand access to the arts within the Hays community, creating more opportunities for individuals to engage with and benefit from artistic expression.
- Art Eaters Art History Club: The Art Eaters Art History Club is a community dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of art across cultures and throughout history. Open to all students regardless of experience, the club offers opportunities to explore art movements, artists, and various forms through lectures, gallery visits, workshops, and discussions. With a mission to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for the arts, the club also connects members with influential figures in the art world and helps develop valuable skills such as curation. Through collaboration and dialogue, the club cultivates a deeper understanding of art’s cultural significance.
- Tiger Marching Band: This group is open to all students who enjoy marching band and want to be a part of the Tiger Marching Band tradition.
- Pep Band: The FHSU pep band provides musical entertainment for FHSU Basketball games. Open to all students.
- Collegiate National Association for Music Education (CNAfME): This student organization is dedicated to developing music education professionals, including workshops, training, field experiences, and annual participation in the Kansas Music Educators Association state conference in Wichita.
- Student National Association of Teachers of Singing (S-NATS): Vocalists participate in workshops, training, and attendance at the regional NATS workshop and competition each fall.
- Music Theatre: Participate in a fully realized stage production produced each year, from a stage role to back-stage positions and technical support.
- Certificate
- Bachelor's
- On-Campus
- Hybrid
