Career Paths
Where an Art Degree Can Take You
UNC Asheville’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs open up opportunities in various creative industries. While the specific career paths may vary depending on individual interests, skills, and experiences, students may consider careers in graphic art direction, museum curation, teaching, conservation or restoration, gallery management, illustration, art writing or criticism, or freelance work. Students often have the flexibility to explore different paths and combine their artistic skills with other interests or disciplines.
Median annual wage
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
job openings are projected each year, on average
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
projected job growth from 2023 to 2033
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alumni Spotlight
Larkin Ford spent his formative years in rural North Carolina and earned his BFA degree at UNC Asheville before relocating to Atlanta to pursue his MFA at Georgia State University. In his grotesque figurative depictions of rural Southern scenes, Fords confronts his problematic heritage through an absurdist lens, weaving personal experience into enigmatic narratives through drawings, paintings, and sculptures.
Iris Gottlieb is an illustrator, animator & author whose projects range from serious technical drawing to more flexible projects in which freedom is provided to transform unapproachable topics into easily digestible, fun(ny) and interesting information. Iris has and extensive established client list that includes; The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Perigee/Penguin Random House Publishing, Dr. Marten’s, Ford, Sephora, Google, MTV, Consumer Reports, among many others. Iris’ most recent book Seeing Gender: An Illustrated Guide to Identity and Expression, is an of-the-moment investigation into how we express and understand the complexities of gender today and is available via Amazon.com
The strategies for artistic practice I learned as part of my BFA coursework at UNCA absolutely became the framework upon which I built my career. As a UNCA student, I learned not just the “how” and “what” of making artwork, but also was encouraged to explore the “why” behind the decisions I made in my work. UNCA’s art department is highly committed to student success in the professional field, and I can’t imagine a better undergraduate experience than the one I received at UNCA.
UNCA gave me opportunities to go above and beyond by creating a full solo exhibition and published thesis, I felt like I had fully grown my first body of work with the confidence to continue working as an artist after graduating. Their rigorous and broad-ranging program further prepared me for applying to graduate schools later on. I received my MFA in Textiles from Georgia State University in 2023, and now I use that MFA to teach at the college/university level.
Career Preparation
Career Preparation
The Art major at UNC Asheville offers an immersive education in contemporary studio practices, with concentrations available in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, printmaking, and new media. Students engage in hands-on learning in well-equipped studios while developing their creative voice through conceptual exploration and technical skill-building. Courses emphasize visual communication, critique, and professional practices to prepare students for careers as practicing artists, designers, illustrators, educators, or arts professionals. With access to campus galleries, internship opportunities, and a strong liberal arts foundation, graduates are equipped to enter creative industries or pursue advanced degrees in studio art or related disciplines.
Ready for What's Next?
Discover your true potential in UNC Asheville’s art programs as you delve into one of our six dynamic concentrations tailored to ignite your creative spark and deepen your knowledge of history, critique, and craft. Whether you want to hone your fine skills, prepare for graduate school, or enter the field of education, our major can help you achieve your goals.