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This program delivers rigorous professional training for students aiming to build careers in the arts, encompassing artistic creation, critique, and theoretical study. UC San Diego's curriculum spans diverse disciplines such as painting, sculpture, performance art, installations, public art, photography, film, video, and digital media. What sets this program apart is its flexible structure that allows students to explore both traditional and media-based art forms while fostering collaborative projects.
Each student's academic journey centers on their specific artistic passions. The department aims to deliver a holistic foundation in contemporary art practice, the conceptual frameworks behind it, and the perspectives it embodies. Artistic creation is treated as a profound intellectual pursuit, requiring students to hone their analytical and critical thinking skills as they define their creative stances. Theoretical coursework forms an essential component of the program. Consequently, the curriculum excludes craft-based training, art education, or art therapy courses. Instead, classes are designed to cultivate a thorough comprehension of historical and current trends in art and theory. Additionally, the program equips students with practical expertise in modern technologies, including those related to film, video, photography, and digital media.