You are reading the 2024/25 Academic Calendar. The 2023/24 version remains in effect until August 31, 2024 and is available here.

Visual Art

The Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in Visual Art (VISA) offers students a well-rounded program of visual art practice, critical theory and art history.

Upon completion of first- and second-year Visual Art requirements and the accumulation of at least 54 credits, students may request departmental approval to declare a Major or Minor in Visual Art.

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants must meet the admission requirements of the University and the Visual Art program. Applications to enter UBC are made directly to Enrolment Services. Please see Undergraduate Admissions for details. The program also requires additional materials sent directly to the Department.

Admission to the Major in Visual Art program is at the discretion of the Department.

Once admitted to the University and to the Major, transfer students are required to consult with a Visual Art Departmental Advisor for guidance with course selection (see the Department's website).

Major in Visual Art

Requirements of the Faculty of Arts as outlined in the UBC Calendar must also be met throughout the program.

Lower level:

  • 9 credits of VISA 110, VISA 180 and VISA 183 with a cumulative average of at least 72%; in special circumstances VISA 110 may be taken as a co-requisite with select 200-level VISA courses;
  • 6 credits of 100- or 200-level ARTH. These credits are normally completed across years 1 and 2;
  • 12 credits from 200-level VISA, including no more than 3 credits from VISA 240 or 241, with a cumulative average of at least 72%.

Upper level:

  • VISA 380;
  • 9 credits of 300- or 400-level ARTH;
  • 18 credits of 300- or 400-level VISA studio courses, of which at least 3 credits must be 400-level VISA;
  • A maximum of 6 credits in EDCP (only EDCP 303, 305) courses may be substituted for VISA course requirements

Minor in Visual Art

  • 9 credits of VISA 110, VISA 180 and VISA 183, with a cumulative average of at least 72%; in special circumstances VISA 110 may be taken as a co-requisite with select 200-level VISA courses;
  • 6 credits of 100- or 200-level ARTH;
  • 6 credits of 200-level VISA, including no more than 3 credits from VISA 240 or 241, with a cumulative average grade of at least 72%;
  • 6 credits of 300- or 400-level ARTH;
  • 12 credits of 300- or 400-level VISA studios

Students pursuing a Minor in Visual Art are required to receive departmental advising prior to declaring their Minor and beginning third-year courses. Minors in Visual Art are able to take 300- and 400-level VISA courses, but must register through the Department of Art History, Visual Art, and Theory office due to the restricted registration system for these courses.


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