BFA Fine Arts Programs in Atlanta, Georgia

Getting a BFA Fine Arts Degree in Atlanta, Georgia

A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fine Arts is a specialized degree that blends studio practices with a comprehensive study of art history and theory. In Atlanta, Georgia, prospective students can explore different paths such as studio art concentrations, design, digital arts, and more. This guide offers an overview of the available art programs, admissions procedures, and degree requirements, ensuring that aspiring art educators and creative professionals have the insights they need for a successful career in studio art.

About Atlanta

Atlanta is a dynamic city known for its deep history in arts and culture. With numerous galleries, public art installations, and events across its diverse neighborhoods, Atlanta offers an inspiring backdrop for art studies. For more information on the city’s initiatives and cultural programs, visit the official Atlanta website.

BFA Fine Arts Programs in Atlanta, Georgia

Below are three notable institutions offering BFA Fine Arts programs. If a program is not directly located in Atlanta, nearby schools are featured with distance details.

  1. Georgia State University (GSU) – Atlanta, GA

    • Address: 33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Downtown)
    • Program Details: GSU offers a B.A. in Studio Art with concentrations available that lead to a B.F.A. This program emphasizes portfolio-based progression and includes concentrations such as Animation, Art History, Ceramics, Glass, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture. Students complete 120 semester hours, including nine studio art courses, and must submit a portfolio showcasing their artistic potential.
    • Learn More: Visit the GSU Art Department for additional program information.

  2. University of North Georgia (UNG) – Dahlonega, GA (Approximately 75 miles from Atlanta)

    • Address: 1 University Way, Dahlonega, GA 30597 (University Town Center)
    • Program Details: UNG provides a B.F.A. in Visual Arts with several concentrations such as Ceramics & Sculpture, Digital Arts, Drawing & Painting, Graphic Design, Photography, and Printmaking & Paper Arts. The curriculum requires 69 credits in studio art and art history, and admission includes a portfolio review with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in studio courses. A capstone exhibition is also a key component of the final year.
    • Learn More: For details, visit the University of North Georgia website.

  3. University of West Georgia (UWG) – Carrollton, GA (Approximately 45 miles from Atlanta)

    • Address: 1101 N College St, Carrollton, GA 30118 (Carrollton, near Atlanta)
    • Program Details: UWG offers a B.F.A. in Art featuring concentrations in Animation, Art Education, Ceramics, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture. The program requires 120 credits with 42 dedicated to art courses, including a senior capstone project and a public gallery exhibition. Undergraduate applicants must develop a professional portfolio.
    • Learn More: Explore the program details on the University of West Georgia website.

Art Institutions and Galleries in Atlanta

Atlanta is home to multiple art institutions that not only exhibit diverse art forms but also offer programs and residencies to support emerging artists.

  • High Museum of Art

    • Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown)
    • Details: The High Museum of Art hosts a wide range of exhibitions, from classic collections to contemporary showcases, and offers educational programs that align with professional art studies.
    • Visit: High Museum of Art

  • Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

    • Address: 616 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 (Inglewood)
    • Details: This center is dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions and artist residencies, serving as a creative hub for both local and international artists.
    • Visit: Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

Prerequisites for BFA Fine Arts Programs

Typical prerequisites for enrolling in a BFA Fine Arts program include:

  • A secondary education diploma or equivalent
  • Submission of a comprehensive portfolio that demonstrates artistic skills and conceptual thinking
  • Interviews or entrance exams in some cases
  • Specific institutional requirements:
    • UNG: Portfolio review and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in studio courses
    • GSU: Completion of an 18-credit Foundation Area (Area F) set of courses alongside portfolio submission
    • UWG: Development of a senior capstone project and a professional portfolio

BFA Fine Arts Degree Requirements in Georgia

Georgia’s BFA Fine Arts degree requirements are regulated through several official agencies:

  • City-Level Agencies

    • Atlanta Department of City Planning (Arts & Culture Division)
      • Oversees arts initiatives and public art programs in Atlanta.
      • Visit Website | Phone: (404) 330-6145
    • City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA)
      • Supports arts education, grants, and cultural development.
      • Visit Website | Phone: (404) 546-6818

  • County-Level Agency

    • Fulton County Arts & Culture
      • Provides community programs, arts education support, and grants across Fulton County.
      • Visit Website | Phone: (404) 730-1600

  • State-Level Agencies

    • Georgia Department of Education (Arts Education Division)
      • Develops state standards for arts education and supports K-12 arts programs.
      • Visit Website | Phone: (404) 656-2800
    • Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA)
      • Offers funding, grants, and resources for arts organizations and education.
      • Visit Website | Phone: (404) 225-3833

  • Federal Oversight Agencies

    • U.S. Department of Education
    • National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

Georgia’s top BFA programs at UNG, GSU, and UWG guide students through extensive studio curricula. Course requirements include a mix of studio art, art history, practical projects, and exhibitions or thesis presentations. Accreditation is maintained through bodies such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

For more information on Fine Artists’ career prospects, visit the BLS Job Outlook page for Fine Artists.

Get Started Today

Aspiring artists and art educators in Atlanta should take the next step toward a rewarding creative career. With programs that emphasize both rigorous studio work and comprehensive academic study, the path to earning a BFA in Fine Arts is both challenging and deeply enriching. Contact your preferred institution today using the provided forms on their websites to begin your journey into the arts.