Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

BFA

Bachelor of Fine Arts
University of Mary Washington

The B.F.A. is a highly specialized degree that integrates rigorous coursework with experiential learning to develop students' professional competencies and portfolio. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum and sustained faculty mentorship, students apply theoretical knowledge in practice as they collaborate with faculty and professional guest artists in the creation of plays and musicals. Comprising four distinct concentrations—acting, musical theatre, design & technology, and stage management—the B.F.A. provides conservatory-level training grounded in the liberal arts tradition that defines a Mary Washington education.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

A minimum of 120 credits are required; all general education, intensives and major requirements must be met. Thirty-one of the 120 credits must be completed at UMW. Fifteen of your last 21 credits must be earned on campus. You must have an overall and major GPA of 2.00.

The restrictions below apply to the BFA degree:

    *Only 8 credits of PHYD will count
    *Only 8 credits in SPCH 470 will count
    *Only 8 credits in THEA 390 will count
    *Only 12 credits of private music will count
    *Only 10 credits of ensemble music will count
    *One 100-level BIOL sequence will count
      -BIOL 121, 122 or BIOL 125, 126
    *One 100-level CHEM sequence will count
      -CHEM 105, 106 or CHEM 111, 112
    *One 100-level PHYS sequence will count
      -PHYS 101, 102 or PHYS 105, 106
    *Only 12 credits of any internship and EDUC 440
    *BLST/PORT classes do not count toward the degree
    *Only 9 credits of overlap allowed between double majors

This Degree Evaluation is an advising tool to be used in consultation with your major advisor and staff in the Offices of the Registrar and Academic Services. It is not the final approval for degree completion.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and University of Mary Washington within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between University of Mary Washington and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name Type Title
Germanna Community College GPAA Guaranteed Transfer Partnership Agreement
Germanna Community College GPAA Guaranteed Transfer Partnership Agreement
Germanna Community College GPAA GCC and UMW Business Partnership Agreement
Germanna Community College GPAA Concurrent Enrollment Agreement
Northern Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Transfer Partnership Agreement
Rappahannock Community College GPAA Guaranteed Transfer Partnership Agreement
Richard Bland College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and Richard Bland College
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admissions Agreement between University of Mary Washington and the Virginia Community College System

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completing the appropriate transfer degree through VCCS allows students to enter the university as a junior with nearly all general education requirements satisfied.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for guaranteed admission programs and must complete 3 college specific general education courses. All courses are evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree.
Credit for Prior Learning UMW accepts AP, IB and CLEP results for college credit if the scores earned meets college expectations. Enter your test scores into the portal to see if scores will earn credit.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: University of Mary Washington
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
291
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
71% of transfer applicants were admitted across three programs. Avg GPA for admitted transfers was 3.1027.
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? UMW is a perfectly sized university of 3,700 undergraduates that blends opportunity with community. Set in Fredericksburg, our park-like campus for both residential and commuter students is located fifty miles south of Washington, DC and fifty miles north of Richmond, VA. Fredericksburg is one of the most southern final stops on the Virginia Rail Express (VRE) which has allowed convenient commuter access to DC for internship experiences while studying at UMW. Founded more than 100 years ago, UMW currently offers 80 majors, minors, and programs through our College of Business, Colleges of Education, and College of Arts and Sciences.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Declare intent to transfer to UMW by completing the “GAA Student Letter of Intent form” available at the Office of Admissions website after a minimum of 15 credits towards the transfer associate degree is completed at the community college and before applying for graduation from the community college
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Film SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Photo SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Visual Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Art2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts, Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree Fine Arts MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Arts in Performing ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in ActingBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Arts AdministrationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Directing/Dramatic LiteratureBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Design/Technical TheaterBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Musical TheaterBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, Major in Theater, Concentration in Theater StudiesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Art - Art Education PK-12 BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Artist’s Books and Printmaking BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Design in Craft BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Painting/Drawing BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Art Studio - Photography BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Music - Piano Pedagogy Emphasis BABachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Music BABachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Music Education PK-12 - Choral Track BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Music Education PK-12 - Instrumental Track BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Performance BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre - Specialist in Design and Technology BFA BachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre - Specialist in Performance BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre Education PK-12 BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Visual and Performing Arts: Theatre Generalist BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Richard Bland CollegeAssociate of ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
George Mason UniversityArt and Visual Technology, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityArt and Visual Technology, BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityMusic Composition-BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityMusic-BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityFine Art-BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityMusic Education-BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityMusic Performance-BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversitySound Recording Technology-BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityGraphic Design-BFA (Fine Arts)BachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityArt Education-BFA (Fine Arts)BachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.F.A. in Music and Theatre: Professional Stage PerformanceBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Emory & Henry UniversityArt: Studio (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBFA in ArtBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in ArtBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in DanceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBFA in DanceBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBFA in DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in DesignBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBM in MusicBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in MusicBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Architecture in ArchitectureBachelorBachelor of Architecture4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Arts in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts in Creative TechnologiesBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBS in Apprl, Hsing, & Res Mgt in Fashion Merchandising and DesignBachelorBachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBS in Industrial Design in Industrial DesignBachelorBachelor of Science in Industrial Design4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Science in Interior DesignBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBach of Landscp Arch in Landscape ArchitectureBachelorBachelor of Landscape Architecture4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Arts in MusicBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBS in Apprl, Hsing, & Res Mgt in Property ManagementBachelorBachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBS in Apprl, Hsing, & Res Mgt in Residential Environments and DesignBachelorBachelor of Science in Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts in Studio ArtBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1121.00Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-1019.00Artists and Related Workers, All OtherAll artists and related workers not listed separately.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1012.00Craft ArtistsCreate or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1013.00Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and IllustratorsCreate original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-4021.00PhotographersPhotograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
Cost To Complete
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