Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Art is awarded by the Tyler School of Art and Architecture and is available only at Temple University, Japan Campus. The BA in Art is the only degree-conferring U.S.-style art program in Tokyo, offering a curriculum that situates visual practice in a liberal arts context with art historical reference, critical perspectives and theoretical insight. With an emphasis on traditional fine art media, photography and digital technology, the coursework prepares students for a variety of practices in visual art. Tokyo's unique urban environment and its numerous art galleries and museums offer context, inspiration and stimuli for student learning.

The Art major focuses on visual art practice within a liberal arts context. Courses include design, drawing, painting, three-dimensional design, printmaking, digital photography, digital imaging, Internet imaging, moving images, motion graphics, media arts and art history. The faculty teaches studio art from the viewpoint of its connection to such disciplines as psychology, literature, philosophy, mathematics, biology and physics.

Graphic Design Concentration

The optional Concentration in Graphic Design enables students to study the discipline in a location rich in history and culture. Tokyo, being a center of tradition and innovation in design, is a distinctive setting to study graphic design's dynamic history, culture, and evolution. Japanese design has historically shaped global visual communication from Japanese Modernism's geometric abstraction, photomontage, to contemporary designers who are pushing the boundaries of visual communication. This concentration gives students the opportunity to connect with japan's vibrant design community by collaborating with local artists and designers.

Students in the concentration will gain technical competence and critical thinking skills. In addition to studying typography, layout, branding, and UX design, students will also gain an historical and theoretical background that will enable them to situate their work within the broader cultural and professional context.

For Philadelphia students who may be inclined to study in Tokyo, the concentration will be most beneficial in this industrious setting. While in Tokyo they will experience a design environment unlike anywhere in the world that is a combination of tradition, design innovation, and progressive technological development. Main Campus students can expect to visit museums, design studios, and galleries. Students can expect to expand their professional networks, be better informed of the traditions of design that differ from Western models, in addition to enriching their cultural experience.

Campus Location: Japan

Program Code: TA-ART-BA

An Art minor and an Art History minor are also offered at both Main Campus and Japan Campus.

Contact Information

Kevin Jones, MFA, Chair for the Division of Media and Fine Arts
kevinhjones@tuj.temple.edu

Takayuki Kubota, MFA, Faculty Advisor for the Art Major
kubotaka@tuj.temple.edu

Taro Nettleton, PhD, Faculty Advisor for the Art Major
taro.nettleton@tuj.temple.edu

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2026-2027. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2026 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Summary of Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts degree may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 123 semester hours of credit with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.

There may be minimum grade requirements of C- or better in required courses - students should refer to the DARS and their advisor.

Students who are seeking admission into the BA in Art degree program must review the requirements and procedures outlined on the TUJ web site: www.tuj.ac.jp/admissions/index.html.

University Requirements

All Temple students are required to complete the General Education (GenEd) curriculum.

• Study abroad for a summer or semester will satisfy the Global/World Society (GG) requirement.

Major Requirements for BA in Art with Graphic Design Concentration

• Students must complete successfully the second semester of a foreign language.

¹

Non-Studio Electives may not be fulfilled with studio courses with the subject code of ARTU, ART, DES, or GAD.

Suggested Academic Plan

Please note that this is a suggested academic plan. Depending on your situation, your academic plan may look different. 

Bachelor of Art in Art with Concentration in Graphic Design

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2026-2027 Academic Year

¹

Select from: ARTU 2301, ARTU 2341, ARTU 2351, ARTU 2400 (Image Sequencing Manga), ARTU 2605, ARTU 3601.

²

Non-Studio Electives may not be fulfilled with studio courses with the subject code of ARTU, ART, DES, or GAD.