The visual arts degree program is designed primarily for exceptional students who plan to continue with graduate studies or pursue professional careers immediately after graduation. The B.F.A. program differs from the B.A. program in its expanded curriculum requirements and higher standards regarding the development of professional skills and theoretical knowledge. B.F.A. students must comply with all rules, deadlines and GPA requirements specified in the Art Department Guidelines. Waivers or exceptions must be approved by the department chair.
I. Required courses in the concentration—68 total hours, including:
Four courses from:
16 additional hours of Studio Art:
These hours must include 12 hours of coursework (Levels II through IV) in the student’s media concentration.
16 hours of Art History courses, including:
- ARTH 201 – Introduction to Art History I (4)
- ARTH 202 – Introduction to Art History II (4) and
- 8 additional hours of Art History courses.
II. Required courses outside the major—None
III. Other B.F.A. requirements:
a) Grade-point average:
Acceptance into the B.F.A. program requires a 3.00 GPA based on all ART and ARTH credits completed at the time of application. The 3.00 GPA must be maintained after acceptance into the program or probation and suspension from the B.F.A. program will result. See Department of Art Guidelines for more specific information and re-entry procedures.
b) Portfolio Reviews:
As part of the B.F.A. application process, students must submit a portfolio of the work they have completed at UNC Asheville for review. See the Department of Art Guidelines for specific information. While enrolled in ART 490, all students accepted into the B.F.A. program will present another portfolio of artwork for faculty review. This review will determine if students may continue in the program. If the faculty determine the student should not continue in the B.F.A. program, students may complete the requirements for the major in B.A. studio art by taking part in the B.A. Senior Group Exhibition. In some instances, students will be allowed to continue in the B.F.A. program on a probationary basis. Students in the probationary status will be required to complete ART 492 in addition to ART 490 and 491. See the Department of Art Guidelines for more specific information.
c) Media Concentration:
The specific areas for concentration are ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. As part of the required hours for the B.F.A., students will complete at least 20 hours in their chosen media, to include ART 490 and 491, the Senior Exhibition courses. See the Department of Art Guidelines for specific information.
d) Exhibition:
Prior to graduation, students must present a one-person exhibition of their concentration work. (See the Department of Art Guidelines for exhibition requirements.)
e) Other departmental requirements:
Successful completion of ART 490 and 491 demonstrates major, oral and computer competencies.
Liberal Arts Core
Learn more about UNC Asheville’s liberal arts core curriculum and requirements.