Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies


Your Future in Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies

Why do we make images? What motivates us to surround ourselves with pictures? How do images function in advertising, design and other media? You can find the answers to these questions by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies at the University of North Texas.

This degree program provides you with the skills to pursue careers and advanced study in a variety of different fields. Many of our alumni work in design firms, galleries and arts organizations. Others have enrolled in graduate school to study art history, anthropology, marketing and other disciplines.

What we offer

One of the program's key features is its interdisciplinarity. This gives you the flexibility to explore the areas that correspond to your career goals.

The curriculum provides a broad overview of material culture and examines images for their visual properties, history and function. Courses are taught by multiple academic departments across campus and provide you different perspectives on:

  • How images communicate to viewers
  • The physical, technical, social and historical value of images
  • The social, philosophical and psychological reasons why humans make and need images

Our students frequently complete internships as part of the degree program, putting learning into practice while gaining valuable hands-on work experience.

A Living-Learning Community brings together art majors who live on campus to enhance academic and social experiences.

Scholarships are available to help you pursue your degree.

The College of Visual Arts and Design is one of the nation's most comprehensive visual arts schools and is considered one of the best in the Southwest. Our facilities include three computer labs, ample studios and workshops, study areas, and galleries offering exciting, avant-garde exhibitions. The college brings numerous renowned artists, designers and scholars to campus each year to enrich your educational experience. Student exhibitions are continually held in four galleries on campus.

What to expect

You'll need to meet the College of Visual Arts and Design's admission requirements to be qualified as a pre-major. These requirements are in addition to the ones enforced by the university.

During your first few semesters, you'll work on completing the college's core curriculum. The core curriculum provides a general understanding of art, design and art history. After completing the core requirements, you'll take courses in:

  • Global art history
  • Art and business
  • Computer art, studio art or museum studies
  • Disciplines outside the College of Visual Arts and Design, including anthropology, merchandising, film or foreign languages

You'll also be required to complete a minor. Marketing, merchandising, entrepreneurship, anthropology or computer education are minors that complement the IADS major.

The Career Center, Learning Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting hands-on experience in your major. The Learning Center offers workshops on speed reading, study skills and time management. Academic advisors will help you plan your class schedule each semester.

HOW TO ENROLL AT UNT

High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the distinguished level of achievement under the Texas Foundation, Recommended or Distinguished Achievement high school program or the equivalent.

In your junior year, take the SAT or ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In your senior year, apply for admission at ApplyTexas.org by March 1 and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT.

Transfer students

If you're attending a Texas community college, you should consult our online transfer guides, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor or advisor to review your degree plan. Proper planning will allow you to receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources. Each year, 3,800 students transfer to UNT.