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School of Art + Design
528 Seigfred Hall
Athens, Ohio 45701

Changing Your Art + Design Major or Concentration

NOTE: This application is for currently enrolled Ohio University students only.

Currently enrolled students may declare or change their degree within the B.F.A. and B.A. programs offered by the School of Art + Design. Students pursuing a B.F.A. may also select an Area of Concentration during the designated application periods in the fall and spring semesters.

Application Form and Deadlines

  • Fall

    Apply for Fall 2026 

    Accepting Applications: Sept. 18–Oct. 11

  • Spring

    Accepting applications: Feb. 16–March 8

    The B.F.A. application for spring deadline is currently closed.

  • Option #1: Change Your Art + Design Major

    This application process is for currently enrolled Ohio University students who would like to apply to one of the following:

    B.F.A. Majors: Graphic Design, Interior Architecture, or Studio Art 

    • You are required to submit a portfolio for this application process. 

    B.A. Majors: Art–Art History or Art–Studio Art

    • You are not required to submit a portfolio for this application process. 

     

    Note: Changing degree program can have an impact on a student's graduation plan because different degrees have different requirements. While the School of Art + Design degree programs share several courses early in the curriculum, differences in later requirements may result in additional coursework or changes to your anticipated graduation timeline. We highly recommend that students seek guidance from their Success Advisor and/or faculty mentor to help them understand how the change may affect course requirements, academic plan, and anticipated graduation timeline. We encourage students to take advantage of the mentoring opportunities available and to speak with faculty and advisors as you consider your options.

  • Option #2: Select an Area of Concentration in the Studio Art Major (B.F.A.)

    • Art Therapy
    • Ceramics
    • Digital Art + Technology
    • Painting + Drawing
    • Printmaking
    • Photography + Integrated Media
    • Sculpture + Expanded Practice

     

    Note: We encourage students to select a concentration area during the Spring semester of their sophomore year rather than remaining undecided. Our programs are designed around strong mentorship from faculty and instructors with specialized areas of knowledge and expertise. Your concentration helps connect you with faculty, facilities, processes, and subject areas that align with your developing interests.

  • Option #3 - Change your Area of Concentration in the Studio Art Major (B.F.A.)

    Note: Students can change their concentration selection if their interests or goals develop in a different direction, but this may have an impact on a student's graduation plan. Generally, changing concentrations has less graduation obstacles than changing degrees in regard to degree requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Changing Your Art + Design Major or Concentration

Will I get a studio if I am accepted into a B.F.A program?

Typically, students in their final year, are allocated a semi-private studio work spaces within a community of creatively productive artist peers. All students at all levels within the B.F.A. programs develop and create their work supported by open access to the working studios, labs ,and shops within the School of Art + Design. The School of Art + Design is committed to providing students with studio space and lab access.

What if my application is denied? Can I re-apply?

Yes. Applications are accepted both Fall and Spring terms. Discuss with your success advisor and/or your mentor what steps are needed prior to re-application. For example, if your application was denied because of a GPA deficiency, your success advisor can suggest which course(s) should be re-taken to most efficiently raise your GPA.

Can I appeal the decision?

Yes. If you feel you have been unjustly denied entry to a B.F.A. program, you may submit a written statement to the Director of the School of Art outlining the situation.

I am applying to change my major. Do I need to do anything else other than fill out the above B.F.A. Application?

Any student switching majors will need to complete the Application for Update of Academic Program form once their application is approved. Please wait to complete this step until you receive your application approval email from the school.

I'm selecting or changing my B.F.A. concentration, do I need to do anything else?

For Studio Art majors who are declaring or changing a concentration area, there is no further action required.

Portfolio Guidelines + Tutorials

These guidelines and tutorials can assist you in the creation of PDF portfolios, slideshows, and artwork documentation tips for the application to change your major or area of concentration in a B.F.A. program where a portfolio is required.

  • Document 5-10 of your best original works in any media. All submitted materials should represent your best original work. You may submit a limited number of works-in-progress to illustrate your current research interests. Please limit these works-in-progress to no more than 2 pieces within your portfolio.
  • For videos or other time-based or interactive documentation, provide a hyperlink in place of an image.
  • Edit, crop, and touchup your images using Photoshop or Pixlr.
  • Your images in your portfolio must include the following information: artist name, title, media, date, and the dimensions of your artwork.

Use this Microsoft Word template To Create Your Portfolio

  1. Open up the BFA application_Last Name_First Name_date word document.  
  2. Place the cursor/insertion point (flashing vertical line where text appears) in between the image labeling text
  3. Click on the insert tab at the top of the screen
  4. Click on the drop-down arrow next to the pictures option
  5. Choose picture from file and select the image you would like to add to the document
  6. Continue adding all of your images or hyperlinks to videos
  7. Add the image/video labeling information to the document
  8. Save and rename the file with your name and the current date
  9. Covert the file into a PDF using the Save As option.

Note: Once your portfolio is complete, you are ready to submit your application.

2-D Artwork Documentation Tips

How to Document 2-D Work

3-D Artwork Documentation Tips

How to Document 3D Work