Which Art and Design Colleges Are in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Learn about art and design schools in the Charlotte, North Carolina region. See degree and specialization options, program requirements and courses for these schools. Schools offering Art degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

If you are interested in obtaining a degree in an art or design field, there are several options available in Charlotte, NC. Here you can learn about four different bachelor's degree programs offered in the area.
What You Need to Know
Art and design colleges in the Charlotte area offer several areas of specialization, even though bachelor's degrees are granted in art or visual and performing art; you can choose from fields like art history, printmaking, graphic art, studio art, interior design or new media art, among others. While not always required, it may be beneficial to submit a portfolio of work for review. These 4-year degree programs generally require foundation courses in art and art history. Some programs require students to complete these foundation courses prior to approving students' admission to upper level classes. Programs may also require a practicum, a critiqued senior project, internship or student exhibition to graduate. Keep reading to learn more about your art and design program options at these schools.
Bachelor's Degree Programs in the Charlotte Area
Davidson College
Located less than 20 miles north of Charlotte, Davidson College offers a bachelor's program in art. If you choose a studio art emphasis, you can concentrate in drawing, painting, printmaking or sculpture. Although the college does not require you to submit a portfolio with your application, you are encouraged to send in samples of your work, particularly if you want to major in studio art and intend to later apply for the college's visual arts scholarship.
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Art
- Field of Study Options: Art history, studio art in drawing, digital, painting, printmaking or sculpture
- Program Length: Four years
- Tuition: $51,447 per year (full-time tuition and fees for 2018-2019)
- School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; about 1,843 students (all undergraduate)
Johnson C. Smith University
Johnson C. Smith University offers a degree program in visual and performing art with various concentrations. In your second year, you'll take a practicum to learn professional skills that can help you succeed as an artist. The college also has connections with the Charlotte arts community and can provide you with contacts for internship and job opportunities in the region.
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Art
- Field of Study Options: Film, graphic art, theatre, studio art, dance
- Program Length: Four years
- Tuition: $18,236 per year (full-time tuition for 2018-2019)
- School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; about 1,565 students (1,480 undergraduate)
Queens University of Charlotte
Queens University of Charlotte offers a bachelor's degree in four art concentrations. All of the concentrations' curricula include courses in art history and art fundamentals. You'll finish your degree program with a senior project or critique of your work.
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts
- Field of Study Options: Art history, new media design, interior design, studio art
- Program Length: Four years
- Tuition: $34,684 per year (full-time tuition for 2018-2019)
- School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; about 2,536 students (1,766 undergraduate)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
To enter the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, you'd first enter the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art program. After completing prerequisite courses and passing a portfolio review, you can apply to the BFA program. To complete your degree, you'll develop a body of work and exhibit it at the school. The university also offers B.A. programs in art and art history.
- Program Name: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art
- Field of Study Options: Ceramics, digital media, fibers, graphic design, illustration, painting, photography, print media, sculpture
- Program Length: Four years
- Tuition: $6,853 per year for NC residents, $20,287 per year for non-residents (full-time tuition for 2018-2019)
- Admission Requirements: Completion of prerequisites and portfolio review
- School Type: 4-year, public; about 29,710 students (24,387 undergraduate)
As you can see, the variety of programs and specializations in Charlotte make the region a great place to earn a bachelor's degree in an art or design field.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below: