Requirements

Visual Arts

Visual Arts Major

The major consists of ten courses.

c

These advanced studio courses emphasize self-directed work with thematic prompts and in-progress critiques.

d

Any level course in visual arts may be used to satisfy this requirement, but no more than one of the four electives may be an independent study course.

Visual Arts Minor

The minor consists of six courses.

e

Any level course in visual arts may be used to satisfy this requirement, but no more than one of the three electives may be an independent study course.

Visual Arts

• Students who receive a four on the Studio Art: 2-D Design, Studio Art: 3-D Design, or Studio Art: Drawing AP exams, and complete VART 1101 Drawing I, VART 1201 Printmaking I, VART 1401 Photography I, or VART 1601 Sculpture I, with a minimum grade of B-, are eligible to receive a general credit toward their degree, but not major/minor credit. If a student has scores for more than one exam, only 1 total credit will be awarded. For information on credit for International Baccalaureate scores, please see the visual arts department. In order to receive credit for Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate work, students must have their scores officially reported to the Office of the Registrar by the end of their sophomore year at Bowdoin.
• Majors and minors in visual arts may double-count an unlimited number of courses with another major or minor as long as the course is cross-listed with visual arts.

Information for Incoming Students: Visual Arts

VART 1101 Drawing I, VART 1201 Printmaking I, VART 1401 Photography I, VART 1601 Sculpture I or VART 1702 Video I are recommended to all students as a starting place in the visual arts curriculum, regardless of previous studio art experience. These courses have no prerequisites and presume no previous knowledge or aptitude beforehand, only a strong interest in the subject and the willingness to work. Students who have never taken an art class will be strongly welcomed and encouraged. 

Materials and fees: Students are responsible for paying the first $100 of art materials. An endowed fund (the Kaempfer Fund) will pay the cost of additional art materials - up to $600 for photography courses and up to $300 for other courses - for all registered students. 

Introductory credit: student requests to apply AP credit or previous college credit to the major or minor will be discussed by the department on a case-by-case basis. We do not waive the requirement of VART 1101 Drawing I as a major or minor requirement or as a prerequisite for VART 1301 Painting I.