$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Turn Your Passion Into a Profession
Explore your creative potential through hands-on study, personalized instruction, and flexible degree options designed to prepare you for careers in the arts, education, and beyond.
Explore your creativity, strengthen your communication skills, and develop a foundation in artistic expression with a degree in Art from Athens State University.
With classes offered at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur, Alabama, our supportive faculty are dedicated to providing expert instruction and hands-on training to develop the skills needed to pursue careers in art, design, education, communication, and related fields.
Athens State’s flexible learning environment supports students as they develop their artistic voice while preparing for professional opportunities or further study.
Program Details
Art plays an important role in communication, culture, innovation, and creative problem-solving. The study of art helps students develop observation skills, creativity, collaboration, and the ability to communicate ideas visually. Athens State’s Art program prepares students to think creatively, solve problems, and apply artistic skills in a variety of professional settings.
Bachelor of Arts in Art
Build a broad foundation in artistic practice, creative thinking, and the liberal arts. The BA is ideal for students seeking versatility in their education and careers.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Take your studio practice further with an immersive fine arts experience designed to develop advanced creative, technical, and professional skills. The BFA program option is often preferred for students who wish to continue their education and pursue the Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
Bachelor of Fine Arts Program Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts program provides a studio-based education in visual art and design at the undergraduate level. Prior to starting the program, the art department at Athens State will review your portfolio and transcripts, and together, develop a plan of study to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts within two years.
Specialized training and experience provided in an art degree program have become an industry standard and a highly sought-after degree. Along with core studio-based training, students will select one of four concentrations:
- Ceramics
- Graphic Design
- Painting & Drawing
- Multimedia Design
Students who complete the art degree program will have a deep understanding of the principles, techniques, and applications of art concepts. Along with developing the critical and analytical skills to conduct research and critique work on art issues, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the technology applicable to the design and creation of art-related work.
As part of their program requirements, Bachelor of Fine Arts students will complete an extensive practicum during their senior year designed to prepare them for employment, commissions, studio practice, graduate school applications, or other career opportunities.
Study at the Alabama Center for the Arts
Join an amazing, supportive, and uplifting community of creatives at the Alabama Center for the Arts. The campus, located in beautiful downtown Decatur, consists of state-of-the-art facilities where students can take a variety of courses in art, theatre, graphic design, visual communications, and music. Additionally, a modern three-story residence hall offers apartments in various configurations, so you can live close to where you study!
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Creative professionals are needed across various industries that value innovation, visual communication, and storytelling. Art graduates bring adaptable skills that support careers in design, media, education, and business, among others.
Explore your career pathways with the Art degree programs, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$65k
Art Director Estimated Entry Salary
$84k
Art Director Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
Athens State University is proud to offer the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, making it possible to earn an advanced degree while keeping your education affordable. Combined with flexible online learning, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities, our degree programs in Art deliver exceptional value and a strong return on your investment.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
At Athens State, you’ll have the freedom to explore your creativity while building the skills and confidence to turn your passion for the arts into a meaningful career. With flexible degree options, personalized instruction, and opportunities to develop your craft through hands-on experiences, our Arts program are designed to meet you where you are and help you move toward where you want to go.
Designed for Today’s Artists
Build the artistic, creative, and professional skills you need to pursue careers in the arts, education, design, and other creative fields. You shouldn’t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens State’s degree programs are designed to work alongside your lifestyle.
More Creativity. Less Student Debt.
Earn a high-quality arts degree in a supportive, innovative environment at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur from Athens State University, one of Alabama’s most affordable public universities. A degree from Athens State gives you more value for your investment, setting you up for success from the very beginning.
Learn from Experienced, Supportive Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with genuine care and concern. At Athens State, you will receive personalized guidance and mentorship from experience faculty who are invested in your creative development and success. You’re not facing the college journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way.
Additional Information
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.