Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts
Bachelor of ArtsSweet Briar College
The visual arts can be explored in two ways: through the hands-on practice of skills and techniques in a variety of mediums, or through an in-depth study or art's history and meaning. The visual arts major has two tracks: art history and study art. The art history track provides students with an understanding of art and architecture in a cultural context. The studio art track helps students develop practical skills and the ability to access their creativity.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | For students who are interested in exploring the visual arts - either through hands-on practice of skills and techniques, or through in-depth study of art's history and meaning. Students will select one of two tracks: art history or studio art. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Select one of two tracks - Art History or Studio Art. Depending on track selected, the major requires 36.0 or 39.0 hours of coursework. ART HIST Required Courses: History of Art, Women and Art, Contemporary Art and Theory, Ancient World, Philosophy and the Arts, and a 3.0-hour studio art course. Electives: Additional 6.0 hours of coursework in Visual Arts. Culminating Experience: Senior seminar. STUDIO ART Required Courses: Design, History of Art, and Drawing. Additional Required: One course in 4 of the following areas: clay, drawing, painting, photography, and printmaking. Also, 2 courses at the 300-level in one of those areas for depth. Electives: 6.0 hours in additional visual arts coursework. Culminating Experience: Senior Seminar |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
First-year course selections are dependent on the track the student is interested in pursuing.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Many students add a second major or minor in ancient studies, archaeology, history, or psychology (which is a natural pairing for those interested in graduate studies in art therapy). Sweet Briar students can also pursue teacher licensure. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Recent graduates work in design, art therapy, advertising, web design, art journalism, publishing or art auction houses and galleries. Some of graduates work in museums in Boston, Charlotte, Washington, DC., New York, Richmond, and Italy. They also have found careers in other areas such as law, international policy, NGP administration, and medicine. |
Program Credit Requirements

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.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Exemption from the general education requirement, our Leadership Core. Completion of an associates degree (AA,AS, or AA&S) replaces Sweet Briar's required leadership core curriculum, the college's version of traditional general education requirements. Eligible students may move directly into coursework that fulfills the requirements of their major of choice. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Completion of an associates degree (AA,AS, or AA&S) replaces Sweet Briar's required leadership core curriculum, the college's version of traditional general education requirements. Eligible students may move directly into coursework that fulfills the requirements of their major of choice. |
Credit for Prior Learning | We accept AP and IB results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Sweet Briar has a total enrollment of about 460 students, of which approximately 80 are transfer students. Our average class size is about 12 and the vast majority of our students live on campus. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by the first semester of attendance. However, students can petition to move back a year to be in the same catalog year as their classmates. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by the first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Same as other transfer students. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: English Specialization, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Visual Art, A.F.A. | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts (Glass) | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
Ferrum College | B.A. in Art, Studio Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Art History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in Photography and Video Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in Graphic Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in 2D and 3D Media | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Graphic Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Architectural Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Industrial Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Art Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BA in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BFA in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with Education Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Graphic Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Art (Studio)/Art History - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Fine Art-BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Graphic Design-BFA (Fine Arts) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | Not Specified |
Old Dominion University | Art Education-BFA (Fine Arts) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | Not Specified |
Ferrum College | B.A. in Art, Ceramics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Ferrum College | B.A. in Art, Graphic Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Randolph-Macon College | Arts Management - Art (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Arts Management - Music (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Arts Management - Theater (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Studio Art (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Arts Management - Film (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Art History (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BA in Art - Art Therapy Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BA in Art - Graphic Design Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BA in Art - Studio Art Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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25-1121.00 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach 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 |
27-1012.00 | Craft Artists | Create 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 |
27-1013.00 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-4021.00 | Photographers | Photograph 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 |
25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete
