Visual Studies (Art)
Bachelor of Fine Arts
(Faculty of Arts)
Do you view the world through a creative lens? If you are imaginative, intellectually curious, interested in creating and viewing art and open to new ideas and experiences, this is your program! Whether you choose to work in traditional mediums or explore leading-edge processes and technology, you will focus on improving technical skills as an artist while learning how art and creative ways of thinking contribute to culture and community. You can succeed if you are willing to persevere through long-term projects, work independently, and participate socially and artistically in the art community at the University and beyond.
Admission Requirements
Admission to all majors is limited. Therefore, all qualified applicants may not be admitted.
To be considered for admission applicants are required to present the appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.
Other Admission Requirements (Auditions, Portfolios)
Click here to view the Department of Art website.
Visual Studies: In addition to an application for admission to the University, admission to Visual Studies is based on an assessment of the applicant's portfolio.
For portfolio information, please click here.
Why take this program?
You will create, learn, explore, share, collaborate and succeed! Exhibit your work in the Little Gallery and the Nickle Arts Museum, both on campus.
Creatively inclined
Are you imaginative and intellectually curious? Do you enjoy making and viewing art? Art students at the U of C come from a wide variety of backgrounds with many different interests, but how do you know the BFA Visual Studies program is right for you? The Visual Studies program is particularly suitable for people interested in creating and viewing art, and open to new ideas and experiences.
A work in progress
The Visual Studies program helps students to better realize themselves through study and active involvement in art as related to contemporary society and culture. Students develop conceptual understanding in the visual arts; a foundation of knowledge and practice of artistic self-sufficiency; and the creative processes of planning needed to carry out their various studio interests. All of these elements contribute to their growth as artists.
Aesthetic value
Most Visual Studies majors hope to build fulfilling careers related to their art interests. Many students enter the program to prepare for employment in artistic creation, applied art, museum and gallery work, criticism, and archival and academic research. Some graduates will apply their art knowledge in diverse fields such as business, information technology, and public institutions – places where employers value flexible and divergent thinking, the ability to plan and organize complex projects, and strong teamwork skills. As a graduate of Visual Studies you are a creative problem solver with important critical skills and knowledge, making it possible for you to find career success and take on leadership roles within the workplace and the community.
What will I study in my first year?
First year will include courses in Art History, Drawing, Fundamentals in 2D and 3D and options from other programs.What will I study in later years?
In your senior years, you will have smaller classes, studio space, exhibition locations, and the opportunity to choose to specialize in Developmental Art or Studio Art.What can I do with this degree?
The great thing about studying a field in Fine Arts is that you’ll graduate with a number of marketable skills including:- Imaginative, independent work ethic
- Symbolic representation
- Developed creative thinking
- Ability to carry out long-term projects
- Presentation skills
- Abstraction
- Time management
Graduates from the Visual Studies (BFA) program have a number of career options available to them in a variety of industries. Here is what some U of C grads have done with their Visual Studies (BFA) degree:
- Image Researcher
- Art Director
- Chief Creative Officer
- Television Director
- Printmaking Technician
- Visiting Artist
- Art Department Coordinator
Additional Information
Student Finance
