The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) is a professional degree that focuses on intensive creative work in the following visual arts majors: 3D Media & Materials Studies, Graphic Design, Painting & Drawing, and Photography & Print Media. The B.F.A. does not have a freshman entrance portfolio review for admission. Students who are pursuing the B.F.A. degree must consult with the Art Department's Chief Departmental Advisor before or during their first semester at ODU. Students are expected to begin their art studio foundations coursework in their first year of study.
Program Highlights
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Our undergraduate programs are open to any undergraduate student who has met the required prerequisites for the declaration of a major at Old Dominion University.
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Graduates of the Art Department are employed in area schools, museums, and businesses.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
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.
Art Directors
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications media, such as print, broadcasting, and advertising. Direct workers engaged in art work or layout design.
Set and Exhibit Designers
Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Requirements
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Featured Courses
An intensive studio course that fosters observational and visualization skills through a comprehensive exploration of composition, linear perspective, and sighting and measuring techniques. These principles are executed by utilizing line and value with a variety of media including graphite, charcoal, and ink. Investigations of the discipline's historic and contemporary dimensions support the course objectives.
This course is an introduction to the Macintosh operating system, design industry-standard software programs, and technical applications to visual arts and design production. The course provides an overview of Adobe software programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and techniques for bitmap and vector image creation as well as page layout as used in print design and digital media development.
An observational painting course that serves as an introduction to the fundamental concepts and competencies of oil painting. Primary emphasis is on composition, accuracy of color mixing, description of form and space as well as paint application techniques. Prerequisite: ARTS 202 and ARTS 231.
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for continuing students, information about which can be found on the following webpage: https://www.odu.edu/artdept/resources/scholarships
Contact
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.