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School of Art, Design and Art History

Students

In the School of Art, Design, and Art History programs, students engage in a rich and challenging education that blends creative exploration with critical thinking. They learn to recognize and define excellence within their chosen discipline, while cultivating their own creative voice, technical mastery, and professional integrity. Our curriculum emphasizes the development of a deep understanding of how the principles of art and design connect to, and are influenced by, the evolving forces of culture, technology, and society. Through hands-on projects, collaborative experiences, and exposure to diverse perspectives,

students gain the skills to adapt to change, address complex problems, and make meaningful contributions to the visual and cultural landscape. By graduation, they are prepared not only to excel in their fields but also to lead, innovate, and inspire in a global, interconnected world.

Studio art students

The School of Art, Design and Art History encourages students to explore a wide area of aesthetic and cultural experiences.

Scholarships

The School of Art, Design, and Art History offers numerous scholarships to support students in their academic and creative pursuits. Many of these awards are managed through the university Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, which provides application forms, eligibility details, and submission deadlines. Scholarships are available for a wide range of purposes, from academic achievement and creative excellence to specific areas of study and community engagement, so don’t assume you won’t qualify based on your financial situation alone.

Even if an application deadline has passed, it is still worth applying. Many scholarship funds go unused each year due to a lack of qualified applicants, and late submissions may be considered when committees review awards in the following semester.

To explore the latest opportunities, visit the University Scholarship Application Portal for a full list of awards, criteria, and deadlines.

Below is a list of some notable scholarships we offer, but check the University Scholarship Application Portal for the most up-to-date list.

  • Adolf Odorfer Art Scholarship
  • Ara and Rose Dolarian Art Scholarship
  • Candlelight Guild – Susan Mon Pere Memorial Art Scholarship
  • Craig Stover Memorial Scholarship
  • Debra Soligian Scholarship
  • Dr. Ernesto Palomino Memorial Scholarship
  • Fresno Ad Foundation Scholarship
  • Ina Gregg Thomas Memorial Art Scholarship
  • Marie Polzin Art Scholarship
  • Martha Hagen Scholarship in Fine Arts
  • Richard C. and Diane C. Watters Scholarship
  • Walter Huston and Al Sunderland Memorial Scholarship in Art

Internships 

The Andrew and Dorothea Perenchio Museum Studies Internship Program in the School of Art, Design, and Art History offers paid opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to gain practical, professional experience in museums and cultural institutions across Fresno. Interns build valuable skills in curation, education, and interpretation while connecting with the arts community.

If you have a particular gallery, museum, or cultural venue in mind, even one not listed, feel free to mention it when you apply. The program can also fund placements at local institutions that inspire you.

How to apply

Keep an eye out for an email and posters on the pin-up walls from the university announcing this internship opportunity. Announcements are made at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters.