FAQ

VA classes: Can a nonmajor take visual arts classes?

Yes. Art History lecture courses such as ART215, ART216 and all 300 & 400 level classes 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 for the first 10 seats. Once those seats are taken, the remaining seats are 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 hold list 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 does “permreq” mean?

“Permreq” means permission of the department is required to register. Prior to the first day of Fall and Spring classes, we grant permission for “permreq” class to admitted visual arts majors who have submitted portfolios and been accepted into the program and are REQUIRED to take these class. Since in-coming majors register throughout the summer, we don’t know how many additional seats will be available until the first class meeting. Non-majors are welcome to attend the first class to see if there is room. A few students are usually added to each section this way – even to classes listed as “full”. Keep in mind that all students must have completed all pre-requisites for any course they wish to take. Pre-requisite courses are listed in the course description section of the UMBC catalog. Courses offered during the Summer and Winter when demand is lower are usually open to all majors and “permreq” is used only to check pre-requisites prior to enrollment.

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 Visual Arts 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 on our department website.

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.