Art

Bachelor's Degree Program

Earn your art degree in one of the strongest Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs in the nation. The bachelor’s in art is a professionally focused program that empowers you to explore and master skills needed for a variety of art careers, and present your work in a professional context.

You’ll learn in small classes, access multiple studios in our Fine Arts Complex and have access to a vibrant art community in Fairbanks. You’ll also gain professional experience and acquire practical training, including the opportunity to display your work in our University Art Gallery.

Through a unique focus on Alaska Native Arts, our program fosters a commitment to diversity and encourages new ways of creating as part of the Alaska aesthetic. Our students reflect the wide diversity of cultures of the circumpolar North and range in age from their teens to the 80s. Together, you’ll work in a friendly and open atmosphere that fosters creativity and exploration.

What Is a BFA Degree?

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a type of art degree that is designed for students who want to focus on developing their creative talents and preparing for a career in the arts. A fine arts degree is ideal if you have a good idea of what you want to do. The Bachelor of Arts, by comparison, tends to be more broad based and flexible. With the BA, you’ll take more liberal arts courses (such as literature and history). With the BFA degree, you’ll focus more on intensive art and design studies.

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
  • Offered as a major and minor

Availability:

  • UAF main campus

 

Why Study Art at UAF?

Art majors at UAF enjoy unique opportunities for exploration of Northern and Alaska Native arts. Studio class sizes are small and offer greater access to outstanding faculty and graduate student mentors. Here are more reasons that the University of Alaska Fairbanks offers one of the strongest BFA degrees in the nation.

Choose from a variety of concentration areas

As an art major, you can select from several concentrations and areas of study:

We offer studio art courses in these areas as well as foundation art courses and Art History courses.

Gain professional experience

  • The art bachelor’s degree is a professionally focused program with practical training and experience related to the art world, including education in advertising art work and assembling art shows. You’ll acquire technical skills and access facilities to create fine art in varied disciplines across diverse media. Our University Art Gallery provides an opportunity for academic and career development, allowing you to professionally display your work.

Discover Alaska Native Arts

  • You’ll gain a unique perspective through the diversity of Native cultures represented in the student body and the value placed upon Alaska Native culture and art. UAF is the only school in Alaska to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Native Art. Through our emphasis on Alaska Native Arts, you’ll discover new ways of seeing and creating as part of the Alaska aesthetic.

Learn from experienced artists and connect with a vibrant art community

  • At UAF, you’ll learn from professional artists who understand the unique cultural context of Alaska. You’ll benefit from a vibrant art community in Fairbanks and access distinctive opportunities, like workshops with Native artists and elders, and artists-in-residence programs with renowned artists from throughout Alaska.

Participate in art clubs and research projects

  • As a major in art, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs including the Ceramic Arts Guild, Print Club, Metals Club, Art Club, Sculpture Club and the Frozen Lenses Photography Club. You can also participate in collaborative projects with other students and faculty across diverse disciplines.

Extraordinary Art at the University of Alaska Fairbanks

 

What Can You Do With an Art Degree?

If you live to create, are passionate about promoting the visual arts or have an interest in mentoring the next generation of artists, art will be a rewarding career choice.

Art majors are prepared for careers as fine artists, graphic designers, illustrators, art gallery managers and instructors. Our undergraduate students have also continued on in prestigious graduate programs such as Pratt, Rhode Island School of Design and University of Washington.

 

 

What Classes Are Required for Art Majors?

The bachelor’s in art is comprised of professional coursework that focuses on the means, modes and history of art to encourage independent, original, critical and creative thinking. Our courses are designed to help you explore, research and master the skills needed for a variety of art careers.

View class information for the degree in art

Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Art

 

Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Art

Take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

Earn your bachelor’s degree in art at UAF. Submit your application online today.