An artist painting with a brush on a canvas.

Fine Arts degrees at St. Ambrose University

Earn a Fine Arts degree from SAU

Our on-campus BA degrees in art and music are designed to align with your career goals. These programs offer engaging coursework and a close-knit, supportive community.

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What is a Fine Arts degree?

A Fine Arts degree from SAU offers an individualized hands-on approach to strengthening your artistic skills as mentorship cultivates your growth. Graduate with an artistic perspective, practical experience and a network for your arts career.

Discover your SAU Fine Arts degree program

Grow your talents in visual arts or music with an SAU Fine Arts degree while working with mentors and creating a network. Develop practical skills, shape your creativity and build a fulfilling career.

Bachelor's degrees in Art

Focus on Graphic Design, Painting, Art Therapy, Print and Book or Art History as you pursue a bachelor's degree in art. Develop specific skills, gain in-depth knowledge and align your education with your career goals.

Explore SAU's bachelor's degrees in Art
BA in Music

The BA in Music program is designed for those passionate about performance, composition and the music industry. Work closely with faculty to craft a personalized curriculum and hands-on experiences to help you reach your goals.

Explore SAU's BA in Music program

Reduce your tuition by up to $6k

Students of any major who participate in musical ensembles may be eligible for a music scholarship in addition to SAU's merit-based scholarships.

Explore Fine Arts degree scholarships

St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Accreditation and recognition provide the assurance we meet standards for quality faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability.

Learn about SAU’s accreditations

Why earn a Fine Arts degree from SAU?

You’ll explore your artistic potential with supportive faculty, smaller class sizes and safe spaces to experiment. Tailored programs and hands-on learning empower you to hone skills, refine your artistic voice and shape a meaningful career.

SAU's tailored fine art programs

Personalized programs in visual arts and music, allowing focus on specific interests.

Industry-aligned fine art curriculum

Curriculum designed to align with the expectations of employers who need visual art and musical skills.

Fine arts facilities

Refine and showcase your fine arts skills in fully equipped studios, galleries, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces.

Build a portfolio: Theory and practice

Build a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your creative talent and expertise.

Join the fine arts community at St. Ambrose

At St. Ambrose, you'll find your place in our fine arts community. Join one of our many choirs, bands, or theatre ensembles, or build community in the halls of the Galvin Fine Arts Center. Explore the opportunities that await at St. Ambrose.

Explore the fine arts community

Student singing in a choir onstage at St. Ambrose University.

A transformative SAU fine arts journey

"One of the most beneficial experiences from my time at St. Ambrose was the opportunity to prepare and conduct a piece of music for a concert. This real-world experience allowed me to gain confidence in front of an ensemble and develop my conducting abilities."

Skylar DeCamp '20, BA in Music Education

News and events at SAU

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April Discovery Day

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Calvin Hertel stands among canvasses, paints, and other art materials in an art studio at St. Ambrose University.

From the lab to the studio: Calvin Hertel finds his path through art at St. Ambrose

Calvin Hertel ‘25 didn’t enter college expecting to become an artist. What began as a biology major slowly transformed into something more personal.

Fr. Eric Koami '25 smiles into the camera as he sits at the piano in Christ the King Chapel at St. Ambrose University.

“With a Prayerful Heart”: Fr. Eric Koami Kpotor finds purpose through music

When Fr. Eric stepped onto the stage, he was sharing music shaped by prayer, vocation & a lifetime of service.

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Graduate walking in commencement ceremony, smiling.

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Become who you are meant to be

With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University. Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.