Visual Arts Degree Requirements

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

B.A. in Visual Arts majors pursue one of the following tracks of study:

• Graphic Design
• Studio Art

Required 120 credits (36 of which must be numbered 300 or above, and 30 of which must be from UND) including:

I. Essential Studies Requirements (see University ES listing).

II. The Following Curriculum of 42 major credits:

All BA degree majors in Art have a minimum requirement of 42 credits in Art, Art History or Graphic Design courses. Distribution of those credits is as follows:

Teacher Licensure

Through a partnership with the College of Education and Human Development and the Department of Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice students may seek a K-12 licensure in Art. The following program of study must be completed:

I. Requirements for the B.A. with major in Visual Arts.

II. Admission to the Teacher Education Program, normally while taking T&L 250 Introduction to Education. (See College of Education and Human Development for admission and licensing requirements.)

Art majors seeking a K-12 licensure must have an adviser in both the Art & Design Department and the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Practice.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Visual Arts degree program offers intensive study in the visual arts that encourages students to critically examine the role art plays in culture and contemporary life.

The curriculum promotes the cultivation of critical thinking and creative visual expression based upon historical and contemporary trends and theories. Through hands-on studio experience and academic seminar, it provides comprehensive study in art history and a variety of art and design disciplines.

The B.F.A. in Visual Arts is a professional undergraduate degree program. It prepares students for graduate study in the visual arts; for professional practice as working artists or educators; as well as for occupations in museums, galleries and other arts institutions.

All art or design majors begin in the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Visual Arts degree program. Students gain entrance to the B.F.A. in Visual Arts program through a formal application process.

B.F.A. in Visual Arts majors must complete at least 24 credits in one of the following Areas of Emphasis:

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

Required 120 credits (36 of which must be numbered 300 or above, and 30 of which must be from UND) including:

I. Essential Studies Requirements (see University ES listing).

II. The Following Curriculum of 69 major credits:

All BFA degree majors have a minimum requirement of 69 credits in Art, Art History or Graphic Design courses in conjunction with other program requirements as follows:

B.F.A. in Visual Arts Program Requirements

• B.F.A. Application - All B.F.A. in Visual Arts majors must apply to be accepted into the program. Accepted students will be expected to demonstrate artistic and creative growth, and maintain a 3.00 grade point average in all art and design courses.
• B.F.A. Review - B.F.A. Reviews are evaluations conducted with departmental faculty. After being accepted into the program, B.F.A. majors must advance through at least one review.
• B.F.A. Exhibition - B.F.A. in Visual Arts majors mount an exhibition of art work that reflects concentrated study in their Area of Emphasis. This exhibition serves as a culmination of their undergraduate studies.

Teacher Licensure

Through a partnership with the College of Education and Human Development and the Department of Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice students may seek a K-12 licensure in Art. The following program of study must be completed:

I. Requirements for the B.F.A. with major in Visual Arts.

II. Admission to the Teacher Education Program, normally while taking T&L 250 Introduction to Education. (See College of Education and Human Development for admission and licensing requirements.)

Art majors seeking a K-12 licensure must have an adviser in both the Art & Design Department and the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Practice.