Skip to Main Content

Art Department

B. F. A. / B.S./B.A. - Major

Overview

The Department of Art provides students with hands-on intellectually informed instruction in visual arts media within a liberal arts university.  We create opportunities for the community that nurtures an understanding of the fine arts and promote inclusion and value the perspectives of all.  Through supportive and rigorous training, we challenge our students to bring their creative visions to life.

Core Concepts

  • Students will solve visual problems at a competent level using the elements of art and principles of design.
  • Students will utilize critical thinking skills to communicate ideas about their work in visual, oral, and written formats.
  • Students will develop competent knowledge and skills in various art media, concepts, and methods.
  • Students will become familiar with the methods and approaches of art history.
  • Students will demonstrate an ability to critically assess works of art regarding form, content, and technical concerns.
  • Students will develop the skills, knowledge, and experience to pursue art professionally.

"The instruction at Montevallo is second to none," he said. "They were creative in creating an environment for us to create in."

Degree/Course Requirements

The B.A. in Art is one of our liberal arts degrees, featuring a 43-credit-hour major in art and the flexibility to explore other disciplines through minors, second majors, or general electives.

This studio-based major includes a range of foundations and advanced coursework in both studio art and art history. Along with the core academic courses required of all undergraduates, the B.A. in Art also requires foreign language study.

Graduates of the B.A. in Art are prepared to pursue careers in art and art-related fields, as well as graduate study in art, art history, and art education.

https://www.montevallo.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/202580-ART-BABS.pdf

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Art is a liberal arts degree with a 43-credit-hour major in art, along with the flexibility to explore other disciplines through minors, second majors, or general electives.

This studio-based program includes a range of foundational and advanced coursework in studio art and art history. In addition to the core academic courses required of all undergraduates, the B.S. degree also requires additional coursework in math and science.

Graduates with a B.S. in Art are prepared for careers in art and art-related fields, as well as graduate study in art and art education. Students interested in pursuing graduate study in art history should consider the B.A. in Art, which includes a foreign language component.

https://www.montevallo.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/202580-ART-BABS.pdf

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) is our professional degree for students preparing for careers in art as practicing artists, designers, photographers, and teachers.

The B.F.A. in Art is a 79-credit-hour major that provides a strong foundation in studio art and art history, along with the opportunity to specialize in one of the following concentrations: ceramics, drawing, graphic design, new media, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture.

The program also includes three professional practice seminars, culminating in a senior-year B.F.A. exhibition, as well as portfolio courses and internship opportunities.

https://www.montevallo.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/202580-ART-BFA.pdf

Career Opportunities

Career-Ready Graduates

Our educational experiences prepare you for a career in art, design, art education, art history, or galleries. We’ll help you develop into an independent, culturally aware artist who is ready to take their place in the art world. For some career possibilities click link below.

Learn About Oppurtunities
202580 Graduates


Scholarships & Aid

Student Aid

The University of Montevallo Student Aid Office is here to assist UM students and families with the financial aid process. We invite you to review the information provided on our webpages and contact us with questions and for assistance.

Art Major Scholarships

The Department of Art offers merit-based scholarships for incoming and current Art majors. Students must apply each year with an application, a statement of purpose, and a portfolio (up to 10 images and/or video/sound links). Your work should reflect who you are as an artist or designer, and your statement should outline your goals and relevant extracurricular activities.

Freshman and Transfer Student Art Scholarship – Feb. 2, 2026

Current Student Art Scholarship – Feb. 23, 2026

You may also be interested in:

Discover Your Future in the Art Department at Montevallo

Misty Bennett
Professor of Art and Chair
Station 6400
Montevallo, AL 35115
 205 665-6400
bennettmj@montevallo.edu