Introduction to the Visual Arts Major

The Visual Arts Major at the University of North Dakota is designed to unleash students' creativity and prepare them to make their mark as visual artists. With a bachelor's degree in visual arts, students will be equipped to put their talents to work in the world.

Program Details

• Program type: Major
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated time to complete: 4 years
• Credit hours: 120

Types of Degrees

The Visual Arts degree programs offer two types of degrees:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.): A professional undergraduate degree program where students immerse themselves in the medium of their choice.
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): A flexible approach to the Visual Arts major with fewer studio course requirements, including additional study in the liberal arts.

Areas of Emphasis for B.F.A.

• Ceramics
• Drawing
• Jewelry and Metalsmithing
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture

Visual Arts Degree at UND

The Visual Arts degree programs at the University of North Dakota equip students for:

• Graduate study in the visual arts
• Professional practice as a working artist or educator
• Occupations in museums, galleries, and other arts institutions

Benefits of the Program

• Present work at art exhibits locally and nationally
• Work closely with professional artists with industry experience
• Learn from internationally recognized artists through the Visiting Artist Program
• Access to the 35,000-square-foot Hughes Fine Arts Center
• Personalized academic advising
• Access to personalized software to keep students on track to graduate in four years
• Free academic support

Career Opportunities

• Art directors: $111k median annual salary (2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Special effects artists and animators: $100k median annual salary (2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Teaching art to young children
• Running own studio
• Recent graduates have gone on to graduate studies in visual arts or launched careers as professional artists, art educators, and museum/gallery curators

Strategic Skills

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, Illustrator)
• Drawing
• Graphic Design
• Painting

Visual Arts Major Careers

Visual Arts alumni have gone on to successful careers with companies such as:

• Apple, Inc.
• Arkansas Tech University
• Art Materials, LLC
• Basis Independent Schools, LLC

Visual Arts Degree Courses

Foundation Courses

• Two & Three Dimensional Design (ART 112): A foundation studio course introducing design principles, aesthetic considerations, and basic techniques.
• First Year Seminar (ART 115): An introduction to the study of art and design, exploring foundational visual, verbal, conceptual, and written skills.

Studio Courses

• Intro to Jewelry & Metalsmithing (ART 204): An investigation into the tools, techniques, and processes fundamental to designing and fabricating contemporary wearable and non-wearable art.
• Ceramics: Handbuilding (ART 250): Introduction to ceramics techniques, including handbuilding techniques and glazing.
• Intro to Graphic Design (ART 273): An introduction to the art, language, key elements, theory, and practice of graphic design.
• Intro to Drawing (ART 230): A studio course familiarizing students with fundamental concepts, tools, and techniques of drawing.

University of North Dakota: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of North Dakota (UND) is the state's oldest and largest university, offering over 225 accredited on-campus and online degrees. It is known for its commitment to student leadership and fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.

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Services Offered:

UND provides a range of support services for students, including:

Diversity and Inclusion:

UND values diverse perspectives and actively promotes a sense of belonging for all students.

TRIO Programs:

Support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students to help them succeed at UND.

Pride Center:

Resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.

Disability Resources:

Equal opportunities for qualified students with disabilities to participate in all UND activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UND emphasizes student leadership and provides opportunities for students to make a positive impact. The campus offers a vibrant community with various student organizations and activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

UND offers a wide range of highly accredited programs, including specialized fields like Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, Data Science, and Forensic Science.

Affordability:

UND consistently ranks among the best for educational quality and affordability.

Career Outcomes:

UND prepares students for successful careers with strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience.

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Academic Programs:

UND offers a diverse range of academic programs, with notable strengths in:

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations:

A cutting-edge program in a rapidly growing industry.

Data Science:

A high-demand field with strong career prospects.

Economics:

A solid foundation for careers in law, business, and other fields.

Forensic Science:

Immersive program with hands-on experience in forensic labs.