B.F.A. Application Requirements

BFA Application Process

1. Advisor Meeting

   • Meet with your academic advisor to confirm eligibility.

   • If approved, your advisor will refer you to the faculty coordinator overseeing BFA reviews.

2. Registering for Review

   • The coordinator will guide you through setup logistics for your portfolio review.

3. Application Materials

   • Unofficial transcript showing GPA

   • List of all Art and Art History courses taken (separate from transcript)

   • Portfolio of 10–15 original works created at UNC Asheville

   • Artist’s statement addressing:

     1. Why you chose the selected portfolio pieces

     2. How this work informs your ideas for your Senior Exhibition

     3. Your future artistic goals

     4. A self-evaluation of strengths and weaknesses

   • Sketchbooks or journals are encouraged to show drawing proficiency and creative process

   • Submit your artist’s statement by the date listed on the application call (usually the week before review). Provide it to each faculty member via email or hard copy—preferably both.

4. Portfolio Review

   • The applicant is not present during faculty review.

   • Applicants are responsible for setting up and breaking down their portfolio.

   • The faculty decides on admission; the Department Chair notifies applicants in writing.

Admission Outcomes

• Accepted: Complete a Change of Major form and submit it to the Registrar.

• Declined: You may request a feedback meeting with faculty. If improvements are made, you may reapply the following semester using the same procedure.

Candidacy Review (During ART 490)

All admitted BFA students must undergo a Candidacy Review during ART 490. Possible outcomes:

1. Pass – Continue in the BFA program

2. Not Passed – Switch to the BA Studio Art track and participate in the BA Senior Group Exhibition

3. Candidacy Alert – Students undergo a re-review at the beginning of ART 491 and are either approved to continue in BFA or approved to continue in BA and participate in the BA Senior Group Exhibition

Additional Notes

• A minimum 3.0 GPA in Art must be maintained through graduation.

• Admitted BFA students may choose a new academic advisor in their concentration area. Submit a Change of Advisor (Declaration) form to the Registrar.