BA Studio Art at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

The B.A. in studio art provides students with a broad exposure to artistic ideas and practices within a liberal arts framework. This degree is ideal for those seeking a well-rounded education and is a popular choice for students pursuing a double major. Common pairings include communication studies (media and technology studies and production), media and journalism, biology, dramatic art (costume and set design), and psychology, though students from any field can benefit from studying visual arts. The major requires 36 credit hours, but students may take up to 45 credit hours in studio art (ARTS) courses that count toward graduation.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Art and Art History | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

What you will study

Required courses include ARTS 102 Two-Dimensional Design; ARTS 104 Drawing I; ARTS 105 Photography I; ARTS 115 Darkroom Photography I; ARTS 126 Graphic Design as a Tool for Art-making; ARTS 132 Collage: Strategies for Thinking and Making.

Career pathways

Students have worked in many art career contexts including museums and galleries, arts programming, and local businesses specializing in art-related production (photo studios, printmaking studios, illustration, design firms, and publishing).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level admission applies (not programme-specific): apply through UNC-Chapel Hill Undergraduate Admissions; international applicants submit an English proficiency score (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2) unless they qualify for the waiver, and transcripts translated into English.

Domestic applicants: USD 7,230 a year (2026-27). Full-time (12+ credit hours) undergraduate tuition for the year, stated as the tuition line of the 2026-27 in-state budget; one undergraduate rate band applies to all undergraduate degree programmes (NC resident rate, $3,615 per semester on the University Source

International applicants: USD 47,472 a year (2026-27). Full-time (12+ credit hours) undergraduate tuition for the year, stated as the tuition line of the 2026-27 out-of-state budget; one undergraduate rate band applies to all undergraduate degree programmes (non-resident rate, $23,736 per semester on the Univ Source

First-year applicants apply for fall enrollment (fall 2027 entry); transfer applicants apply through the Common Application with decisions by April 30.

First-year Early Action (non-binding): application deadline October 15, decision by December 20 for North Carolina residents and by February 15 for all other applicants. Regular Decision: application deadline January 15, decision by March 31. Enrollment confirmation deadline for both is May 1. Apply through the Common Application. The non-refundable application fee is $85, with a fee waiver available. SAT or ACT scores are optional with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale; students below 2.8 must submit an ACT of 17 or higher or an SAT of 930 or higher.

Transfer applicants: application and fee or waiver due February 15; supporting materials and residency due March 15; decisions by April 30; enrollment confirmation by May 15. Apply through the Common Application; the non-refundable application fee is $85.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.unc.edu/

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