BA Art at University of Missouri-Columbia

Programme overview

The School of Visual Studies’ BA in Art offers students a liberal arts pathway grounded in studio-driven inquiry, critical analysis, and engagement with visual and material culture. Through a combination of studio coursework and art historical study, students develop technical, conceptual, and interpretive skills that support creative practice across cultural, civic, and professional contexts. The BA emphasizes interdisciplinary exploration, encouraging students to connect creative work to broader social, cultural, and intellectual frameworks.

Faculty: College of Arts and Science | Department: Art | Location: Columbia, MO, United States

What you will study

Students are eligible to apply after completing the following foundations courses: ART_VS 1020 , ART_VS 1030 and ART_VS 1040 . This foundational coursework is supported by the Art Studio Core( 12 cr.), Art Studio Electives (9 to 15cr.), Critical and Historical Studies (9cr.) and the VS Symposium Capstone (3cr).

Career pathways

Graduates of the BA in Art can pursue diverse paths, including careers in the arts, design, education, and work within cultural institutions. The degree emphasizes transferable skills that support career paths that value creative thinking, adaptability, and critical inquiry.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is through University of Missouri undergraduate admissions (university-level; no major-specific admission requirement in the catalogue entry).

Domestic applicants: USD 16,970 a year (2026-27). Missouri resident tuition for the 2026-27 academic year (fall and spring, 12-18 credit hours per term flat rate), Tuition Tier 2; the tier is assigned by major in the Cashiers Office tuition calculator (cashiers.missouri.edu/tuition-and-fees/undergraduate Source

International applicants: USD 40,132 a year (2026-27). Non-Missouri resident tuition for the 2026-27 academic year (fall and spring, 12-18 credit hours per term flat rate), Tuition Tier 2; the tier is assigned by major in the Cashiers Office tuition calculator. Excludes the $1,256 mandatory fees, housing and Source

Freshman applicants can apply for the Fall term; the Mizzou application and Common Application open on Aug. 1 for the following academic year. Transfer students can begin in the Fall, Spring or Summer term.

Transfer applications are listed for Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 entry.

Freshman applications open Aug. 1; the priority deadline for admission and scholarship consideration is Dec. 1 and the application deadline is July 1. Admission decisions are released from Oct. 1 on a rolling basis. Honors College applications open Sept. 15 and close Feb. 1.

Transfer applications for Spring 2027 opened May 1, 2026 and for Fall 2027 open Aug. 1, 2026; the FAFSA deadline is Feb. 1, 2027 and the deadline for general, competitive and departmental scholarships for Fall 2027 transfers is Feb. 1, 2027.

Freshman applicants apply through the Mizzou Application or the Common Application, pay a $55 application fee, and may apply with ACT or SAT scores or through the test-optional review (homeschooled students and students from non-accredited schools must submit a test score).

International undergraduate applicants have no application deadline (applying 6-12 months before the start term is recommended), pay a $65 application fee, and are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores; an English proficiency exam score is required.

Graduate programmes apply through the Graduate School online application for admission, which requires a qualifying bachelor degree and at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of baccalaureate coursework; School of Law, School of Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Occupational Therapy Doctorate have their own application processes.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.missouri.edu/apply/

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