Below we provide quick answers to commonly asked questions, more detailed information is available in our program guidelines and/or the Department of Art & Art History’s section of the UNCA catalog.
What is the difference between the BA and BFA in Studio Art?
The BA degree is designed as a four year degree that allows students to have a dual major or minors. The BFA degree is an intensive immersion into the program requiring more hours and breadth of both studio courses and Art History courses. Students in the BFA program produce a solo exhibition during a year-long capstone sequence, while students working towards a BA degree participate in a group exhibition their senior year. Finally, due to the increased number of required studio hours, BFA candidates generally finish with a larger, more in depth portfolio which prepares them for graduate school and a professional career as an artist. Please find a complete description of each degree in our program guidelines and/or the university catalog.
When can I declare as a Studio Art major?
To declare a BA in Art (Studio), students must have completed or have credit for:
• LANG 120 – Academic Writing and Critical Inquiry (4)
• ART 122 – Two-Dimensional Design (4)
• ART 133 – Three-Dimensional Design (4)
When can I declare as an Art History major?
To declare a BA in Art History, students must have completed or have credit for:
• LANG 120 – Academic Writing and Critical Inquiry (4)
• ARTH 201 – Introduction to Art History I (4)
• ARTH 202 – Introduction to Art History II (4)
I’m interested in the BFA program for Studio Art, when can I declare as a BFA student?
All majors declare first as a BA and then can apply to the BFA program once they are enrolled in the third level of their concentration (e.g., Painting III).
Can I minor in Studio Art or Art History?
Absolutely! We have many students who major in another department at the university and minor in Studio Art or Art History. For more information go to page 8 of our program guidelines.
How accessible are the studios for student use?
Students enrolled in studio courses have access to those studios. The building is open 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM, 7 days a week.
What studio concentrations are available in the department?
Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
What can I do with a degree in Studio Art / Art History? Are there any jobs for students graduating in this field?
A degree in Studio Art or Art History can be valuable in many ways including careers as a professional artist or in business (such as art publishing, galleries, art auctions, non-profits). A Studio Art or Art History degree is desirable for graduate school in numerous fields (e.g, students have continued in the fields of Studio Art or Art History as well as in the areas of law, business, and education). Specifically, a background in Art History provides creative, critical, and analytical thinking skills that can lead to a career in a museum, library, or educational institution; although keep in mind that professional positions--such as a curator, archivist, professor, librarian, or conservator--require a master’s or doctorate degree. Completing an internship may be helpful in providing contacts in the art or business world.
Do you have a teacher licensure program?
Yes, we partner with the Department of Education, so that interested students can work towards a BA in Art or Art History, as well as a K-12 Teacher Licensure in the state of North Carolina. More information
Can I do both the BFA program and the K-12 licensure program?
Yes, students in recent years have completed both degrees even though it is difficult to complete in four years. If a student is truly interested in this path, we highly recommend they discuss it with their advisor as soon as possible.
Do you offer graphic design or web design as concentrations in Studio Art?
We don’t have a degree in graphic design, but New Media does offer web design.
Can you complete either of the degree programs in 4 years?
The BA can certainly be completed in four years. The BFA generally takes five due to additional courses in Studio Art and Art History.
Can I take art classes if I’m not a Studio Art major?
Yes, we offer three classes that have no prerequisites, ART122: Two-Dimensional Design, ART133: Three-Dimensional Design, ART144, Foundation Drawing
Do you require a portfolio review?
No, we want to offer every student the opportunity to see if a degree in Studio Art is a good fit.
Are there scholarships available for incoming freshmen in the Art & Art History Department?
Not at this time but we do have 20 scholarships we give majors every year.
Can I do a double major in Studio Art and Art History?
Absolutely! You can also major in one and minor in the other.
Do you offer internships?
Yes! We strongly encourage you to participate in our internship program, here is a list of local museums, galleries, and other organizations with which students have interned.
Do students in Studio Art and Art History study abroad?
Yes, this is done through the Study Abroad program. They work with majors to find programs where the study abroad experience will count towards your degree. Professors review courses at foreign universities to ensure that a given class will count towards your degree.
What are the department Student Learning Outcomes?
Our Mission Statement and Student Learning Outcomes can be found at art.unca.edu.