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Bachelor's degree in Print and Book

Next semester starts 01/21/2025

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What is a Print and Book degree?

The Print and Book program at St. Ambrose is a concentration within our BA in Art and Design degree. Our Print and Book program is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to build a career in printmaking and book arts. You’ll focus on the traditional techniques and contemporary practices, equipping you with an understanding of printmaking, bookbinding, typography, and illustration. Under the guidance of experienced faculty members, you have the freedom to explore your creativity and develop your artistic skills.

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Why earn a degree in Print and Book?

You will engage in critical thinking and conceptual development, learning how to articulate your artistic intentions through your work. Our program provides hands-on learning in well-equipped painting studios, with access to a variety of materials and resources. Under the guidance of experienced faculty members and visiting artists, you’ll gain insights and perspectives that help refine your work.

Specialized studios

SAU’s fully-equipped printmaking and papermaking studios provide extensive opportunities to explore graphic arts.

Interdisciplinary approach

Expand your skills with a second major or minor – Art History, Art Therapy, Graphic Design, and Arts Administration are popular choices.

Free admission to Figge Art Museum

Each student receives free membership to the Figge Art Museum with access to world-class exhibitions, events and lectures.

Professional practice

Our capstone course prepares art majors with interviewing skills, resume and portfolio building, and assistance with graduate school applications.

On-campus galleries

The Galvin Fine Arts Center features two public galleries–the Morrissey and Catich–where students exhibit their work.

Industry connections

SAU’s Art Department partners with local museums and galleries to give students a head start in their field.

What you’ll learn in your Print and Book program

Our Print and Book concentration within our BA in Art and Design degree provides a strong foundation in the graphic arts and one-on-one training with experts in the field. In collaboration with faculty and fellow students, artists incorporate their life experience into an exploration of form and content.

Artistic and technical skills, aesthetic judgment, critical thinking, and historical understanding
Specialized courses in printmaking, papermaking, book binding, screen printing, typography, and more
Resume-writing, interviewing, and networking with local art professionals

Explore Print and Book courses

This degree requires you to complete a total of 120 credits.
You will complete 39 gen ed credits, 30 core Art credits, 24 Print and Book credits, and 27 elective credits.

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Sample courses

Class code	Class title	Credits
AD 160	Print/Paper/Book	3 credits
AD 210	Typography	3 credits
AD 280	Screen Printing	3 credits
AD 340	Figure	3 credits
AD 390	Interaction Design Lab	3 credits

How much does a degree in Print and Book cost?

The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.

Full-time student living on campus

Expense	By Semester	By Year
Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)*	$18,189	$36,378
Housing**	$4,019	$8,038
Food***	$2,670	$5,340
Technology fee	$140	$280
Total direct charges (billable)	$25,018	$50,036

*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.

How much does housing cost?

When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.

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St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.

See all of SAU’s accreditations

How does Print and Book faculty support their students?

St. Ambrose University’s Print and Book faculty work closely with all students, encouraging them to grow, experiment and follow their creative passion. All of our instructors are practicing artists/designers who have been regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized.

Print and book faculty

Joseph Lappie, MFA

Other support resources

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Student Success Center

At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.

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Accessibility Resource Center

Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.

Learn about our resources

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Career services

Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.

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Are there scholarships available for a degree in Print and Book?

At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.

Art scholarships

Undergraduate Art majors and minors can access up to $3,000 in scholarships each year. Applicants submit a portfolio including 10-12 original works of art or design. Portfolios are reviewed by faculty in the art department. Preference is given to applicants who submit before March 10. Learn more about art scholarships.

Merit-based and institutional scholarships

St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.

Transfer credits

At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.

Don’t let cost hinder your future

"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."

-Bailey Hird, Fairfield, Iowa

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What’s on campus for Print and Book students?

St. Ambrose has outstanding student art facilities in the Galvin Fine Arts Center. Students can explore traditional and non-traditional print techniques in our printmaking studio, which holds a letterpress, lithography, equipment for screen printing, relief, and non-toxic photo processes. Our papermaking studio has a Hollander beater, paper press, and more than a dozen molds and deckles.

Galvin is also home to two galleries. The Catich Gallery hosts contemporary art exhibits featuring the work of regional and national artists as well as faculty and seniors graduating with honors. The Morrissey Gallery offers a unique exhibition opportunity to local and regional artists.

Join SAU’s Art Club to participate in events at local museums where they interact with artists and meet new people through regular events at local museums. During "teaching nights" a member teaches participants an artistic skill so they can build on and expand their talent and abilities.

Renowned galleries just steps away

“There is immense value in seeing what the day to day work of your field looks like. Without my internships, particularly my time at St. Ambrose’s Catich Gallery, I may not be where I am today.”

-Allison Boyer ‘22, BA in Art History and Painting

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What are the admission requirements for a degree in Print and Book?

Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Print and Book program.

You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
You must provide an official high school transcript

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International student requirements

If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:

Official transcripts from secondary education
A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
Copy of your passport and other documentation

What can I do with a Print and Book degree?

Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of job titles, traits, and employment settings our Print and Book graduates explore:

Potential Job Titles

Print production manager
Book editor
Graphic designer
Archivist
Museum curator
Art director

Potential employment settings

Print studios
Art galleries and museums
Production studios
Newspaper, periodical and book publishers
Creative agencies

Traits of a book arts professional

Creativity
Attention to detail
Strong work ethic
Aesthetic judgment
Self discipline
Communication

Industry facts

Demand for archivists, curators, and museum workers is expected to rise 10% through 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The median wage for archivists, curators, and museum workers was $53,420 per year in May 2022.

For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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Become who you are meant to be

With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.