Georgia Art Schools – 12 Best Art Colleges in Georgia (Ranked for 2023)

Georgia, long celebrated for its rich history and natural beauty, is also a burgeoning hub for the arts.

With a vibrant arts scene that spans from the bustling city of Atlanta to the quaint corners of Statesboro and Macon, the Peach State offers aspiring artists an array of educational opportunities.

Whether you’re captivated by the traditional disciplines of fine art or intrigued by the rapidly evolving world of digital art, Georgia’s top art schools offer programs that cater to a diverse range of artistic interests.

The following list dives deep into the 12 best art schools in Georgia, exploring what each institution offers in terms of degrees, enrollment, and community involvement.

1. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah & Atlanta

• Degrees Offered: BFA, MFA, MA in numerous disciplines including Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, etc.
• Enrollment: Approx. 15,000 students.
• Community: SCAD hosts the annual SCAD Art Festival and integrates students into the arts communities in both Savannah and Atlanta.

2. Georgia State University, Atlanta

• Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Photography, and more.
• Enrollment: Approx. 32,000 students (all departments).
• Community: Georgia State students contribute to Atlanta’s vibrant arts scene through internships and collaborations with galleries and museums.

3. University of Georgia, Athens

• Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MFA in Art, Art History, Graphic Design, and Drawing & Painting.
• Enrollment: Approx. 38,000 (all departments).
• Community: Athens is enriched by UGA art students who often participate in local art festivals and events.

4. Emory University, Atlanta

• Degrees Offered: BA in Visual Arts, Art History.
• Enrollment: Approx. 15,000 (all departments).
• Community: Emory students actively collaborate with the arts community in Atlanta through the Carlos Museum and various local art projects.

5. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Atlanta

• Degrees Offered: BS in Computational Media, Minor in Industrial Design.
• Enrollment: Approx. 29,000 (all departments).
• Community: Students often collaborate with tech startups and contribute to the intersection of technology and art in Atlanta.

6. Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw

• Degrees Offered: BA, BFA in Art, Art Education, Graphic Communications.
• Enrollment: Approx. 37,000 (all departments).
• Community: KSU students actively contribute to Kennesaw’s and Atlanta’s art scene through local exhibitions and events.

7. Georgia Southern University, Statesboro

• Degrees Offered: BFA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education.
• Enrollment: Approx. 26,000 (all departments).
• Community: Students enhance the art life of Statesboro by participating in community art projects and galleries.

8. Mercer University, Macon

• Degrees Offered: BA in Art, Art History, and Studio Art.
• Enrollment: Approx. 8,700 (all departments).
• Community: Mercer students collaborate with Macon’s museums and often hold exhibitions in local galleries.

9. Agnes Scott College, Decatur

• Degrees Offered: BA in Studio Art, Art History.
• Enrollment: Approx. 1,000 students.
• Community: Agnes Scott is integral to Decatur’s art scene, often organizing community art events and workshops.

10. Berry College, Mount Berry

• Degrees Offered: BA in Art and Art History.
• Enrollment: Approx. 2,100 students.
• Community: Students regularly engage with the Rome art community through various exhibitions and local art projects.

11. Columbus State University, Columbus

• Degrees Offered: BA, BFA in Art, Art Education, and Studio Art.
• Enrollment: Approx. 8,000 students.
• Community: CSU students actively contribute to the Columbus arts scene through various community outreach programs and exhibitions.

12. Valdosta State University, Valdosta

• Degrees Offered: BA, BFA in Art, Art Education, and Interior Design.
• Enrollment: Approx. 11,000 students.
• Community: Valdosta State students are actively involved in the local arts scene, including the annual Valdosta Art Festival.

Conclusion

The world of art is no longer limited to paintbrushes, canvases, and pottery wheels. While these traditional forms of expression continue to be important, the advent of technology has given birth to new art forms that are just as compelling. Digital art categories such as graphic design, animation, and game design are increasingly popular and can be pursued at several schools across Georgia, including specialized programs at Georgia Tech and SCAD.

However, if it’s the classics that captivate you—such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics—schools like the University of Georgia and Mercer University offer comprehensive programs in fine arts. Programs in art history, art theory, and art education are also available for those interested in the intellectual or pedagogical aspects of art.

Whether you’re an aspiring graphic designer keen on mastering the Adobe Suite or a budding fine artist aiming to perfect your oil painting skills, Georgia offers a dynamic range of schools to accommodate your goals.