Bachelor in Fine/Studio Arts (Bachelor's)

At Messiah University, tuition is Tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is $38,500 per year., and the deadline to apply for the Jan 2027 intake is Nov 1, 2026.

This programme is designed for creative high school graduates seeking a faith-based education in visual arts. Students develop technical and conceptual skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media. The curriculum emphasizes studio practice, critical thinking, and personal artistic expression within a Christian academic environment. Graduates are prepared for careers in art, design, and further study in graduate programs.

Focus areas include graphic design and digital art, three-dimensional studies, two-dimensional studies.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees require a total of 120 credits. The B.A. includes liberal arts coursework with studio concentration, while the B.F.A. emphasizes intensive studio practice and theory. Both degrees include a capstone senior art exhibition.

Graduates work as graphic designers, illustrators, art teachers, studio artists, and museum professionals, or pursue advanced study in art and design.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Submission of a portfolio is required. Official transcripts and standardized test scores are considered. Application materials include a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. on-campus, full-time, four-year programme. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 78% of applicants.

Messiah University’s identity is rooted in Christian community and the conviction that faith should shape academic and student life. Its motto, “Christ Preeminent,” guides the university’s approach to education, with values that include sharpening intellect, deepening Christian faith and inspiring action. The institution has grown into a private university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, serving 3,454 undergraduate and graduate students.

Academic options span more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs, with over 150 undergraduate and pre-professional degree options and more than 20 graduate degree and certificate programs. Areas of study are organized across interests and career fields. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program connects classroom learning, clinical expertise, scholarship and professional development. Faculty research and continuing education also extend into international clinical communities, including advanced manual therapy teaching in Rome.

The university’s 375-acre campus is in Mechanicsburg, in central Pennsylvania, and provides an active residential setting shaped by Christian community. Average class size is 20, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. International students should expect faith to be integrated into academic programs and daily experience, alongside opportunities for service, athletics and campus involvement. Students come from 33 states and 23 countries, adding an international dimension to campus life.