Visual Arts (BFA)

Catholic, Marianist Education

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Fast Facts

NASAD accredited

National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredited

100% of students

complete visual portfolios for graduation

About the Visual Arts (BFA) Program

Why study visual arts at UD?

NASAD Accredited

The University of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Variety of Concentrations and Minors

Tailor your degree to your artistic passion by choosing a concentration in fine arts, graphic design or photography. You can further customize your degree with a minor that matches your unique interests.

Real-World Learning

Our project-based learning studio courses provide unique opportunities for you to learn by doing. Through experiential learning, hands-on projects and collaborations with community and industry partners, you'll apply your knowledge in real-world contexts while developing a professional portfolio. Working closely with a multidisciplinary faculty in a highly mentored environment, you'll refine your individual voice through critique, research and iterative making.

Three Concentrations

Fine Arts

The fine arts concentration emphasizes experiential, mentorship-based learning through direct engagement with the arts community. You'll build professional connections through field experiences, exhibitions, artist lectures and internships, while capstone courses develop your professional practice and thesis work. You'll graduate with a cohesive portfolio and real-world experience to pursue careers or advanced study.

Graphic Design

The graphic design concentration centers on experiential learning through real-world client work, community partnerships and professional practice. You'll engage in hands-on projects in courses like the Design Practicum, collaborate with organizations from nonprofits to corporations and connect to the regional creative economy through The Hub. Internships, mentorship and competitive opportunities further prepare you to meet the expectations of contemporary design careers.

Photography

The photography concentration emphasizes experiential learning through hands-on image-making, professional practice and engagement with contemporary visual culture. You'll develop your skills through studio work, critiques and projects that connect to real-world contexts, while participating in exhibitions, visiting artist lectures and community-facing opportunities. Internships, mentorship and advanced coursework support the development of a professional portfolio, preparing you for careers in photography and related creative industries or for continued study.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about graphic design at UD.

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What are the equipment, software and supplies requirements?

The department requires the purchase of a MacBook Pro for all visual arts students at the start of classes in the first semester. View additional computer requirements information.

The graphic design and photography concentrations have an additional requirement in the second year, which is purchasing a subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. See the Adobe website for student pricing.

How do I apply to the visual arts BFA program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

Transparent Tuition Plan

Undergraduate Tuition

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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Visual Arts (BFA) Degree Requirements

Requirements

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts degree requires a total of at least 120 hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

Progress Review

Though there is no portfolio application/entrance requirement, all visual art majors in the department go through a major review upon completion of the foundation courses.

In this review — known as the Exchange — all majors are evaluated by a committee of three faculty members from the department. The review is 30 minutes and results in a written evaluation of student progress toward their degree.

Sample Plan of Study

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts degree has three available concentrations, each with a recommended plan of study:

Fine Arts
Graphic Design
Photography

About the Degree

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts cultivates high standards for creativity, craft, conceptual understanding, critical analysis, historical scholarship and pedagogy.

Fine Arts

The fine arts concentration allows you to hone your formal, technical and conceptual skills and to collaborate with faculty on independent special interest problems. Students graduate prepared to enter the field of fine arts and/or to continue fine art studies in graduate school.

Graphic Design

The graphic design concentration teaches you to channel knowledge and creativity toward inventive and effective design solutions. With our comprehensive liberal arts education, you'll become an adaptable, creative thinker who is prepared for a range of professional careers including: branding and packaging; environmental, web, interaction and production design; digital, marketing, social media and user experience design.

Photography

The photography concentration teaches you technical skills while furthering your development of aesthetic understanding of the transformative effects of photography.

Sample Plan of Study: Fine Arts

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1

ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
1
HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
3
CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
3
VAF 104 – Foundation Drawing
3
VAF 112 – Foundation 2-D Design
3
VAP 101 – Foundation Photography
3

Total Credit Hours 16

Semester 2

HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
3
VAF 117 – Foundation 3-D Design
3
VAF 216 – Design and Color
3
VAF Studio Course (200-level)
3
Elective Studies (possible Minor)
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 3

VAH 201, 202 or 203 – Survey of Art: I, II or III
3
VAF Studio Courses (200-level)
6
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3
CAP Natural Science with Lab
4

Total Credit Hours 16

Semester 4

VAH 201, 202 or 203 – Survey of Art: I, II or III
3
VAR 299 – The Exchange
0
ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
3
VAF Studio Courses (200-level)
6
CAP Social Science
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 5

VAE 383 or 483 – 383: Media and Methods in Art and Art Education; 483: Education within the Arts
3
VAF Studio Emphasis Course (2D, 3D, or interdisciplinary)
3
VAH Elective (300-400 level)
3
CAP Faith Traditions
3
CAP Mathematics
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 6

VAF Studio Emphasis Course (2D, 3D, or interdisciplinary)
3
VA Elective
3
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3
CAP Practical Ethical Action
3
General Elective
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 7

VAH 483 – PostColonial and Global Art Histories
3
VAF Studio Emphasis Course (2D, 3D, or interdisciplinary)
3
VA Elective
3
CAP Advanced Religious Studies
3
CAP Advanced Historical Studies
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 8

VAF 499 – Senior Thesis/Professional Seminar II
3
VAF Studio Emphasis Course (2D, 3D, or interdisciplinary)
3
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3
CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
3
CAP Diversity and Social Justice
3

Total Credit Hours 15

* Elective Studies: 12 credit hours in a non-visual arts field but relevant to the student's major and assists the student in achieving career goals. Including but not limited to: business, sustainability, human rights, marketing, communication, women's and gender studies, theatre, etc. These courses may fulfill CAP requirements.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Academic Admission FAQ

Sample Plan of Study: Graphic Design

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1

ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
1
HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
3
CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
3
VAF 104 – Foundation Drawing
3
VAF 112 – Foundation 2-D Design
3
VAP 101 – Foundation Photography
3

Total Credit Hours 16

Semester 2

HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
3
VAF 117 – Foundation 3-D Design
3
VAF 216 – Design and Color
3
VAD 220 – Design Processes I
3
VAH 201, 202 or 203 – Survey of Art: I, II or III
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 3

VAD 240 – Form and Concept
3
VA Elective
3
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3
CAP Mathematics
3
CAP Natural Science with Lab
4

Total Credit Hours 16

Semester 4

VAD 245 – Typography I
3
VAR 299 – The Exchange
0
ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
3
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3
CAP Practical Ethical Action
3
CAP Social Science
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 5

VAD 320 – Design Processes II
3
VAD 345 – Typography II
3
VAH 383 – History of Graphic Design
3
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3
CAP Advanced Religious Studies/Faith Traditions
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 6

VAD 360 – Web Design
3
VAD 411 – Graphic Design I
3
VAH Elective (300-400 level)
3
VA Elective
3
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 7

VAD 412 – Graphic Design II
3
VAD 498 – Senior/Professional Seminar - Graphic Design
3
VAH Elective (300-400 level)
3
CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
3
General Elective
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 8

VAD 415 – Graphic Design III
3
VAD 499 – Portfolio and Paper - Graphic Design
3
VA Elective
3
CAP Advanced Historical Studies
3
CAP Diversity and Social Justice
3

Total Credit Hours 15

* Elective Studies: 12 credit hours in a non-visual arts field but relevant to the student’s major and assists the student in achieving career goals. Including but not limited to: business, sustainability, human rights, marketing, communication, women’s and gender studies, theatre, etc. These courses may fulfill CAP requirements.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Academic Admission FAQ

Sample Plan of Study: Photography

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1

ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
1
HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
3
CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
3
VAF 104 – Foundation Drawing
3
VAF 112 – Foundation 2-D Design
3
VAP 101 – Foundation Photography
3

Total Credit Hours 16

Semester 2

HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
3
VAF 117 – Foundation 3-D Design
3
VAF 216 – Design and Color
3
VAP 201 – Photography II
3
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 3

VAH 201, 202 OR 203 – Survey of Art: I, II OR III
3
VAP 240 – Digital Processes I
3
VA Elective
3
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3
CAP Natural Science with Lab
4

Total Credit Hours 16

Semester 4

VAH 382 – History of Photography I
3
VAP 302 – Color Photography I
3
VAR 299 – The Exchange
0
ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
3
VA Elective
3
CAP Social Science
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 5

VAH 483 – PostColonial and Global Art Histories
3
VAP 330 OR 420 – 330: Alternative Photography I; 420: Documentary Photography
3
VAP 340 – Digital Processes II
3
CAP Mathematics
3
CAP Practical Ethical Action
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 6

VAP 320 – Studio Practice I
3
VAP 410 – Advanced Photography
3
VA Elective
3
CAP Faith Traditions
3
General Elective
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 7

VA Elective
3
VAH Elective (300-400 level)
3
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3
CAP Advanced Religious Studies
3
CAP Advanced Historical Studies
3

Total Credit Hours 15

Semester 8

VAP 499 – Senior/Professional Seminar II - Photography
3
VAP Elective
3
Elective Studies (possible minor)
3
CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
3
CAP Diversity and Social Justice
3

Total Credit Hours 15

* Elective Studies: 12 credit hours in a non-visual arts field but relevant to the student’s major and assists the student in achieving career goals. Including but not limited to: business, sustainability, human rights, marketing, communication, women’s and gender studies, theatre, etc. These courses may fulfill CAP requirements.
** Choose from VAP 410, 450 or 490.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Academic Admission FAQ

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Explore Visual and Performing Arts Careers

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all majors

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Visual Arts Experience

Customize Your Degree

In addition to our visual arts concentrations, you can tailor your degree to match your unique interests with a minor — or two. Learn more from your holistic advisor.

Explore Available Minors

Galleries and Studios

With multiple galleries and studios on campus, students have a variety of spaces to create and share their talents with their peers, as well as the Dayton community.

Explore Arts Facilities

Learn by Doing

Our faculty understand the value of experiential learning. As such, they strive to give students many opportunities to learn from doing, through a variety of departmental and interdisciplinary programs and projects.

Explore Art and Design Opportunities

Scholarships

Scholarships offered by the department are awarded to first-year, full-time students who enroll in a four-year program in any of the major program areas within the department.

Learn More About Scholarships

Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.

Student Support

Community

Experiential Learning

Outcomes

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Ready to Study Visual Art at UD?

Let’s create your future. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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