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Subject · 189 verified programs

Printmaking degrees

Degrees in making images through repeatable processes such as etching, lithography, relief and screen printing.

Also called: Print Media, Printmaking and Book Arts, Prints and Editions, Graphic Arts (printmaking), Gravure.

83 BFA · 42 MFA · 22 Other bachelor’s award · 21 BA / BA (Hons) · 15 Other master’s award · 5 MA · 1 Other research doctorate · 119 official concentration, 16 named major, 53 dedicated degree, 1 documented pathway

189 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About printmaking study

Printmaking is the creation of images by transferring ink from a prepared surface to paper or another material, often producing multiples. Degree study usually introduces several families of process: relief, such as woodcut and linocut; intaglio, such as etching and engraving; planographic, such as lithography; and stencil-based methods, such as screen printing. Digital and photographic processes are included in many programs.

Learning is highly process-based. Students prepare plates, stones, blocks or screens, learn about inks, papers and presses, and plan images that exploit layering, registration and variation. Because prints can be produced in editions or as unique impressions, programs discuss artist’s books, publishing, collaboration and the distribution of images alongside individual studio work.

Printmaking is a medium-based specialization within fine arts and is closely linked to drawing and painting. It differs from graphic design, which concerns visual communication for clients and audiences, though the two share some methods such as screen printing and letterpress. It also differs from photography as a field, although photographic processes may be used within prints.

What study typically involves

  • Relief, intaglio, lithographic and screen printing processes
  • Ink, paper and press technique
  • Image planning, layering and color registration
  • Digital and photographic print methods in many programs
  • Artist’s books, editions and publishing
  • Workshop safety and materials handling
  • Critique and development of a personal body of work

Award titles. Printmaking is commonly studied within BFA, BA or BA (Hons) programs and at postgraduate level within MFA or MA degrees, often as a named pathway or area of study. Research degrees may include a practice-based PhD with printmaking as the main practice. Award names differ by country, so check the official program page.

Printmaking often appears as an emphasis within a fine arts degree, or combined with drawing or book arts. The directory lists a program under this subject only with a verified dedicated degree, major, official concentration or documented pathway.

Portfolio and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Applicants to printmaking-related programs are often asked for a portfolio that shows drawing and image-making skills, with prints included if the applicant has had access to a press. Programs rarely expect extensive print experience at entry level, and sketchbooks may carry weight.

Requirements vary by country and institution. Submissions may be digital or physical, may have limits on the number of works, and may be followed by interviews. Postgraduate applications generally focus on a coherent body of work and a statement of intent.

Always confirm details, formats and deadlines on each program’s official page. No portfolio guarantees admission, and this directory does not prescribe a template.

See also the guide to preparing an art portfolio.

Funding and costs

At MFA and PhD level, some programs offer teaching assistantships, print shop or technician roles, tuition remission or competitive scholarships. Print shop roles may include maintaining equipment and assisting students.

Terms vary by program, country and year, and many students receive partial or no funding. Verify details with the program and funders directly.

Costs beyond tuition. Printmaking students often pay for plates, blocks, inks, papers, studio or press access fees, and framing or portfolio storage for finished editions.