Art

The B.A. in art is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences.  

From your first studio experiences, you'll spend your time drawing, painting, sculpting, printing, designing and experimenting with materials while discovering which forms of creative expression inspire you most. As your confidence grows, so will the complexity of your projects, encouraging you to develop both technical skill and personal artistic direction.

Working across disciplines gives you the freedom to explore a wide range of creative practices before refining your interests. Along the way, you'll study the artists and designers, movements and cultural ideas that continue to shape visual art today, helping you place your own work within a broader creative conversation.

Critiques become an essential part of the creative process. You'll present work in progress, receive thoughtful feedback, revise your ideas and learn to discuss your artistic decisions with confidence — the same process professional artists and designers use throughout their careers. 

What will I create? 

Every student's portfolio is unique. Depending on your interests, you may create:

• Paintings and mixed-media works
• Sculptures and three-dimensional installations
• Ceramic artwork
• Original prints
• Digital and graphic design projects
• Interactive media
• Experimental works that combine multiple disciplines 

Each project becomes part of a growing portfolio that showcases your creativity, technical development and evolving artistic voice. 

Learn inside and beyond the studio

Creative inspiration doesn't stop at the classroom door. Through exhibitions, internships, visiting artists, collaborative projects and community partnerships, you'll experience how art and design connect with education, nonprofit organizations, museums, galleries, businesses and public spaces. 

NASAD Accreditation 

The art and design program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the U.S. accrediting agency for art and design and art and design-related disciplines.

Accreditation by NASAD ensures that our programs are of high academic quality and integrity, and that we meet the recommended guidelines and professional standards in art and design education across the nation. These standards include small class size, high-quality instruction and rigorous curricular requirements.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
• Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.

If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Professional fee 

This program includes a professional fee to support studio resources, equipment and opportunities, like field trips, that enhance your learning experience:

• All full-time students (10-20 credits) - $725.00 per semester
• Part-time undergraduate students (1-9 credits) - $73.00 per credit
• Part-time graduate students - $81.00 per credit (does not exceed $725) 

Idaho LAUNCH

This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.

Some of the most meaningful moments happen outside scheduled studio hours.

Join classmates for exhibition openings, visiting artist lectures, collaborative projects and student-led creative events that make the College of Art and Architecture feel like a community of makers.

Continue developing your work and professional network through organizations including:

• AIGA: The Professional Association for Design
• Student Congress of Art & Architecture
• Vandal Printmakers Guild
• Visual Arts Community  

Internships

Internships provide opportunities to experience professional practice while expanding your portfolio and industry connections. The College of Art and Architecture has strong industry connections providing internship and networking opportunities that are crucial as you establish your career.  

• Museums
• Galleries
• Public schools (teaching practicum required for art education majors)
• Public agencies
• Private firms in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, graphic design, and interaction design.
• Art nonprofits
• Community centers 

Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.

No. Many students arrive with different levels of experience. You'll develop your skills through studio practice, faculty mentorship and regular feedback while discovering your own creative strengths. 

Yes. Throughout the program you'll create a portfolio that demonstrates your artistic growth, technical abilities and creative perspective for graduate school, exhibitions or professional opportunities.

Absolutely. The B.A. encourages exploration across multiple studio areas before you decide where you'd like to focus your creative practice.

Graduates work as professional artists, illustrators, designers, gallery and museum professionals, arts administrators, educators, community arts leaders and creative entrepreneurs. Many also pursue graduate study. 

You will have opportunities to showcase your artwork through campus exhibitions and other public displays, offering you valuable experience in presenting your creative work. If you choose to pursue a B.F.A. in studio art and design, you will exhibit your thesis work in Ridenbaugh Hall, develop a portfolio of works as well as critical writing skills.

Yes. Small studio classes allow faculty to mentor you and other students individually throughout your artistic development, offering guidance that extends beyond technical instruction.

Yes. Many students gain professional experience through internships with museums, galleries, nonprofit organizations, community arts programs and creative businesses.