Art Studies, BA

• Study abroad (Semester, Maymester or Summer)
• Belmont USA programs alternate markets (N.Y.C., L.A., Washington D.C.)
• Internships- Our relationship to Nashville’s professional creative community is personal and rich. We will assist you with internship placement to ensure the experience is a good fit 
• Four campus gallery spaces to professionally exhibit your work
• Opportunities to present at campus-wide research symposiums and professional conferences
• Kappa Pi- an international honorary art fraternity
• Compete in local, regional and international art/design competitions

We encourage you to explore the exceptional work our students create in their programs.

View Student Work

In addition to Belmont University's Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation, the Watkins College of Art is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The Watkins College of Art has significant scholarship opportunities for students. Last year, the college offered more than 55 scholarships to incoming students valued over $380,000.

Applicants who intend to pursue a degree in the Watkins College of Art and wish to be considered for the merit-based scholarship must submit an essay and portfolio of work in art and/or design. Students must have their Belmont application and portfolio submitted by December 1 to be eligible for the scholarships.

Please visit the Portfolio Guidelines page for more specific details.

Learn more.

Need-based scholarships will be determined from a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the official form that families use to apply for college financial assistance from the federal government.

Studio Minor

A studio minor is an excellent way to balance or integrate your creative interests with the practical concerns of your chosen major. All courses in this minor have a relationship to the fundamental practices of visual art.

Students engage in a full range of creative expression in both 2D and 3D forms and can use those experiences to expand, enhance and refine their visual skills and knowledge. In addition, the minor serves as a means to develop better powers of critical analysis.

Painting Minor

The primary goals for the painting minor are knowledge of and proficiency in painting practice, supported by craftsmanship, individual initiative, creativity and the ability to interpret ideas through artistic expression. Students are required to demonstrate a thorough understanding of value, color, composition, drawing and expression, and the role these elements play in conveying meaning in their work. Students study the use of acrylic, oil, watercolor and mixed media, and demonstrate through the development of their work proficiency in a range of painting methods that may include landscape, portrait, the figure, abstraction and experimental paint application techniques.

Photography Minor

Photography minors first study the basics of composition, design, lighting, processing and printing film and producing effective prints. With additional classes students are enabled to explore photography as an expressive, personal tool, reflecting its status as a fine art medium. Students primarily explore traditional darkroom techniques, in addition to digital photography. Students also have the opportunity to explore non-traditional techniques in upper-level classes. At all levels, emphasis is placed on creativity, personal expression and the quality of finished prints.

Illustration Minor

The Illustration program allows students to dig deeper into narrative and visual development, sequential art, graphic novels, children's books, art licensing and more. This minor is the perfect companion for every storyteller at Belmont. Visual stories predate oral and written traditions by a long shot, so dive into the deep end of human DNA and show your stories. Learn how to craft successful images combining what you see with what you imagine. Excellent drawing skills are not required but a sense of play and purpose will aid in your journey to visualize short and tall tales.