What you will study
Our Studio Art BFA in Printmaking program curriculum begins with a solid foundation
in fine arts. Study fundamentals like composition, art history, application and diverse cultural contributions of traditional print media. You’ll learn to think critically about what you’re trying to communicate with your
work.
Once you master core competencies, you’ll be encouraged to explore new applications
of printmaking art. Projects in lithography, serigraphy, intaglio and relief printing
will prepare you for advanced study of printmaking techniques and for working with
complex content.
As you build your unique visual language and create a cohesive body of work, you'll
receive technical and creative coaching from our faculty dedicated to fostering innovation and personal expression in contemporary
practice. You might innovate a technique or reimagine a printmaking tradition to make it your
own the way some past students have done with projects like:
- Letterpress-printed promotional materials using custom-made plates
- Screen-printed comics and zines
- Sculptural prints that break artistic boundaries, where a print becomes a building
block for larger installation work
You’ll thrive as an artist and as a student with one-on-one faculty mentorship, a
collaborative artistic environment and small class sizes centered around our students’
needs.
Excellence in Printmaking
- The University of Central Missouri Art and Design program, including the Printmaking
major, has been NASAD-accredited longer than any other public four-year program in
the state.
- A Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for Fine and Studio Arts (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in printmaking art
UCM students have access to the best printmaking technology in the field. Our faculty
will train you in the safe use of the machines in our well-equipped print shop and
letterpress studio. To ensure you can carry your printmaking art skills forward into
your career, you will also learn to exhibit and communicate about your work with confidence.
- Train on professional equipment: Master industry-standard printmaking tools, including a large-format exposure unit,
commercial screenprinting press, etching and lithography presses and letterpress machines.
- Go to Art Camp: Get college credit for summer camp at the University of Central Missouri. Build community
and creativity with our week-long intensive summer art experience.
- Gain professional exhibit experience: Learn how to set up, price, present and promote your work at local and regional art
fairs and print shows. You’ll also learn how to curate and submit work for exhibition
opportunities, including the annual student show for the chance to win recognition
and cash prizes.
What can you do with a Printmaking Art degree from UCM?
Printmaking is a vocation, as well as an artistic discipline. You can expect a strong
career built on your BFA degree from the University of Central Missouri. You will
be poised to enter the job market and establish a career as soon as you graduate.
Printmaking skills are in demand by many industries, including fashion, event management
and retail.
As a BFA Printmaking major, you will graduate with directly marketable skills that
combine aspects of Studio Art, Illustration and Graphic Design into a unique form
of artistic expression with numerous commercial applications.
Your Printmaking BFA will qualify you for a job as a press operator in a commercial
print studio, but many of our students take their bachelor’s degree further. You may
decide to be an entrepreneur or small business owner with your own print shop, a freelance
graphic artist or an educator who trains others in printmaking art.
If you want to pursue further study in printmaking after you achieve your Studio Art
BFA, our faculty and the Career and Life Design Center can work with you to identify
the right internship or graduate program that fits your goals.
Printmaking is thriving — so can your career
Use our interactive tool below to explore current trends in careers that rely on printmaking
art skills, such as craft and fine artistry.
Financial assistance options for your Printmaking BFA
With low tuition rates, the University of Central Missouri is committed to offering
an affordable arts education. 94% of UCM students receive financial aid. We work with
students from all circumstances to ensure they graduate with low debt, ready to move
forward into their next phase of life with sound finances. We have university-wide
scholarship, grant, loan and work-study options for financing college.
Printmaking majors may also be eligible for these specialty programs:
- Portfolio-based scholarships for incoming students
- Endowed scholarships for current students
- Cash prizes at the annual, juried Citation Student Show
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the .
Tradition Meets Innovation
A modern workplace driven by historical craftsmanship
Printmaking art stretches back to the 8th century and yet seamlessly incorporates
new technology. Printmaking skills remain as vital to industry today as they have
been for millennia — only some of the tools have changed. Through UCM’s accredited
Studio Art program in Printmaking, you’ll learn traditional methods and master modern
printing tools, graduating with a well-rounded portfolio of creative work.
Student-Centered Learning
An art education tailored to your needs
The University of Central Missouri’s Studio Art program in Printmaking puts students
first. Learn your discipline in a collaborative, diverse environment, with full access
to studio space whenever you need it. One-on-one time with your academic advisor,
faculty mentoring and expert studio guidance create a supportive college experience.
Meet Our Arts and Design Faculty
Study Fine Arts — and Learn a Trade
Prepare for success in the art job market
Graduate from our Printmaking BFA program with the real-world skills to launch your
career. With hands-on experience in printing techniques and digital and traditional
design, you’ll qualify for immediate work as a professional printer, while your fine
arts training will equip you for other art and design jobs, as well as graduate study.
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