The Painting Program strives to equip students with a thorough understanding of the breadth of possibilities within the discipline of painting today. The program embraces diversity of visual expression in students and therefore works to instill good studio habits that help to refine and develop an individual’s distinctive style. Focused research, disciplined practice and insightful critiques help students develop into accomplished painters.
The program builds on a strong foundation of formal skill while encouraging exploration of contemporary practice. Painting classes are structured to allow for gradual freedom in content, culminating in a cohesive body of work that is mindful of its position in historic context. Painting is a language that is rooted in process but nurtured and informed by our environment. The UCA community is committed to fostering artists that are prepared for a future in the contemporary art world.
The UCA Art program supplements studio classes with opportunities to view established artists exhibiting in the Baum Gallery. These visiting artists often engage with the students in workshops and give formal presentations regarding their art practice.
Degree Requirements
BFA Major in Studio Art (80 hours of Art)
The program is 120 semester credit hours, including at least 40 upper-division credit hours. The program requires 83 hours of art and art history, 35 hours of UCA Core courses (fine arts requirement not required for art majors – completion of the major fulfills the requirement), and 3 hours of foreign language at the 2000 level. Art courses must follow a prerequisite structure. Students with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and 3.25 major GPA on a minimum of 24 hours of art may apply for entrance into the BFA program after successfully completing SMAI (Sophomore Major Advancement Interview). Students should submit application for acceptance into the BFA program in the spring of the sophomore year.
In order to complete the state-mandated minimum number of hours for core requirements in general education, art majors are required to complete a Humanities course in either the Diversity category or in the Responsible Living category.
Downloads and Links
To download BFA/Painting Emphasis Checklist, click here: Painting Emphasis
To download pdf of the UCA Core Checklist, click here: Lower-Division UCA Core Check Sheet
To download BFA Studio Academic Map, click here: Academic Map-BFA Studio Art
To download BFA application, click here: BFA Application
To download BFA Studio Practicum Guidelines, click here: BFA Studio Practicum
To download Art Internship Guidelines (ART 4375, 4675), click here: Art Internships
For more information see the Undergraduate Bulletin.
For detailed course information and descriptions, see Courses in Art
