Department of Visual Arts and Design
The University of North Alabama Department of Visual Arts & Design is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
The Department of Visual Arts and Design offers undergraduate programs that provide a comprehensive foundation in visual art, interior architecture and design, fashion, culinary arts, and hospitality and events management. The department emphasizes critical thinking, aesthetic development, technical proficiency, professional practice, and applied learning across all disciplines.
Undergraduate Degrees
The department offers the following undergraduate degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Art
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Architecture and Design
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Fashion Merchandising and Design
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Culinary Arts Management
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Hospitality and Events Management
The BA and BS in Art provide a comprehensive foundation in studio practice and art history. These degrees offer flexibility for interdisciplinary study and allow students to pursue a minor to complement their academic and professional interests. Students may concentrate elective coursework in ceramics, digital media, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture.
The BFA in Art is a professional studio degree designed for students seeking intensive preparation in studio practice, graduate education, and portfolio development. Concentrations include ceramics, digital media, painting, photography, and sculpture. Admission to BFA candidacy requires successful completion of a formal portfolio review following designated foundational coursework.
The BFA in Interior Architecture and Design provides professional preparation in the design of interior environments. The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The curriculum emphasizes spatial planning, materials and systems, lighting, sustainability, building codes, and human-centered design. Students complete advanced studio coursework and portfolio development consistent with professional standards.
The BS in Fashion Merchandising and Design prepares students for careers in fashion design, product development, and merchandising. The curriculum integrates design principles, garment construction, textiles, retail strategy, branding, and consumer analysis.
The BS in Culinary Arts Management combines culinary technique with managerial and operational competencies. Students develop skills in food production, cost control, menu development, sanitation and safety, and hospitality leadership.
The BS in Hospitality and Events Management prepares students for professional roles in hospitality operations, event planning, venue management, and related service industries. Coursework emphasizes event coordination, guest services, marketing, organizational leadership, and applied industry practices.
Minors
The department offers the following minors:
- Minor in Art
- Minor in Art History
- Minor in Apparel Design
- Minor in Culinary Arts
- Minor in Design Build Technology
- Minor in Food Management
- Minor in Kitchen and Bath Design
- Minor in Retailing and Clothing
- Minor in Hospitality and Events Management
- Minor in Human-Computer Interaction/User Experience Design (HCI/UX Design)
- Minor in Art for Interior Design
- Minor in Photography
- Minor in Space Planning and Design
Certificate
The department offers a Certificate in Graphic Design.
Culminating Experience
All degree programs include experiential learning components appropriate to the discipline. Students complete a culminating senior experience, which may include exhibitions, capstone projects, internships, fieldtrips, professional portfolios, industry placements, or public presentations, and are subject to faculty evaluation in accordance with departmental standards.
Departmental galleries, laboratories, studios, and presentation spaces support the curriculum by providing opportunities for exhibition, showcase, production, and public engagement consistent with the educational mission of the department.