Sculpture Major | Temple University

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture

Immerse yourself in an interdisciplinary and experimental approach to form and expression with Temple’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. This 126-credit BFA program challenges students to grow as artists, critical thinkers and problem-solvers by encouraging exploration with a diverse range of materials, media, processes and techniques.

Join a collaborative community that questions the boundaries of art making through intense study of theory, technical proficiency in studio practice, and practical knowledge of the ways in which technology can advance and uplift the discipline.

Engage in the contemporary practice of sculpture and gain the skills to pursue a range of pathways in the field of visual arts including

digital fabrication,
large-scale installation,
material and object-based practices,
performance,
sound, and
time-based media.

Develop technical proficiency in a range of techniques and methods including

digital fabrication,
metalworking,
robotics,
video editing,
woodworking and more.

Leverage the ample opportunities to exhibit work in Tyler’s many public exhibition spaces and through our online gallery STELLA. Sculpture Majors have access to a vibrant contemporary art scene in Philadelphia and nearby cities like New York and Washington, D.C.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture undergraduates become socially conscious practicing artists, find employment in a variety of industries as artists and professionals, and earn placements in top graduate programs.

Foundations

All undergraduate first-year students at Tyler begin with a yearlong immersion in our foundations program. Foundations is a multidisciplinary curriculum through which students gain knowledge in essential concepts and theories; established principles and practices; and time-honored skills and techniques in the study of art, design and the built environment. Students develop a global understanding of artistic traditions and the role of art and design in society before choosing a major in their second year at Tyler.

In the art programs, including graphic and interactive design, students begin with focused study of drawing, 2D design and 3D design. They explore diverse materials, processes and perspectives—from the traditional and low-tech to the innovative and experimental. This bachelor's degree program is highly structured and intensive, and imparts fundamental studio practices for all visual art. Through the foundations coursework, students gain an academic grounding in the forms, techniques, styles, subjects and symbolism represented in art, architecture and design. Faculty members from across the art and design areas teach the foundations courses, assuring a broad range of experience and diverse viewpoints.

Learn more about the foundations program at Tyler.

Entrepreneurial Studies

In partnership with Temple University’s Fox School of Business, Tyler offers BFA students an entrepreneurial studies option for students who want to learn skills for entrepreneurship—from innovative thinking to how to start a business—as part of their art education. Program coursework is a focused and interdisciplinary blend of art, art history, business, entrepreneurship and other courses as well as open electives. The BFA with Entrepreneurial Studies gives students the skills needed for success as entrepreneurs in the studio discipline of their choice and the necessary preparation to pursue graduate studies in their studio discipline, entrepreneurship or related professions upon graduation.

Learn more about Entrepreneurial Studies at Tyler.

Classes & Curriculum

The Sculpture Bachelor of Fine Arts curriculum is designed to prepare future artists through coursework in practice and theoretical approaches. All BFA students take the foundations program introductory courses to develop a thorough understanding of fundamental processes.

Advanced courses in the Sculpture Major stress the development of an individual idiom and preparation for the professional world. Students find aesthetic freedom that encourages personal experimentation and the exploration of visual concepts.

Coursework includes the following classes.

Digital Modeling and Fabrication
Hybrid Practices
Mold Making Technology
Sound Sculpture
Time-based Installation
Video and Sculpture Installation

Learn more about coursework for the Sculpture Major.

Minors

Art History

Related Graduate Degrees

Sculpture MFA

Concentrations

You can focus on Sculpture or you can take one of the following concentrations.

Art Education

Two students bending on their knees work on a long textural sculpture on the ground.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $25,848.00 per year
Out-of-state: $43,032.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Tyler’s academic advising team offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. The academic advisors help you chart your course through your degree program and major, and ensure you are on a clear educational path.

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university.

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the team’s virtual front desk during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Academic Advising Office
Tyler 212
2001 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Program Contact

Student Clubs and Organizations

Joining a student organization can enrich your coursework, help you build meaningful networks with peers and gain leadership experience. Below are examples of student clubs and organizations that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally.

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization. AIAS provides unmatched programs, information and resources on issues critical to architectural education.
National Organization of Minority Architecture Students at Temple University serves minority architecture students, enhancing their educational experience by providing them with ample opportunities to explore facets of design and community-building outside of the classroom.
American Society of Landscape Architects, Student Chapter at Temple’s Ambler Campus works to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, education and fellowship.

See a full list of student organizations.

Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs.

Programs to study in Rome, Tokyo and Venice are offered throughout the year.

For a half-century, Temple Rome has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the “Eternal City” is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

Temple University Japan offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Digital Media concentration. Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus.

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions.
Email: study.abroad@temple.edu
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

National Architectural Accrediting Board (Master of Architecture)
Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture)
Planning Accreditation Board (Master of Science in City and Regional Planning)
International Facilities Management Association (Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management)

TA-SCLP-BFA

Additional Program Information

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