VA classes: Can a nonmajor take visual arts classes?
Yes. Art History lecture courses such as ART215, ART216, ART321, etc. are open to all majors. However, admitted majors are granted enrollment priority for smaller studio/production courses required for the major. Some entry-level studio classes such as ART210, ART211 and ART214 are open to all majors, with some seats reserved for students who have applied and been admitted through the portfolio review process. Students hoping to take a course listed as “full” should put their name on the waitlist and then attend the first class meeting to see if additional seats have opened. If the professor grants permission to add, they would then add the class to their schedule.
Pre-requisites for all courses are listed in course descriptions found in the UMBC catalog. Pre-requisites must be completed before the start of each class.
What happens if I am admitted to UMBC, but not to the Visual Arts department?
You may enroll at UMBC and declare a different major and/or reapply to the department. Students may apply for admission to the major up to three times. If you plan to reapply, you should enroll in one or more of the entry-level studio courses (ART210 Visual Concepts I, ART211 Visual Concepts II, ART214 Basic Drawing) in order to improve your portfolio and obtain feedback on your application. It is particularly meaningful when a visual arts instructor provides a letter of reference for your application.
What happens if I am admitted to the Visual Arts department, but not to UMBC?
Admission to the department is good for two years. If you are not admitted to UMBC, but you reapply and if admitted within two years, you may declare the visual arts major by simply contacting the visual arts program director for an advising appointment.
What courses are needed to transfer into UMBC VA program?
There is no minimum requirement to apply and/or transfer to the UMBC Visual Arts department. Students may enter the program with 0 to 90 credits. For details about what will transfer, please review the information at Artsys, The Articulation System for Maryland Colleges & Universities
Information about UMBC visual arts requirements and the portfolio application process can be found at https://art.umbc.edu/undergraduate-program/admissions-portfolio-process/.
Do I have to submit work in the medium I plan to study?
The guiding criteria for selecting work for your portfolio should be quality. We are seeking students who demonstrate creativity, originality, craft and commitment to their practice – qualities that can be shown in any media.
If you have not had the opportunity to work in the medium you plan to pursue (such as film, animation, etc.), we would not expect you to submit work in that medium. If, on the other hand, you have had college-level coursework in your intended medium, we would expect to see some examples of that work. Your artist’s statement provides the opportunity to describe relevant experience and exposure as well as your goals and ambitions as a UMBC Visual Arts major.