Introduction to the Major
The Art Practice(link is external) major provides technical and conceptual training in most traditional and new media: painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture (wood, metal, ceramic, and mixed media), digital photography, installation, performance, social practice, video, sound, and selected classes in animation, game design, and comics. Art Practice majors are expected to round out the required studio courses with Art History and theory classes.
The Art Practice Department seeks to graduate students who demonstrate an original vision in their approach to practice, form, and content and who have the potential for significant artistic and cultural impact.
Coursework in Art Practice
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Studio practice courses with frequent feedback foster a supportive and responsive community, creative momentum, and collaborative thinking.
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Great student/faculty ratios allow for individual attention and support.
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Art history, theory and innovation courses complement studio courses.
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Most upper division studio courses involve exhibiting work and considering questions of audience, distribution, context, site, and timing.
Amplify Your Major
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Gain experience in art exhibitions, galleries, and libraries with the Art Practice Internship Program(link is external)
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Join CREATE(link is external) and serve as an arts teacher to local schools and community organizations.
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Attend the artist lecture series(link is external) to hear from artists visiting Berkeley.
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Apply to the Art Practice Honors Studio(link is external), a shared studio space for Art Practice Major seniors doing outstanding work.
Jobs and Employers
- Animator
- Art Archivist
- Art Director
- Art Educator
- Artist
- Art Preparator
- Art Consultant
- Art Therapist
- Ceramicist
- Creative Director
- Computer Graphics Artist
- Exhibition Designer
- Gallerist
- Graphic Designer
- Graphic Artist
- Graphic Novel Artist
- Illustrator
- Media Strategist
- Museum Curator
- Painter
- Performance Artist
- Photographer
- Printer
- Product Designer
- Public Art Administration
- Sculptor
- Studio Fabricator
- UI/UX Designer
- Video Producer
- Web Designer
- XR Designer
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House(link is external) in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation(link is external) program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit art.berkeley.edu(link is external) for news and updates.
Advising
Onisha Barham
Student Services Advisor
345 Anthropology & Art Practice Building
obarham@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
Advising Hours:
See Onisha’s staff page on the Art Practice website(link is external) for up-to-date scheduling information.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
