Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Art and Visual Technology, BFA

Bachelor of Fine Arts
George Mason University

By blending theoretical knowledge with immersive, hands-on experiences, the BFA AVT program equips students with the necessary tools to navigate the dynamic world of contemporary art. This comprehensive education nurtures artistic growth, cultivates critical thinking skills, and instills a sense of professional readiness. Graduates emerge with the confidence to pursue their artistic ambitions, armed with the ability to adapt to evolving artistic landscapes and make meaningful contributions to the arts community. Individual pathways include Studio Art courses in the areas of  Drawing, New Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Book Arts, and Sculpture.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
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 BFA degree offers two paths: Graphic Design and Studio Arts. Graphics Design is an industry-specific curriculum for the design field. Studio Arts path is an interdisciplinary visual arts program that will allow students to explore areas in Photography, Painting, Drawing, New Media, Sculpture, Printmaking, and Book Arts.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/visual-performing-arts/art/art-visual-technology-bfa/

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 George Mason University within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses Beginning fall 2023 no portfolio submission is required for entry into the School of Art BFA program. However, a GPA of 3.0 or better will ensure admission to the AVT major.
Doing More With Your Degree BFA students are eligible to apply for the Accelerated Masters of Arts in Teaching in Art Education (MAT) Program will allow students to complete both a BFA and MAT in 5 years and 3 years for transfer students who come to Mason as Juniors. In addition, graduates will also earn Virginia licensure to teach K-12.
Program Successes & Highlights 100% of those who have successfully completed in the Accelerated MAT program are now fully employed as teachers.
Program Credit Requirements
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
  • Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
  • View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between George Mason University 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
Richard Bland College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement

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 Transfer associate degree completion is recommended. RBC and VCCS students completing A.A., A.A.& S., A.F.A, or A.S. degrees receive a lower-level Mason Core waiver.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who earn an associate degree through high school dual enrollment should still apply as freshmen and are not eligible for GAA. College coursework will be evaluated for transferable course credit.
Credit for Prior Learning https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy
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: George Mason University
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year.
  • Our students enroll from all over the Commonwealth, all 50 states, and more than 130 countries.
  • Transfer students are encouraged, but not required to join our residential campus community of 6,300 students.
  • Mason transfers thrive in any number of the 400+ academic, cultural, or social student organizations.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Determined by first semester of enrollment
First Year Student Catalog Year Determined by first semester of enrollment
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://go.gmu.edu/GAA
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
Old Dominion UniversityFine Art-BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-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
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 UniversityBFA in DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in DesignBachelorBachelor 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 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
Northern Virginia Community CollegeVisual Art, A.F.A.AssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts DegreeAssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts - Studio ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts (Glass)AssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Arts in Visual ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Art HistoryBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in Photography and Video ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in 2D and 3D MediaBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Arts ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Architectural DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in Industrial DesignBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Art EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Art - Art Therapy EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Art - Graphic Design EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Art - Studio Art EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with Education ConcentrationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryArt (Studio)/Art History - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Art, Studio ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Art, CeramicsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Art, Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Art (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Music (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Theater (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeStudio Art (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Film (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArt History (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Northern Virginia Community CollegeSocial Sciences: History Major, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, 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
Old Dominion UniversityMusic Composition-BMBachelorBachelor of Music4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityMusic-BABachelorBachelor of 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
University of Mary WashingtonBA in TheatreBachelorBachelor of 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 DanceBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBFA in DanceBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-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 Arts in MusicBachelorBachelor of 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
27-1012.00Craft 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
27-1019.00Artists and Related Workers, All OtherAll artists and related workers not listed separately.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at George Mason University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $5,196 Per Semester $41,568 $0 $41,568 Flat rate semester tuition for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, tuition is $433.00 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit tuition.
Fees
Mandatory Student Fee $1,962 Per Semester $15,696 0 $15,696 Flat rate semester mandatory student fee for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, mandatory student fee is $163.50 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit fee.
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • New student fee is $275 for transfer students or $350 for freshman.
      Additional course fees vary. For more information about course and program fees, visit: https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/tuition-fees.
      Housing, dining, and parking fees may also apply. For more detailed cost information, visit:

      George Mason Cost of Attendance

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.