<< College of the Arts Programs
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What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

120 semester hours of undergraduate coursework must be completed

Where will I take classes?

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Georgia State's priority deadline for undergraduate degrees is March 1. Final Fall Semester deadline is June 1, and Spring semester deadline is December 1. Prospective B.F.A. students enter the Art & Design School as a general major and apply for a concentration sophomore year with a portfolio.

Photography, B.F.A.

[email protected]
404-413-5221

The undergrad photography program provides a critical and conceptual grounding for students as they independently pursue their studio practice. The weekly seminar serves as the backbone of the program. Critical theory is stressed while critique forms the basis for dialogue about ongoing work. Students are encouraged to look beyond established photographic conventions and to push their work in new directions. Creative investigation across disciplines is avidly supported and results in students working in mixed media, video, digital, installation, performance and conventional photographic print media. Guest critics and guest artists are invited to final critiques to supplement the expertise of the faculty.

VIEW CATALOG INFORMATION

Program Highlights

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design features an internationally active faculty and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for professional careers in art and design. The programs foster critical thinking and dynamic artistic production in an interdisciplinary environment. The school offers a B.A. in Art History, B.F.A. in Art Education, a B.A. in Studio Art, and a B.F.A. in Studio Art with concentrations in Ceramics, Drawing, Painting & Printmaking, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography, Sculpture and Textiles.

  • B.F.A. degree that is NASAD accredited.
  • Students receive area-specific, merit scholarship opportunities
  • Year-round exhibitions in the Welch School Galleries & student-run galleries
  • School hosts The Visiting Artist & Scholar Lecture Series, bringing in speakers around the country and world
  • 24-hour studio and building access
Program Details
Applying to a B.F.A

Students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree must first enter as a B.A. in studio and take Foundations courses. They then can apply and be accepted into either a B.F.A. in studio or art education. This is when they chose their concentration.  Acceptance to a concentration is determined by application and portfolio review following completion of the art core curriculum. The studio program requires a concentration in one of the following areas: drawing and painting, or printmaking, graphic design, interior design, photography, textiles, or three-dimensional studies (ceramics or sculpture). Students should consult with the undergraduate area coordinator in their area of interest for details.Portfolios and applications are reviewed fall and spring semesters on Portfolio Review Day, which is set by each area.

Admission to Studio B.F.A.

Upon completion of the 18 semester hours required in Area F and prior to completion of 15 additional semester hours, each student who wishes to seek a B.F.A. in Studio must submit an application and pass a portfolio review for acceptance into a major concentration. Applications to concentrate in a discipline are available online. Students should meet with the area coordinator in the concentration they are considering one semester before they apply for the concentration. In the event that a student is not accepted into the concentration, the student should see their assigned advisor to explore other options.

More information on Georgia State's undergraduate tuition can be found on the Student Financial Services website.

Once in the program, Ernest G. Welch students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, nominated by the faculty. New area awards and scholarships are announced every Spring semester.

Goals and outcomes
  • Ensuring comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various faculty approaches to media, content, imagery, and teaching styles.
  • Exploring the continuing traditions of art-making in pursuit of new forms and with contemporary concepts and issues.
  • Encouraging multidisciplinary approaches with other studio areas.
  • Preparing students for a professional arts career or secondary degree through development in workshops, exhibitions, internships, marketing and art handling, design, collaboration with peers, critique and artistic discourse, etc.

Description

Careers

The undergraduate programs at the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design prepare students for competitive careers in contemporary art, art education, design and art entrepreneurship. Highlights include one-on-one mentorship with an internationally acclaimed faculty, access to art institutions and creative publications, networking with high-profile artists, scholars and businesses, participation in conferences, and internships.

The program leads students to career paths such as graphic, interior and Web designers, multimedia artists, curators, gallery directors, museum and non-profit arts managers, art administrators, K-12 art teachers, art educators, art historians and writers, creative directors at advertising and marketing firms, props and set design fabricators, and art appraisers, among others.

Contacts

Undergraduate Coordinator
Tim Flowers
[email protected]

Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design
10 Peachtree Center Avenue SE
117 Art & Humanities Bldg.
Atlanta, GA 30303

College of the Arts Logo35 Broad St., 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.