Bachelor of Visual Studies at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia

University Rank:#721

The Visual Studies at Temple University is a Bachelor program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 28, 2027.

About Bachelor of Visual Studies

Explore the role of visual culture today with the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. Visual Studies is a contemporary interdisciplinary field of inquiry grounded in analyzing the methods and effects of visuality, vision, and visual culture."¯This 122-credit undergraduate degree program"¯trains students to understand and articulate the latter through both studio practice (making) and critical thinking (academic research and writing)."¯

Students interrogate historical and contemporary understandings of the power of the image and its significance for the global community alongside Tyler's faculty of award-winning multidisciplinary artists, art historians and designers as well as the broader Temple faculty.

They create and examine visual culture in each year of study through four major themes. These themes are identities, narratives, sites and global citizenship and act as the lenses through which students learn.

Your intellectual, creative and practical skills will mature in relationship to guiding questions such as the following.

What kind of image is most powerful in the 21st century?
How do we visually communicate what we value?
How can visual culture foster social justice?
How can we be creative in ways that improve our own lives and the lives of others?

Visual Studies majors get the best of both worlds by earning half of their credits in Tyler's studio art classes and half exploring a broad menu of courses in anthropology, art history, film and media studies, psychology, and more. The program's culminating event is a semesterlong senior thesis research project (written or studio-based) that you'll present in a public exhibition.

The Visual Studies bachelor's program teaches students how to be strong researchers and writers with an interdisciplinary perspective while supporting their growth as artists. The program is ideal for students who want to capitalize on the resources of both an excellent, intimate art school and a large research university to develop skills as makers and thinkers. Philadelphia's vibrant arts scene serves as an extension of the classroom, where students can absorb the latest practices and innovations.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Visual Studies at Temple University

Entry Requirements

1. Official high school and/or university transcripts with English translations (required)

Your application must include all official and original academic records from any school: secondary high school, college, or university you have ever attended.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is four years, Temple University reviews grades 9-11 as well as your current progress in 12th grade (term/quarter/semester/predicted) or your final transcript if you completed high school.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is only three years, we strongly recommend you submit the final year of your middle school as well.

2. Test options

First-year Applicants

Option 1: Apply without standardized testing

At Temple University we are pleased to offer applicants a test-optional solution for submitting their application. Test-optional means that you are not required to submit ACT or SAT for admission consideration and is typically chosen by students who feel their test scores do not accurately reflect their academic abilities or who were not able to take SAT or ACT tests due to circumstances outside of their control.

Applicants who choose this option are equally eligible to receive merit scholarships.

Option 2: Apply with standardized testing. Submit official SAT or ACT results. These must be sent officially from the testing agency.

Unsure about whether or not to submit testing? Contact [email protected].

All applicants, regardless of which option they choose, should review the English language proficiency test scores section to determine whether they are required to submit English language proficiency scores to support their application.

Transfer Applicants

If you have at least 15 college-level credits, SAT/ACT scores (or other standardized tests) are usually not required for transfer admission unless our Admissions Office specifically requests them.

Please note that proof of high school graduation may be required and English language proficiency test scores may be required.

The average GPA for incoming fall 2022 transfer students was 3.21. All applicants are reviewed for admission but we prefer that students have a 2.50 or higher GPA.

3. Letters of Recommendation (optional)

If you submit letters of recommendation, please request letters from individuals, such as a high school teacher or advisor, who can speak to your academic abilities and accomplishments. Please send no more than two letters to [email protected] or through the Common Application.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Visual Studies

Every year, Tyler students benefit from exposure to scores of artists, scholars, architects, designers and professionals who are at the top of their fields. Students meet with these inspiring individuals through lectures, class visits, demonstrations and more–including three diverse lecture series and two major speaker programs, the Jack Wolgin Visiting Artist Program and the Knowles Architecture Alumni Lecture. Learn more about our programs for visiting artists, designers and scholars.

Visual Studies Major students have found internships in a variety of settings, from artist studios to event planning and production companies, arts centers, marketing departments, apparel-makers and nonprofit organizations such as The Clay Studio in Philadelphia.

Students connect with a plethora of arts projects, programs, studios, workshops, design firms, art centers and collections through internships, residencies and other opportunities listed in Tyler's biweekly newsletter, The WHAT.

Pursuing a degree in the visual arts will teach you how to be a dynamic thinker and problem solver–two of the most valued skills that today's employers seek in new hires. Arts programs teach creative ways of seeing, thinking and making. Students learn versatility and technical skills while becoming adept in traditional practice and new technologies. Graduates are prepared to enter a competitive workforce and apply their knowledge and creativity to tackle society's toughest challenges.

Graduates of the Visual Studies BA are prepared for a breadth of career paths and are set up for success as a creative professional. Career opportunities include the following.

Arts administrator or arts management
Curator or museum educator
Exhibition designer or gallery director

Tyler career coaches specialize in the types of jobs available in the arts and built environment, mentoring students on everything from cover letters, to interviews, to career advice.

Temple's Career Center"¯is another resource that empowers students to find pathways to future success. The Career Center offers comprehensive career development services, from rÃ©sumÃ©s and interviews, to finding internships and jobs.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Visual Studies at Temple University

Application Fee 55

How to Apply for Bachelor of Visual Studies at Temple University

1. Make an application plan.

If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

2. Apply using the Common Application.

Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.

Bachelor of Visual Studies at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia