Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Graphic Design

Bachelor of Arts
Norfolk State University

The Division of Fine Arts takes its title and general direction from the traditional roles of drawing, painting, and sculpture. However, the goal of recent years has been to eliminate constricting departmental barriers, to increase interrelationship of all creative activities, and to broaden the educational potential, while continuing the infusion of relevant technologies in hardware and software. This has placed greater emphasis on a wider spectrum of courses and programs, more varied technology, and a neoteric pedagogy. The role of the creative enterprise in society is explored in special projects.


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 This is a professional degree program which requires specific skills and competencies prior to enrollment. Basic art and design skills and competencies are required to be successful. Students should have a professional portfolio of their artworks prior to enrollment. All studio courses run for three hours, and students are expected to visit the studio for self-directed assignments and practice sessions. Students are required to visit the studio on Friday to complete assignments and personal projects.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Students are required to complete a sophomore and senior portfolio development course and a professional exhibition during their last semester of the program. FIA 495 Senior Exhibition/Senior Portfolio course must be completed after all program requirements have been met and only during the last semester when the student is expected to graduate.

  • 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 Norfolk State University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses A grade of C or higher is required for all Fine Art courses. To successfully complete the degree program, students most complete a sophomore and senior portfolio review process and an art exhibition.
Doing More With Your Degree Students who are enrolled in Fine Arts-Graphic Design may select a minor in other areas within the arts or other disciplines.
Program Successes & Highlights The department has top-of-the-line, industry-standard equipment in Graphic Design, Photography, Fashion Design, and Studio Arts. Graduates from our program are entrepreneurs who run their own graphic design firms, successful fashion designers, professional studio artists, Emmy-nominated professional makeup artists, 2D and 3D animators to name a few. Community engagement and campus visibility projects inspire Fine Arts students to attain higher retention and graduate rates. Our community engagement initiatives have led to a high retention and graduation rate among our students.
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 Norfolk State 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.

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 Completion of the general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the NSU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major.

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 trasnferred as applicable to your degree.
Credit for Prior Learning We accept AP, IB, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations.
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: Norfolk State University
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Norfolk State University enrolls approximately 400 transfer students each fall. The average class size is 23 students . The student to teacher ratio is 18:1. On campus housing is available. Our top five academic programs for transfer students is Pre-Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Business, and Interdisciplinary Studies
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 Students may confirm intent to enroll via the Transfer VA Portal using College Connect.
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
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Arts ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts: English Specialization, A.A.AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
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 ArtsAssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts - Studio ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts (Glass)AssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Art, Studio ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, 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
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
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
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryArt (Studio)/Art History - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityFine Art-BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityGraphic Design-BFA (Fine Arts)BachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearNot Specified
Old Dominion UniversityArt Education-BFA (Fine Arts)BachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearNot Specified
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
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
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
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 Norfolk State 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 $463 Per Credit $55,560 $0 $55,560 Caps at 12-18 credits for $3038.00
Fees
Mandatory Fees $2,052 Per Semester $16,416 0 $16,416 All Full time Students
*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
    • Miscellaneous fees include parking fee, graduation fee , and program-specific fees, such as Fine Arts, Music, and Nursing. Dorm/Meals cost depend on the dorm and meal plan chosen.
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.