About this Program

The Painting and Drawing program supports the investigation of various methods, forms and histories of painting and drawing in addition to the spaces these modes occupy in the contemporary sphere. Students begin their studies with a thorough grounding in the skills required to successfully engage the traditions and contemporary practices of painting and drawing. Initial coursework provides students strong technical, perceptual and visualization skills through a comprehensive and rigorous Foundations and Studio Core curriculum; gaining material handling competencies of both painting and drawing media. Intermediate coursework includes a review and expansion of these competencies with exploration into the expressive potential of painting and drawing through thematically-driven projects. Advanced coursework provides students the tools to develop individual bodies of work exploring individualized preferred concepts, subject matter, techniques, and media.

Program Highlights

  • Painting and Drawing students are recognized as artists and are treated as such; their individual voices are vital to the learning experience cultivated within the program.

  • Small class sizes mean students have access to instructors who know students by name and understand each student's individualized goals. Faculty welcome prospective student questions and inquiries.

  • Painting and drawing students are required to complete a course entitled “Senior Show” during their final year of study. The course focuses on the final development of each student’s aesthetic vision and studio practice; culminating in a finished, exhibition quality project.

  • The bright and spacious painting and drawing classrooms are housed in brand new facilities in the Barry Arts building and provide students the equipment necessary to produce their work comfortably and safely.

  • The Painting & Drawing faculty consists of two full-time professors and a team of devoted instructors, all of whom bring a wide array of experiences and professional achievements to the classroom.

  • Painting and Drawing students generate artworks that position them for success in today's competitive market.

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services 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

$57,520 Median Salary

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

Curators

$58,830 Median Salary

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Painting & Drawing at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Painting & Drawing should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.

The painting and drawing faculty review portfolio submissions from every student wishing to enter the painting and drawing major. The portfolio consists of artwork created during each student's preliminary studio coursework. This process assures that students are on the right track to advance into upper-level painting and drawing courses where students explore and develop individualized concepts, subject matter, techniques, and media. Application reviews occur each semester with due dates on November 1 during the Fall semester and April 1 during the Spring semester. Painting and drawing students are required to complete a course entitled "Senior Show" during their final year of study. The course focuses on the final development of each student's aesthetic vision and studio practice; culminating in a finished, exhibition quality project. The course also addresses professional installation, promotion, and documentation of finished work, concluding with a group exhibition in the Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries.

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...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $393
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $407
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,073

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