Art Degree Programs

Career potential

Are you creative and full of new ideas? Do you have an eye for style and a desire for perfection? Do you have strong technical and/or entrepreneurial skills? If this describes you, then you may want to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Arts degree in an art program at the University of North Texas. By pursuing a degree in our College of Visual Arts and Design, you will be immersed in a supportive and vibrant atmosphere that can help you find a rewarding career as a/an:

• art historian
• art teacher in an elementary, middle or high school
• commercial or residential interior designer
• fashion designer
• freelance and commercial photographer
• practicing studio artist

Among our many distinguished graduates are sculptor Jesús Moroles, one of the most recognized sculptors living and working in Texas and a recipient of the 2008 National Medal of Arts; T Lewis, illustrator for the nationally syndicated comic strip Over the Hedge; and Michael Faircloth, fashion designer for former first lady, Laura Bush.

Our 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. We offer majors in:

• art history
• communication design
• fashion design
• interdisciplinary art and design studies
• interior design
• studio art with concentrations in ceramics, drawing and painting, fibers, metalsmithing and jewelry, new media art, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and watercolor
• visual arts studies

The college and all of its programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, Va. 20190-5248; 703-437-0700). This rigorous and prestigious accreditation means our college has met or exceeded high standards of academic excellence. Our students continually succeed in regional and national competitions, winning awards and scholarships for their work.

UNT's Career Center can help prepare you to pursue your career. The center has information about jobs and employers, and the staff can help you with resume and letter writing, job search strategies and interview preparation.

Majoring in art

As an art major, you will receive a broad education in art as well as specialized preparation in your field. All B.F.A. programs require an art core consisting of Design I, Design II, Drawing I, Drawing II, Art Appreciation, Art History Survey I and Art History Survey II. Required art core courses differ for the B.A. programs. You may complete these courses before making a decision about a specific major in art.

You will have pre-major status on arrival to UNT. The courses needed to progress into major status vary for each program. Information about progressing into major status is available at art.unt.edu or in the UNT Undergraduate Catalog at catalog.unt.edu.

Many of our visual arts faculty members are nationally and internationally acclaimed professional artists and scholars who are impacting communities worldwide. In addition, some are active members and leaders of national organizations. They will guide and encourage you to explore new directions in art, so you can become a well-rounded art professional.

Our 90,000-square-foot Art Building includes classrooms, three computer labs, faculty offices, studios, a workshop, the UNT Art Gallery and a visual resources library. Five other campus buildings house additional classrooms and laboratories, as well as:

• the Cora Stafford Gallery — used for exhibiting student work
• PRINT Press — hosts printmaking workshops and visiting artists
• the Texas Fashion Collection — a unique museum quality collection of more than 15,000 garments that are available for student study

If you live on campus, you can become part of our Residents Engaged in Academic Living Community for art students. This living-learning community brings students with the same interests together with a faculty member and enhances your academic and social experiences. More information about the REAL Community is at reslife.unt.edu/.

To provide additional insights and knowledge, we host numerous renowned artists, designers and scholars throughout the year.

Getting hands-on experience

We are within easy commuting distance of Dallas and Fort Worth, where major art museums, galleries, the Fashion Industry Gallery, Dallas Design Center and numerous advertising and interior design businesses provide valuable resources and experiences for you.

You may work in a job related to your major through our nationally accredited Internships and Cooperative Education office. More than 4,000 employers work with the office to provide excellent learning opportunities. Internships can last for one full semester or a summer and may become permanent full-time positions upon graduation. Co-op employers pay extremely well, and the jobs usually last several semesters, often until graduation.

Preparing for UNT: High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the Recommended Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program in high school.

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

In your senior year, submit your application for admission by March 1 (apply online at www.applytexas.org) 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. For details, visit www.unt.edu/credit.

Preparing for UNT: Transfer students

As a benefit for transfer students, we participate in the Texas Common Course Numbering System. This system makes it easier to transfer credits for general academic courses from one Texas institution to another.

If you’re attending a Texas community college, you should consult our Transfer Articulation web page, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor/advisor to discuss your degree plan. Enrolling in our art programs is very competitive and often requires an entry review. It is essential that you visit art.unt.edu to see what courses are required and the review processes you will face. Proper planning will help you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits and ensure that you complete your degree in a timely manner.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you to a peer mentor and other valuable campus resources. Each year, we welcome more transfer students than any other institution in the state. The center is in the University Union, Room 320. More information is at transfercenter.unt.edu.

Charting your path with academic advising

You will need to attend an orientation to the College of Visual Arts and Design, held in conjunction with university orientation for new students or during registration at the start of each semester. You can view the dates for freshman and transfer orientation at nsp.unt.edu. Attending earlier orientations is recommended for best course availability.

Specific questions regarding your major may be addressed to faculty members or to the academic advising staff in the College of Visual Arts and Design Student Services office, Art Building, Room 111. Call 940-565-2216 to make an appointment.

You can also utilize our new online degree audit system. This interactive tool can help you stay on track for graduation and prepare for advising appointments. You can monitor your progress 24/7, even viewing the impact of various majors. The system is easily accessible through my.unt.edu using the “my academics” link on the student center page.

Curious about courses and other features of this major?
See the current catalog.