Design, B.F.A.
Program Transfer Guide
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Effective
Fall, 2024 - Current
Instruction Methods
In person
About the Program
Students majoring in visual arts can choose between a Design, B.F.A., Visual Arts, B.A., or Visual Arts, B.F.A.
The Design, B.F.A. delves into those complex questions that absorb both the beginning and the advanced student in the expanding arena of visual communication. The curriculum encourages a rigorous handling of thought processes combined with inquiries springing from traditional, transitional, and emerging media. The major consists of a combination of required studio offerings in design and an elected group of technology-based courses in photography and/or computer-generated imagery. Design concepts and skills are fundamental to a broad range of careers and professions ranging from cultural, corporate, publishing, and visual communications to graphic design and digital media.
Career and Academic Paths
Graduates typically take professional positions in both the art and production communities, and a significant percentage continue their education at graduate school. Since 1993, the Department of Visual Arts has offered the M.F.A. degree in Imaging and Digital Arts (IMDA). Undergraduate visual arts majors benefit from close association with graduate program students.
Admission into a Major Program
UMBC applicants and current students who plan to major in any studio concentration in Visual Arts must submit a portfolio application in addition to the standard UMBC Undergraduate Admission Application. The portfolio application consists of an artist statement, a portfolio including six to eight pieces of the applicant’s creative work of choice, and an itemization of submitted artwork. All portfolio applications must be submitted on-line at UMBC’s Slideroom site. Complete instructions are available at the Admissions & Portfolio Process page of the Visual Arts website.
Art Education
UMBC’s Department of Education offers a teacher education program for students interested in teaching art at the K-12 level. There are three program paths: teacher certification at the undergraduate level, an accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Further information is available at the Education department website.
Special Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to enhance their education by taking part in the visual arts department Visiting Artist Program. Throughout the year, a mix of prominent and emerging artists visit the department to present their work, attend classes, etc. Presentations are open to the public. Past artists include Vito Acconi, Carolee Schneeman, Fred Wilson and Janine Antoni. The Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture exhibits contemporary art by nationally known artists. Students have the opportunity to exhibit their works in an annual exhibition. The Imaging Research Center (IRC) is a state-of-the-art facility combining research, education and professional training in animation and computer visualization. The IRC’s student internship program provides advanced students with opportunities to work on actual 3-D animation projects and develop a portfolio of work. In coordination with the Shriver Center’s cooperative education and internship program, advanced-level visual arts majors may obtain internships at area firms and companies in design and production disciplines related to the student’s field of study.
Student Organizations
AIGA Student Chapter
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Baltimore Student Chapter is a student-run organization that fosters a community for graphic design students in the department. It organizes programs relevant to design and visual communications issues.
Filmmakers Anonymous
Filmmakers Anonymous is a student-run group providing an open forum for cinematic arts students, as well as others interested in the field of cinema. Filmmakers Anonymous offers the opportunity to share ideas and experiences and to show work in a critical, yet supportive, environment.
Print Media Collaborative
Print Media Collaborative (PMC) is a student-run organization of Visual Arts Print Media majors, minors, and other students interested in working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary applications of Print Media.
Visual Arts Council of Majors
The Visual Arts Council of Majors (ARTCOM) meets on a regular basis to discuss issues and develop programs relevant to visual arts majors.
Visual Arts Club
Creating a community where students who are interested in the visual arts can come together to help each other develop their skills. The visual arts club is also dedicated to spreading art appreciation.
Game Developers Club
Educating and building an open-minded, teamwork-oriented environment where anyone of any skill level feels welcome to enter and start obtaining the experience necessary to get a job in the video-game industry.