Fine Arts

About the fine arts major

Studying fine arts at IU Indianapolis in the Herron School of Art and Design is your first step in building a meaningful and influential career in art and design. You'll study the historical development of art as a social and intellectual phenomenon. You'll also learn about art firsthand with Indianapolis community partners and will find opportunities and resources to bring your artistic concepts to fruition. All majors spend the first year building foundational skills. Fine arts majors include ceramics, drawing and illustration, furniture design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

Skills and abilities the major develops: understanding historical contexts, analysis, fine arts skills, and cultural competency (Herron School of Art and Design, 2019).

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student organizations

Herron’s student organizations will help you build professional and personal relationships within your discipline.

Career services

Guidance from Herron Career Services is tailored to your needs at all levels throughout your journey—including internship and networking with alumni.

Study abroad

Herron's study abroad programs are a powerful way to discover the historical impact of art and design in the world and over time while making memorable friendships.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as average for all occupations. About 5,500 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023).

According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary reported for the art and design graduates was $58,609, and the median salary was $51,000.

The national median annual salary for craft and fine artists $52,910 in 2023 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Fine arts majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:

Art history
Art education
Art therapy
Arts administration
Fine arts
Law
Museum studies
Preservation

Quick facts

Sample coursework

2D media
3D media
Art history
Color concepts
Digital imaging
Drawing
Senior thesis
Studio course

Possible careers

Freelance artist
Gallery curator
Graphic designer
Nonprofit program coordinator
Production artist
Visual arts educator*

*This career requires additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Angi
Education
IU Health
IU Indianapolis
Newfields
Nonprofits

Complementing interests

AArtistic

EEnterprising

SSocial

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

IU Herron School of Art and Design

Herron 126; (317) 278-9400

College Art Association (CAA)

Herron Career Services

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

Schedule an appointment