What can you do with a Sculpture degree?

First, some facts. Of the Sculpture graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 59 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 49%, Sculpture graduates have a much lower likelihood (-18%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 49%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 25% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Sculpture graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Sculpture graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 81%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2019 from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Sculpture. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Business Owner
[NAME REMOVED] Lively Art
May 2019 - Present
As a Business Owner at [NAME REMOVED] Lively Art, the individual directly utilizes their sculpture skills and knowledge acquired during their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, making this role highly relevant.

Shop Technician
Boise State University
Jun 2021 - Present
The Shop Technician position at Boise State University may involve some skills related to sculpture tools and techniques, but it is not focused primarily on the artistic and theoretical knowledge gained from a Fine Arts education.

ABOUT

My name is Maddy and I run the studio [NAME REMOVED] Lively Art Located in Boise Idaho. I specialize in custom sculptures for businesses, communities, and individuals, and I would love to work with you!

What jobs can you get with a Sculpture degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Sculpture, a few consistent job types and themes emerge. Many graduates have pursued careers that are directly connected to artistic practices while others have taken on roles that bear little relation to their studies. A common theme across many profiles involves positions linked to art education, gallery management, and artistic fabrication, all of which leverage some element of the skills acquired during their courses. For instance, roles such as Art Teacher, Gallery Manager, and various production or fabrication positions, like Exhibit Fabricator or Studio Technician, show a clear connection to the hands-on and theoretical knowledge gained in a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture program.

However, despite these more relevant paths, a significant portion of jobs held by sculpture graduates veer off towards unrelated fields. Many have found themselves in roles such as Customer Service, Administrative positions, or even as Therapists, which do not directly apply any sculptural skills or knowledge. For example, many opted for positions in management or coordination that rely more on general skills rather than specific artistic competencies. In considering the overall relevance of the jobs taken by sculpture graduates, it becomes clear that while some individuals have successfully integrated their education into their careers, a notable number have diverged into roles that do not utilize their sculptural training effectively. Thus, while sculpture graduates can find fulfilling careers that align closely with their studies, a considerable number still grapple with finding positions that truly reflect their artistic expertise and passion.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Sculpture graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Sculpture graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When we look at the career trajectories of Sculpture graduates from various universities, we find a mixed bag of outcomes. It seems that right after graduation, many of these individuals either land roles that are somewhat related to their field or take jobs that seem pretty far off the mark. For instance, a recent graduate may start in positions like assistant manager at a jewelry store or even as a wedding coordinator, which isn't the most traditional path for a fine arts degree. Others might do some very hands-on work, such as fabricating exhibits or creating art in a workshop setting, which is closer to what you’d expect from someone trained in sculpture.

Fast forward a few years down the track, and the picture gets even fuzzier. After five years, it seems some graduates manage to carve out solid careers in art-related roles, like exhibit fabrication or teaching positions. However, there are also others who seem to drift away from anything remotely related to sculpture, finding themselves in roles like administrative assistants, coordinators, or even in completely different sectors. By the ten-year mark, you see a wider dispersion; some have managed to snag really impressive roles, such as creative directors or gallery managers, while others appear to be stuck in jobs that may not utilize their art background at all, like working in retail or customer service.

So, in all honesty, while there are some who flourish and make a name for themselves in the art community, there are also many who end up blending into the generic job market, doing work that doesn’t directly connect back to their passion for sculpture. It’s a reality check for anyone considering this major; success in the arts can be incredibly unpredictable and varies greatly among individuals. If you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in Sculpture, just know that while there are paths that keep you close to what you love, you may also have to explore side jobs or even unrelated fields to make it work in today’s market.

How hard is a Sculpture degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Sculpture can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It’s definitely not a walk in the park, but it might not be as hard as, say, a degree in physics or engineering. You’ll spend a lot of time in the studio, working on your techniques and experimenting with materials, which can be really challenging but also super rewarding. The workload can be intense, with critiques and projects piling up, and you’ll need to stay creative and think outside the box a lot. So, if you’re passionate about art and sculpture, it can definitely be a fun journey, but be ready to put in some serious effort to bring your ideas to life!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sculpture.

Do Sculpture graduates tend to make good money?

So, looking at these sculpture graduates, it's kind of a mixed bag in terms of how much they've made post-graduation. Some have found solid career paths with companies that seem to pay decently, like those working at places like Johnson & Johnson or being a gallery manager. Others have taken on more entry-level jobs or freelance gigs that don't necessarily scream "big bucks," like being a wedding coordinator or a data entry specialist. Overall, it feels like some folks are definitely doing well, while others are hustling through a string of more basic jobs that might not be the most financially rewarding.

In general, the field of sculpture and arts can lead to lower initial salaries and fluctuate based on experience and location. For many, securing stable jobs in art-related fields takes time and persistence, and it’s common for creatives to juggle multiple roles or switch paths entirely to find financial stability. If you’re considering a career in art or sculpture, just know that the journey might be challenging but could pay off if you find your niche, especially if you're willing to keep learning and adapting along the way!

What buzzwords do Sculpture graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Sculpture. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Sculpture?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Sculpture (ordered by the average relevance score of their Sculpture graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count