Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Art Studio

Catalog Year 2025-2028

Based on VCCS Curriculum for Visual Arts

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• To qualify for guaranteed admission to JMU, students must complete an approved transferable associate degree from their Virginia community college with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for guaranteed admission to JMU. Students who do not qualify for guaranteed admission are encouraged to apply to JMU through the regular admission process. For additional details about requirements for guaranteed admission, please see the JMU letter of intent for your community college: www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-gaa.shtml.

• When choosing between a B.A. or B.S. degree in art, the main consideration is whether you would prefer to take additional philosophy and world languages coursework for the B.A., or an additional math and science/social science course for the B.S.

• JMU also offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees through the School of Art, Design, and Art History (SADAH). Unlike the B.A. and B.S., these degrees require a portfolio review for "artistic admission" to SADAH. Students who are interested in pursuing B.F.A. degrees in Art, Architectural Design, or Graphic Design, or a B.S. Degree in Industrial Design, do not have an option for a 2-year plus 2-year pathway from the VCCS associate degree. To explore best routes to these degrees, see the guidance on JMU's Major Guides for VCCS and RBC students and/or make an appointment with a JMU Next transfer advisor.

• Consult the JMU undergraduate catalog for additional details and courses required for any art major. Students also appreciate the SADAH art degree major checklists.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://www.jmu.edu/transfer

• Register Intent to Transfer: Transfer applicants from a VCCS institution intending to apply through the Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) must review requirements and submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying: www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml

• Admission Application: By March 1 for Fall or October 15 for Spring at https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/apply-online.shtml

• Financial Aid: https://www.jmu.edu/financialaid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Deadline is March 1. Learn more at studentaid.gov.

What Should I Consider 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. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org.

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and schedule an appointment with a JMU Next transfer advisor in your first semester or first year.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The B.A. and B.S. degrees in Art are intended for students interested in seeking a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts, who have an interest or background in the humanities (B.A.) or the sciences and/or social sciences (B.S.). Successful majors are creative, skilled at problem solving, and curious. Our majors seek out many opportunities to make new connections between the visual arts and larger, critical issues in innovation and society at both the local and global levels.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: An approved transferable associate degree from a Virginia Community College will waive general education requirements at JMU. The list of approved transferable associate degrees can be found at www.jmu.edu/transfer/vccs-transfer/asdegrees.shtml.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Students who complete a transferable associate degree from a Virginia Community College through Dual Enrollment will not be eligible for guaranteed admission but will receive the general education waiver at JMU. DE associate degree earners who want to make progress toward their intended major should follow the curriculum in this guide.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit for prior learning may be awarded differently at JMU than at your previous institution. JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB CIE, and CLEP examinations for all students with eligible scores. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to your JMU student record. Other credit for prior learning is awarded on a per case basis for the ADP and RN-BSN programs in consultation with the department of expertise. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise.

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at JMU.

Is This College Right For Me?

• JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 88% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. Learn more about our college at www.jmu.edu and www.TransferVirginia.org.

Did You Know That…

• There is no limit to the number of credits you can transfer to JMU, but 50% of the credits required for graduation in your major must be taken at a 4-year college or university, and 25% must be taken at JMU. (Most JMU majors require 120 credits, so 60 must come from a 4-year and 30 must be taken at JMU.)

• 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 JMU.

• Students who may be eligible for Virginia's Two-Year College Transfer Grant should transfer in the fall or spring immediately following the completion of their associate degree. Learn more about the state transfer grant here: https://www.schev.edu/financial-aid/financial-aid/federal-state-financia...

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore potential careers, salary ranges, and job outlooks at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Art graduates are now exhibiting artists, art directors, arts administrators, art therapists, book designers, art conservators, arts entrepreneurs, exhibit designers, gallery directors and owners, illustrators, model makers, arts outreach coordinators, and university faculty. The Art Education Teaching licensure can be incorporated into the degree program, and many of our graduates also pursue successful careers as practicing artists working in K-12 Art Education; our art licensure graduates have a 100% employment rate in the field at graduation.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Generally, two-thirds of transfer applicants are admitted to JMU. Competitive applicants will have mostly As & Bs and have completed at least one class in each of our four core areas (English, mathematics, lab science, and social science).

• JMU defines a transfer student as a student that has graduated from high school (or holds a GED equivalency) AND has taken courses in college after high school graduation.

• Learn more about applying at https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/ or www.TransferVirginia.org.

Do More With Your Degree!

• Art majors concentrate in one of eight areas of emphasis: Ceramics, Fiber Arts & Weaving, I3D Emphasis, Metals & Jewelry, Painting & Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture. Students work closely with the practicing artists who form the diverse team of our Studio faculty.

• Visiting artists and scholars, workshops, field trips and frequent on-campus exhibitions of professional artwork enhance student engagement with contemporary art and diverse global cultures. Additionally, students have many opportunities to exhibit and present their artwork on campus, to assist in running on-campus galleries and studio art labs, and to partake in other hands-on art experiences. The major's University electives allow students to potentially add a second major or one of the over 100 Minors offered at JMU.