Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Art
Bachelor of ArtsRoanoke College
The Art Program introduces students to a broad knowledge of the visual arts, their role in society, and their interconnections with other disciplines within the arts, humanities, and sciences. We seek to balance general knowledge with specialized expertise in the student's selected area of emphasis. Furthermore, we wish to foster clear thinking, communication, and the ability to make informed aesthetic judgments. The art faculty is committed to the college's overall purpose in educating its students in high standards of creativity and scholarship. The Art Program is designed to enable art students to integrate their intellectual, emotional, and physical capabilities in the practice of a selected studio area and in the history of art.
Outcomes
1: Production/Skills. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and usage of art making materials and develop innovative ways to exploit the potential of materials, technologies, and methods. 2: Perception. Students will select and apply the elements of art and compositional principles to achieve effective visual communication. 3: Creativity. Students will develop original meanings and creative directions to their art making through the use of critical thinking and problem solving. 4: Appreciation/Awareness. Students will communicate visually and verbally an understanding of art making in the larger historical and contemporary context. 5: Commitment. Students will demonstrate effective studio work habits and focused discipline in creating works of art.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Majoring in art involves putting time into working in the studio, creating a body of original work in various media, and studying some art history. Learning self-criticism while being open to studio critiques is essential. While not required, a desire to exhbit your own work is a good sign of being an art major. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Useful choices for transfer credit: Basic studio or design classes. Transferring some foreign language courses will help students finish that college requirement faster.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Students have multiple opportunities to exhibit their work. Some students connect their arts passion with interests in arts administration, teaching, or non-profit management. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Become a painter, photographer (commercial or fine art), muralist, commissioned portrait painter, ceramicist, sculptor, printmaker, graphic designer, illustrator (creative, medical, scientific), secondary or university teacher, studio assistant, art therapist, forensic artist, museum staff member, or maybe an art consultant, art director, art appraiser, gallery owner, art dealer, art conservator, architect, interior designer, jewelry designer, tattoo artist, animator, etc.There's really no end to what you can do with a studio art degree! |
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

The table below lists admissions agreements between Roanoke College 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.
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?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Courses completed as part of an associate's degree or general education certificate will be evaluated by our Registrar at admission, and appropriate transfer credits will be awarded. Nearly all general education requirements can be completed with transfer credits. Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university taken as dual enrollment while in high school will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. Up to three additional World Language courses can satisfy the language requirement. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer. |
Credit for Prior Learning | In general, Roanoke does not offer credit for prior learning outside of higher education coursework. Military training transcripted by an accredited institution of higher education is accepted. |
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? | Roanoke has about 2000 students, mostly undergraduates. Classes are small, averaging 17 students, with a real commitment to teaching and supporting students. Expect close personal interactions with faculty and staff members who get to know you. Active athletic and recreational opportunities are part of the college as are a wide range of student clubs and activities. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance. VCCS transfer students may choose a catalog from the two years prior to their first term of attendance if desired. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year for freshmen is determined by first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Expected transfer students should notify the admissions office as soon as possible, so we can provide advice on courses which will transfer. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Randolph-Macon College | Studio Art (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Art History (BA) | 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 | 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 |
Emory & Henry University | Art: Studio (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Northern Virginia Community College | Music, A.F.A. | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Shenandoah University | Contemporary Musicianship and Entrepreneur Development | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Music in Music Prod/Recording Tech | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Graphic Design, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Graphic Design: Interactive Design Specialization, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Graphic and Media Design | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Visual Design | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Fine Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Longwood University | Graphic and Animation Design BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Art: Graphic Design (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Regent University | BFA in Graphic Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | Online |
Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: English Specialization, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
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 |
Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
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 |
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 | Arts Management - Film (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 |
27-1014.00 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-2041.00 | Music Directors and Composers | Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-2042.00 | Musicians and Singers | Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording. | 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 |
27-1011.00 | Art Directors | Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-1019.00 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | All artists and related workers not listed separately. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-1024.00 | Graphic Designers | Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
15-1255.01 | Video Game Designers | Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.00 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
Cost To Complete
