Art

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."
Craigger Browne, class '91

Degree/Course Requirements

B.A.

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

B.S.

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

B.F.A.

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

Alternative Masters Degree

The first part is to complete an undergraduate degree in art. The second part is the graduate level Alternative Masters degree, the training program for teacher education that prepares you to meet all of your certification requirements and earn a master’s degree in education. Students completing the Alternative Masters degree earn the M.Ed. with Class A, P-12 (preschool through 12th grade) certification. The advantages of this route to certification are in the breadth and depth of training gained in studio art and art history combined with the Class A certification (and salary scale) earned with a masters degree.

Alternative Masters

Art Minors

Studio Art Minor

The Studio Art minor is designed for students in any major who want to enrich their studies with creative exploration and artistic practice.

Requirements: 21 credit hours

Art 120: Art History Foundations
Art 112: Drawing Foundations
Art 122 2D Foundations or Art 132 3D Foundations
4 Additional Art courses

Contact Prof. Misty Bennett for more information.

Art History Minor

The Art History minor is open to students of all majors and offers an exciting opportunity to explore how art reflects and shapes the world. Through the study of visual culture, students gain insight into its historical, philosophical, and social influences.

Requirements: 21 credit hours.

Art 120: Art History Foundations
Art 220: Introduction to Art History
Five additional courses are selected from 300- and 400-level art-history

Contact Dr. Kelly Wacker for more information.

Art Administration Minor

Requirement: 21 credit hours

The Arts Administration minor gives students from any major the chance to combine their passion for the arts with practical skills in business, finance, theatre, art, and communication. This 21-credit program is ideal for students interested in leading, managing, and contributing to arts organizations and activities across the creative sector.

Requirments

GB 250 – Applied Finance for Non-Business Majors or FI 372 – Business Finance
THEA 304 – Applied Theatre-Management (must be taken three times for a total of three credit hours)
THEA 404 – Theatre and Arts Management
MK 351 – Principles of Marketing Writing Reinforcement –or MG 361 – Principles of Management and Organization Theory
COMS 344 – Organizational Communication or COMS 420 – Interpersonal Conflict Management

Electives

Select two of the following courses. The courses selected must be from different disciplines, and one must be at the 200 level of above.

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Student Advising

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

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.

More About Student Aid

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

More About Art Major Scholarships