

The Bachelor of Arts in Art at the University of North Carolina is a four year program designed for students who want to develop their creative, conceptual, and technical skills across a variety of visual art practices. The curriculum emphasizes artistic expression, critical analysis, art history, and studio practice, providing students with both practical and theoretical understanding of the visual arts. Students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, and interdisciplinary art forms while analyzing artistic movements, cultural contexts, and aesthetic principles. This combination of hands on practice and scholarly study equips graduates with the skills to create, interpret, and communicate artistic ideas effectively.
Throughout the program, students participate in studio work, exhibitions, and research projects that integrate artistic practice with critical reflection. Coursework emphasizes creativity, conceptual development, technical proficiency, and artistic critique, preparing graduates for professional practice in studios, galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. By combining applied experience with theoretical inquiry, the program cultivates artists and visual thinkers capable of producing original work, engaging audiences, and contributing to contemporary art discourse while preparing for graduate study or professional careers in the arts.
Year 1 - Foundations in Visual Arts
• Introduction to Drawing and Painting
• Art History Survey
• Fundamentals of Design
• Academic Writing and Critical Thinking
Year 2 - Developing Artistic Skills
• Intermediate Studio Practice
• Sculpture and 3D Media
• Digital Art and New Media
• Visual Culture and Art Theory
Year 3 - Advanced Artistic Exploration
• Advanced Studio Projects
• Interdisciplinary Art Practices
• Art Criticism and Analysis
• Internship or Applied Project
Year 4 - Capstone and Professional Integration
• Senior Seminar in Visual Arts
• Independent Studio Project
• Exhibition Preparation and Curation
• Capstone Portfolio and Presentation
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in studio practice, gallery and museum work, arts education, curation, and creative industries. Potential roles include visual artists, curators, gallery coordinators, art educators, and creative consultants in galleries, museums, cultural institutions, and educational organizations. The program also provides a foundation for graduate study in visual arts, fine arts, art history, or related fields. Graduates gain technical skills, creative problem solving, and critical thinking abilities, enabling them to pursue professional artistic practice, contribute to cultural initiatives, and engage audiences in meaningful ways.
This program is ideal for students seeking a curriculum that combines creative practice, critical analysis, and professional development in the visual arts. Learners benefit from studio experiences, mentorship, exhibitions, and research projects that enhance technical skill, conceptual thinking, and artistic expression. The program emphasizes artistic innovation, critical reflection, and interdisciplinary exploration, preparing graduates to succeed as professional artists, curators, educators, or cultural practitioners. By integrating hands on studio work with scholarly inquiry, students acquire the expertise, vision, and confidence necessary to develop a meaningful career in the arts or pursue advanced study in creative disciplines.
Phone: +1 (919) 966-3621
Email: unchelp@admissions.unc.edu
Address: Jackson Hall, 174 Country Club Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA