visual arts student using grinder

Visual Arts Major

B.A. or B.F.A.

Unleash your creativity and prepare to make your mark as a visual artist.

Art has the power to express values, shift perceptions and influence emotions. With a bachelor’s degree in visual arts from UND, you’ll be equipped to put your talents to work in the world.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a Visual Arts major?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The Visual Arts degree programs offer intensive study in the visual arts that prepares you to critically examine the role art plays in culture and contemporary life. 

Types of Degrees

Visual Arts majors can choose from two degree programs: 

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

The B.F.A. in Visual Arts is a professional undergraduate degree program where you will immerse yourself in the medium of your choice. B.F.A. in Visual Arts majors work within one of these areas of emphasis: 

  • Ceramics 
  • Drawing 
  • Jewelry and Metalsmithing 
  • Painting 
  • Photography 
  • Sculpture 

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

The B.A. offers a flexible approach to the Visual Arts major. With fewer studio course requirements, the B.A. includes additional study in the liberal arts and can be customized to fit a student’s particular interests.  

The Visual Arts degree programs equip you for graduate study in the visual arts; for professional practice as a working artist or educator; as well as for occupations in museums, galleries and other arts institutions.  

We also offer a master's degree in Visual Arts (M.F.A.) if you are interested in continuing your education. 

Want to become a middle or high school visual arts teacher?

UND offers the most comprehensive selection of teacher education majors, minors and endorsements in the state. You'll need to double major by adding a B.S. Ed. in Secondary Education to your academic plan, which will prepare you to teach in middle and high school classrooms. Find out how you can become a 7-12th grade teacher on the Secondary Education (B.S.Ed.) program page.

Visual Arts Degree at UND

  • Present your work at art exhibits locally and nationally.

  • Work closely with professional artists with industry experience.

  • Learn from internationally recognized artists through our Visiting Artist Program.

  • Enjoy access to our 35,000-square-foot Hughes Fine Arts Center.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

What can I do with a Visual Arts degree?

115k

Median annual salary for art directors, 2025

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

102k

Median annual salary for special effects artists and animators, 2025

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The world needs artists now more than ever. A Visual Arts degree from UND prepares you for careers ranging from teaching art to young children to running your own studio.

Recent graduates have gone on to graduate studies in visual arts or launched careers as:

  • Professional artists/art practitioners
  • Art educators and directors
  • Museum/gallery curators

When You Major in Visual Arts

A Visual Arts degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, Illustrator)
  • Drawing
  • Graphic Design
  • Painting

Visual Arts Major Careers

Visual Arts alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Apple, Inc.
  • Arkansas Tech University
  • Art Materials, LLC
  • Basis Independent Schools, LLC

Visual Arts Degree Courses

ART 112. Two & Three Dimensional Design. 3 Credits.

This is a foundation studio course which introduces design principles, aesthetic considerations, and basic techniques of working as they relate to the creation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 204. Intro to Jewelry & Metalsmithing. 3 Credits.

This studio course is an investigation into the tools, techniques, and processes fundamental to the designing and fabrication of contemporary wearable and non-wearable art executed predominantly in precious/semi-precious metal. The principles will be practiced and studied through individual projects, leading to proficiency for the making of body adornments, holloware, and simple fabricated objects. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 250. Intro to Ceramics: Handbuilding. 3 Credits.

Introduction to ceramics techniques. A beginning course introducing handbuilding techniques. Proficiency in the basic hand forming processes and glazing techniques and an understanding of the clay and firing processes are achieved through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and readings. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 273. Introduction to Graphic Design. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the art, language, key elements, theory and practice of graphic design. This course will focus on the integration of type, imagery and spatial relationships in design. Students will be introduced to the conceptual design process, high quality crafting and production. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 230. Introduction to Drawing. 3 Credits.

This studio course will familiarize students with some fundamental concepts, tools and techniques of drawing. Through hands-on experience, demonstration, lecture, and critique students will gain a greater understanding of drawing as an artistic medium. F,S.

ART 115. First Year Seminar. 3 Credits.

First Year Seminar course and serves as an introduction to the study of art and design in the Department of Art & Design at the University of North Dakota. This course explores a variety of foundational visual, verbal, conceptual, and written skills necessary for the creation and analysis of the Visual Arts, Crafts, and Graphic Design in preparation for the academic challenges and program requirements encountered throughout the academic study of art and design. F,S.

Lead Your Way

Discover how the visual arts opened up new opportunities and ignited a passion within Tucker Schoneberg.

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