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Our Mission
- The Department of Art and Art History affirms the power of art to transform individuals and society.
- We are committed to the practice, production, and critical and historical study of art within a liberal arts education that encourages experimentation and independence of thought.
- Our faculty offers a rigorous curriculum that crosses disciplines and invites inquisitive, dedicated students with wide-ranging interests, encouraging creative investigation as an essential skill informed by the highest standards of critical thought.
- Our diverse faculty, students, and staff are committed to ongoing engagement with communities locally and globally.
Graduate Degree Program
Application Deadline
January 15 — Domestic applicants
December 15 — International applicants
*Applications received after this deadline and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
As a prospective graduate student, you are required to submit an application to the Graduate School. Be prepared to submit program-specific supplementary materials for your concentration with your graduate application. Anyone who holds a bachelors or graduate degree from a university of recognized standing and earned the equivalent of a 3.00 (4.00 = “A” scale) grade-point average of 3.00 in the last two years of work leading to the bachelor's degree is eligible to apply for admission to Graduate Education. In addition to these requirements, please check the admission requirements for your preferred program.
Ranked 23rd best program in the nation! — US News and World Report, 2024
Applications
The academic calendar is the main resource for important dates and deadlines for all things related to course registration, add/drop, withdrawing, financial aid, Colorado Opportunity Fund, tuition and bill due dates, and requirement documentation.
Questions about the Art & Art History Graduate Degree Program should be directed to art.grad@colorado.edu
CU Boulder's Graduate School
The mission of the is to facilitate and enhance the educational experiences of all graduate students and to guarantee a standard of quality and cohesion across all disciplines, ensuring the continuing integrity and value of a CU Boulder graduate degree. Currently overseeing more than 120 graduate programs, the Graduate School is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating graduate programs and graduate education policies and procedures.
provides prospective graduate students with a broad overview of CU Boulder’s graduate program offerings, opportunities for CU Boulder graduate students and helpful resources for graduate students across the disciplines.
Undergraduate Degree Program
Prospective students applying to the Department of Art and Art History apply to the University of Colorado Boulder and are placed in the Bachelor of Arts degree program in either Art History or Art Practices at the time of admission. There is no portfolio required at the time of admission to CU. Some programs will require a portfolio when you declare that you will be pursuing a BFA (typically during your third year of study). Refer to the Office of Admissions for more information about the admissions process.
The Office of Undergraduate Education develops and oversees first-year seminars and first-year interest groups; coordinates undergraduate academic policy; coordinates the campus advising structure; and is responsible for the coordination and assessment of campus retention and persistence initiatives.
Your undergraduate arts practices degree starts with our incredible Foundations Art Program. Get started today!
Program Details
First-Year Application Deadlines:
October 1 — Spring Semester
November 15 — Fall & Summer early action deadline
January 15 — Fall & Summer regular decision deadline
The following degree programs are available at the undergraduate level:
Questions? Please email us at finearts@colordo.edu
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
The BFA degree in Art Practices is a more specialized degree in studio art. It allows you to take a higher number of courses through the Art & Art History Department. Choose this degree if you want to create a personal portfolio, attend graduate school, want a career directly related to the arts, or are interested in pursuing a teaching career at the college level.
Requirements include 63 credits of ARTS & ARTH coursework, passing a BFA Portfolio review, completing lower-division required courses, taking the BFA Seminar class, and a recommended GPA of 3.0 within Art & Art History.
Application deadlines:
October 15 — Fall semester
March 15 — Spring semester
Post-Baccalaureate
Our Post-Baccalaureate option is for artists who have finished their undergraduate degree and would like additional time and space to develop work while immersed in a dynamic community of artists. During their time at CU, post-bac students develop lasting professional relationships with their peers and faculty, relationships that often continue to influence their work as artists throughout their professional careers. Students may participate in the Post-Baccalaureate option for one or two semesters.
The post-bac option is a non-certificate program and does not qualify for financial aid.
Application deadlines:
April 15 — Fall semester
November 15 — Spring semester
International Students
International students should visit the International Admissions for specific admissions requirements and documentation.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is committed to supporting international students and scholars and their dependents. Take a moment to explore the ISSS mission & vision statements, values, services, and community.
Transfer Students
We are glad that you are considering transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder. Each year, top students from around the world find their place at CU Boulder. With our outstanding academic programs, excellent faculty and a diverse community of students, you will find unique and engaging opportunities on campus and in Boulder. We look forward to working with you as you continue to pursue your educational goals. Information is located within the transfer student menu on the admissions page.
Make plans to visit in person!
Visit the Department of Art & Art History
We are centrally located within the Visual Arts Complex (VAC) on the main campus of the University of Colorado Boulder
Address: Visual Arts Complex
1085 18th Street, UCB 318, Boulder, Colorado 80309
Main Office: 303.492.3580
Email
We also invite you to request more information from the Office of Admissions about the CU Boulder community and what we have to offer.
Visit The CU Boulder Campus
Interested in visiting Boulder and the University of Colorado campus? There are several opportunities throughout the year and the Admissions Department has the information you are seeking. The University of Colorado Boulder is located in sunny Boulder, Colorado—located 30 miles northwest of Denver. The Boulder area offers a wide array of activities ranging from hiking and biking to shopping, amazing dining, and entertainment. We hope you are able to explore the community of Boulder while you are visiting the campus. Plan your visit today!
Virtual CU Boulder Campus Tour
Unable to visit our campus? Experience CU Boulder with our stunning virtual tour, led by an Admissions tour guide. The virtual tour will show you everything that we have to offer, from classrooms to outdoor recreation spaces, to residence halls.