Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art Studio
Our Undergraduate DegreesProgram Overview – Minimum Total Hours: 120
The study of art encompasses a variety of media to express human thoughts, interests, attitudes, emotions, and ideas. UNM’s Studio Art program offers seven different areas of concentration: painting & drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, experimental art & technology, and environmental arts.
“Fine arts is a complex field from a career standpoint because the fine artist is his/her own employer and promoter. Because it may take many years to develop a career as a successful artist, most graduates initially seek ways of earning a living other than from sales of their personal work. This takes determination and perseverance with no strictly defined career path. The choices are very individual. This might mean a position in an arts organization or a design support position. Some art students prepare to teach. It is not unusual for fine artists to experiment with different options for a few years” (from the University of Texas Fine Arts Career Services website).
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission as a declared major in the College of Fine Arts, you must meet the following requirements:
• Completion of 26 hours of earned credit.
• A grade point average of at least 2.50 in all hours attempted or, a grade point of at least 2.50 in the last 30 hours attempted.
• Competency in English writing as demonstrated by: achieving a score of 26 or higher on the English section of the ACT examination or 660 SAT Verbal or, completion of ENGL 101 or 110 or 112 or 113 with a grade of C or better, or receiving credit through Advanced Placement Exam or International Baccalaureate program.
• Competency in Mathematics as demonstrated by: achieving a score of 22 or higher on the Math section of the ACT examination or 540 SAT Math, or completion of MATH 120 or MATH 101 & 102 with a grade of C or better, placement into college-level Math by Compass exam, or receiving credit through Advanced Placement Exam or International Baccalaureate program.
• Entrance to the Bachelor of Fine Arts – Studio Art degree program is by portfolio. The deadline for applying to the program is November 1st and/or April 1st at 11:59 PM. The online application requires: An online portfolio (using portfolio.adobe.com) of 10 artworks; an artist statement of 200 words; a list of art studio, art education, and art history classes you have completed; a list of the studio, art education and art history classes you plan on taking; and the name of a faculty member you have consulted about your application.
Contact Us
(505) 277-4817
finearts@unm.edu
Office: Center for the Arts, Rm 1103
Please schedule an appointment with a CFA Academic Advisor online through LoboAchieve, or call the Student Success and Advisement Office.
How to Apply
• All students must be admitted to the University, whether as an incoming freshman, transfer student, or non-degree student. Apply online through the Admissions Department at UNM
•After meeting all CFA admission requirements, students must apply to become a declared major.
Academic Advisement
The College of Fine Arts Student Success & Advisement Center is committed to serve the UNM community with compassion, guidance, and respect as we promote academic excellence.
To speak with a CFA advisor, please call (505) 277-4817.