What you will study
The University of Central Missouri’s BFA in Painting program coursework covers foundational
art theory, history and techniques. You’ll receive a solid liberal arts education
alongside training in your craft and art form. Some of the core classes of the bachelor’s
degree in Painting program include:
- Observational Painting: Strengthen your ability to transform what you directly observe into art. Work toward
your Painting degree, practicing core techniques and learning to see what’s around
you with an artist’s eye.
- Figure Construction: Understanding how the human body is structured is critical to realistic figure portrayal.
You’ll study skeletomuscular systems, use academic research and draw from life to
explore proportionality and movement.
- Art in Theory: Explore the relevance of art theory and criticism to practicing artists, educators
and designers by creating specific art pieces, engaging in class discussion and reading
the works of contemporary and historical thinkers.
Excellence in Painting
- A Best Value College for Fine Arts (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value Bachelor’s Degree for Fine Arts (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value Bachelor’s Degree for Fine & Studio Arts (College Factual, 2022)
- UCM’s Art and Design program is fully accredited by NASAD
Unique learning opportunities in painting
Art does not exist in a vacuum. Classes for the BFA in Painting frequently use peer
and faculty critique as a learning framework, and each semester you’ll engage with
other Studio Art majors and faculty in all-area studio critiques.
Studio Art majors are encouraged to expand their network, professional experience
and horizons with a number of experiential learning opportunities:
- Engage with experts: In addition to benefiting from close working relationships with your Painting degree
program faculty, who are all recognized professional artists, you’ll frequently be
invited to interact with visiting artists and critics.
- Explore art in the world: Enjoy regular visits to off-campus museums, galleries and lectures in vibrant Kansas
City. You may choose to go further by taking advantage of UCM’s faculty-led study
tours to major U.S. cities and abroad.
- Exhibit your work: Each spring, participate in our professionally juried student show. Coursework for
your bachelor’s degree in Painting at UCM will prepare you to begin showing your work
externally, culminating in your senior year with an exhibition thesis.
- Student groups and networking: Participate in Student Artist Coalition activities and travel opportunities, as well
as the Division of Art and Design’s seven student organizations, to begin building
a network of friends and colleagues that will last you a lifetime.
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Painting from UCM?
A University of Central Missouri bachelor’s degree in Painting prepares you to create
and exhibit your own work as a professional artist, to apply your communication and
design skills to jobs in art-related fields or to pursue higher education in Fine
Arts. UCM Painting degree program graduates have gone on to receive advanced degrees
from prestigious institutions such as the Slade School of Art in London and the Pennsylvania
Academy of Fine Art.
Painting degree students with an interest in teaching can choose a double emphasis
at UCM for an additional career track option. By adding a BSE in Art Education to your BFA in Painting, you can qualify to teach art in regional or national K–12
classrooms and still graduate in five years.
Learn more about careers with a Painting degree
Use our interactive tool below to explore what you can do with a bachelor’s degree
in Painting after graduation. UCM prides itself on empowering students with the practical
skills, knowledge and attitude essential to postgraduate success in any career path.
Financial assistance options for your Studio Art - Painting degree
For more than 150 years, the University of Central Missouri has been committed to
making a high-quality education accessible to anyone. We have been recognized by LendEDU
for the low amount of debt our students graduate with. Plus, 94% of our undergraduate
students receive some form of financial aid, including grants, loans, work-study programs,
scholarships and more.
A dedicated financial advisor will work with you to determine the best way for you
to finance your bachelor’s degree in Painting, which may include funds reserved for
Studio Art majors or students in the Painting degree program. To explore program-specific
scholarships, please visit the .
Excellent Facilities, Unlimited Potential
24/7 studio access
Learn to use the equipment and tools in the Studio Art department facilities from
our expert faculty during class time — and practice on your own schedule. With 24-hour
access to UCM’s well-equipped workspaces, students in the Painting degree program
can create art whenever inspiration strikes.
Affordable, NASAD-Accredited Studio Art Program
A smart investment in your future
UCM’s low tuition rates and generous financial aid packages mean that pursuing a respected
Painting degree doesn’t have to be a dream — we make it an affordable reality. Our
program will ensure you graduate with qualities desirable in many fields, including
good communication, professionalism and critical thinking.
About the Program Coordinator
Melanie Johnson
“Melanie has been integral to my artistic development. She inspires academic rigor,
research and engagement in and outside of the classroom. She is active in the arts
community and connects students with meaningful opportunities at UCM and regionwide.”
– Morgan Hobbs, BFA in Painting ’10
Assistant gallery director, Gross McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia
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Make yourself more marketable.
To expand your career opportunities, consider a double emphasis with another UCM degree
program:
Explore programs related to painting.
Grow as an artist or educator with these alternate degree programs at UCM:
