An undergraduate degree program in studio or fine art generally leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), which takes 4-5 years to complete. Some universities also offer 3-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs.
10 Christian Art Schools
These Christian colleges offer degrees in art:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition and Fees (2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's degree | $34,498 |
| Judson University | Elgin, IL | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's degree | $28,170 |
| Messiah College | Mechanicsburg, PA | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's degree | $32,240 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion, IN | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's degree | $24,728 |
| Oklahoma Baptist University | Shawnee, OK | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's degree | $24,000 |
| Oral Roberts University | Tulsa, OK | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's degree | $24,792 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | West Palm Beach, FL | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's degree | $27,150 |
| Huntington University | Huntington, IN | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's degree | $24,822 |
| Trinity Christian College | Palos Heights, IL | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's degree | $26,665 |
| Union University | Jackson, TN | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's degree | $29,190 |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics
College Selection Criteria
Prospective art students might want to keep the following characteristics in mind when looking for their ideal program:
- Students looking for a comprehensive Christian art education might consider looking for schools that offer both bachelor's and master's degrees and facilitate articulation between the two programs.
- Prospective students may want to find out if the school offers gallery space or regular art exhibitions where students can display their work
- It can be helpful to find out about the school's art studio facilities, in order to ensure that students have access to high-quality materials.
- It is important to find out a school's religious denomination and whether or not it accords with your beliefs and values.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
In undergraduate art programs at Christian universities, aspiring artists take conceptual courses in art history and critical theory alongside studio-based courses in which they develop their skills in drawing, painting, ceramics, photography and other subfields. Many programs culminate in a senior exhibition of work in the student's area of specialization. In addition, students must complete a core set of general education requirements. At Christian universities, this may include one or more courses in religion.
Master's Degree Programs
In Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs, graduate students have the chance to hone their skills in a particular medium or discipline, such as painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, performance or new media. These programs usually take three years to complete. Although specific Christian coursework is not usually required, Christian schools provide an environment in which students often have the same religious beliefs as their peers. There may also be Christian student groups on campus that master's degree students can join.
Students can pursue art degrees at many Christian universities around the country, either at the undergraduate of graduate level. Those planning to enroll should consider the specific Christian denomination the school supports, as well as art studio quality and display opportunities.
