The University of Toledo’s Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree program is perfect for students who want a broad liberal arts education combined with solid art skills in a variety of media.
Faculty in the accredited Department of Art encourages students to experiment. Visual art majors can do advanced work in 2D Studies, 3D Studies, Digital and Photographic Art and Graphic and Interactive Design. You will learn how to think and write as well as how to draw, ship artwork and launch an exhibit. You will leave UToledo with real-world skills that allow you to find work in a constantly evolving job market.
If you decide that you want a more intense studio art experience, you can apply to our Studio Art Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program as early as spring semester freshman year. Graduates in Studio Art receive a BFA and usually pursue graduate school or careers as studio artists.
Top Reasons to Study visual arts at UToledo
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Flexible, practical skills.Visual Arts bachelor’s degree students learn the skills critical in today’s job market. They learn:
- “Soft skills” like critiquing, writing, research and problem solving
- “Hard skills” like tool use, computer use and digital technology
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Personal connections to faculty.Faculty members exhibit their work and invest in their students. They bring their research and experiences into the classroom.
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Classes on the campus of the world-renowned Toledo Museum of Art.The four-story UToledo Center for the Visual Arts on the TMA’s campus is home to the Department of Art. Students are steps away from the museum's 45 galleries, art reference library and visual resources collection.
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Community collaborations.Build your resume and portfolio with hands-on experience. Art majors have:
- Curated exhibitions at “guerrilla galleries” in downtown Toledo
- Designed and produced a 158-foot-long mural for a UToledo engineering building
- Seen their artwork displayed on billboards in Toledo and the Detroit area through the Digital Billboard Project
- Traveled with professors to New York City, Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago, Japan and China for classes and conferences
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Internships.Hone your skills at places like The Arts Commission in Toledo, the Toledo Museum of Art and UToledo’s Department of Art.
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The latest art-making tools.The UToledo Art Department has a wood shop and foundry for bronze casting and metal forging. Art students have access to 3D printers, dark rooms, two digital studios, a laser etcher and CNC router.
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Art Print Center.Students hired at the Art Department’s cutting-edge center create museum-quality prints and acquire real-world skills.
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Accredited.The Department of Art in UToledo's School of Visual and Performing Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
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Graduate school options if you want to teach art.
- UToledo's Art Education graduate degree program offered in partnership with the Judith Herb College of Education
- UToledo’s Licensure & Alternative Master's Program (LAMP). Students who hold a bachelor's degree in art can earn licensure and a master's degree in art education at the same time.
What jobs can I get with a visual arts degree?
The University of Toledo prepares its graduates to find work in a constantly evolving arts job market.
- Educator
- Entrepreneur
- Gallery owner
- Visual effects artist
- Web designer
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.
Internships
Finding an internship is easy thanks to UToledo’s robust community partnerships with companies and organizations around the region. Dive into unique opportunities that prepare you to launch your career.
Internships help you:
- Gain practical experience
- Build your resume
- Refine your skills
- Cultivate contacts
Internships often lead to full-time jobs after graduation!
The Rocket Career Center can help you track down job opportunities. You also might be able to receive academic credit for your internship or job.
Research
UToledo is known for its undergraduate research opportunities. Start as early as your freshman year. Work with faculty who enjoy collaborating with students.
Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:
- Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
- Help you find funding
- Help you present your research at conferences and other events
Study Abroad
Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.
UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.
- Semester at Sea
- Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
- Direct exchange programs with other universities
- Teach English abroad
- Global health program (med student clerkships)
- Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)
Rocket Kids Semester
The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.
On-campus and Part-time Jobs
- Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
- Build your resume.
- Earn money.
If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.
Student Organizations
Our most successful students get involved.
UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:
- Make friends.
- Build your resume.
- Network.
- Be a leader.
- Serve your community.
- Have fun!
Tuition and Scholarships
Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.
Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.
Tuition and Fees
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)
per year
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Choose Ohio First scholarship
Ohio residents who have been accepted into this STEM program are eligible for the Choose Ohio First scholarship — a four-year, renewable scholarship.
Honors College
The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.
Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.
Benefits of Honors
The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.
Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or President's Hall.
Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.
Visit Campus
A campus visit is the best way to figure out if UToledo is a great fit for you.
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