Visual Art Studies


Your Future in Visual Art Studies

Are you organized, dependable and creative? Do you love art? Are you considering a teaching career? Then you should pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Art Studies at the University of North Texas.

Our B.F.A. degree program prepares you to become an elementary, middle or high school art teacher or for a career in community art programs. This degree also grooms you for graduate study in other education areas such as art museum education.

What we offer

Our comprehensive art education curriculum examines a wide range of areas such as ceramics, painting, printmaking and sculpture, as well as:

  • Aesthetics
  • Art appreciation
  • Art history
  • Creativity
  • Criticism
  • Technology
  • Visual culture studies

We also provide you a deep understanding of contemporary and past visual art forms. Courses lead to all-level teacher certification in art, accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification.

Through our work with local school districts, you'll observe how art teachers work with and use available resources in actual school settings.

The Art Education program has been ranked among the most influential in the nation. Faculty members are involved in cutting-edge research and arts-based education methods, earning them national and international recognition.

Our faculty members have:

  • Published and presented their written work nationally and internationally
  • Traveled extensively to maintain a current and leading reputation in their field

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

We also sponsor an award-winning student chapter of the National Art Education Association, which promotes art education through workshops and community service projects. UNT's student chapter has a long, vibrant history.

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 one of the best in the Southwest. Our facilities include two large art studios, three computer labs, a workshop and a visual resources library. To provide additional insights, we invite numerous renowned artists, designers and scholars to campus. Student exhibitions are held on campus at the UNT Art Gallery and group shows at the Cora Stafford Gallery.

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 those administered by the university.

To move into major status, you'll need to:

  • Complete 60 credit hours including specific art core and studio classes
  • Submit a portfolio after completing the Foundations of Visual Art Studies course
  • Complete and pass the Texas Higher Education Assessment exam or an accepted substitute
  • Maintain a specific grade point average

During your senior year, you'll work with an art teacher as part of a required full-time teaching internship.

Our 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.