The A.D. Gallery is a vibrant, hands-on learning environment where students gain real experience in every aspect of gallery operations. From handling and installing artwork to curating exhibitions, you’ll build practical skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to exhibit your work alongside local, national and international artists, gaining exposure and growing your professional portfolio.
Art
Whether you want to create, teach or explore the world of art, UNC Pembroke gives you the skills you need. As an art major, choose from tracks in Studio, Education or History. With expert professors, state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on learning, you'll develop the expertise you need to make an impact.
Degrees
MinorMinor
Focus Areas
Studio, Art History, Art Education (K-12 Licensure)
Make Your Mark with a BA in Art
Whether you're creating bold, original works or shaping future artists in the classroom,
a degree in art from UNC Pembroke opens the door to endless creative possibilities.
You’ll develop your artistic voice, master essential techniques and explore the role
of visual art in society, all while being supported by dedicated faculty and hands-on
studio experience. At UNCP, you’re not just studying art — you’re preparing to lead,
inspire and innovate.
The Studio Track program combines creative exploration with professional preparation. With a broad foundation in art and focused experiences, this program helps you build the skills needed for a fine arts career.
- Foundation Courses: Introductory classes in:
- Ceramics
- Digital Art
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Art History: Gain context for your work by studying the history of art and its impact.
- Portfolio Review: Completed by December of your sophomore year. The review demonstrates core competencies.
- Primary Focus: After introductory courses, you'll choose a primary area of focus. You'll take one intermediate and three advanced courses in this field.
- Professional Art Practices: Taken in your junior or senior year. This course focuses on career development.
- Senior Exhibition: Present your own work while learning curation, installation and de-installation.
Explore visual arts and culture as both creative expressions and important historical
documents. This track enhances critical thinking and aesthetic appreciation. It helps
you understand the role of art in different times and places.
In this program, you'll take courses in art history and studio art. You'll also have
access to and work opportunities at the A.D. Gallery. Here, you can view local, national
and international exhibitions. The Museum of the Southeast American Indian offers
additional art experiences.
The curriculum includes a wide range of courses. Choose to study global art history
and specialized topics like Contemporary Art, Art of the United States and Ancient
Roman Art. An Art History Minor is also available for interested students.
You'll graduate prepared for various careers or to go on to a graduate studies program.
Common careers include museum or gallery curators, art educators, designers and writers.
The Art Education program prepares you to be an art educator in public schools across North Carolina and beyond. You can work with students from elementary to secondary schools. Our goal is to develop leaders in visual arts education.
The curriculum covers art education theory and pedagogy. You’ll gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and service learning.
We offer a wide range of studio classes, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and digital technologies.
Add Creative Power to Any Career Path
Enhance your degree — whether you're majoring in art or another field — with a versatile minor in Art. Choose from three dynamic tracks: Studio Art, where you’ll build hands-on skills in traditional and contemporary media, Media Integration Studies, which blends visual creativity with digital tools and design thinking, and Art History where you'll analyze the history, theory and criticism of world visual culture.
A minor in Art not only strengthens your creative portfolio but also expands your career potential in industries like marketing, education, design, media and beyond. It’s a smart, expressive complement to almost any major.
Inspire Through Art Education
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a Teaching with Art Specialization is for
those who love art and education. This program prepares you to inspire students through
creative teaching methods. You’ll learn both theory and practical skills to make a
positive impact in the classroom. Become an art educator who shapes the future of
your students.
Master of Arts in Teaching
Curate and Create
Where Art Comes to Life
Program Highlights
Art Club
Join the UNCP Art Club, where creativity meets community! Whether you’re a seasoned
artist or just starting out, this is your space to explore, create and connect with
fellow art enthusiasts. Connect with them on Facebook.
National Art Education Association Club
The National Art Education Association (NAEA) Club is your path to becoming a leader
in visual arts education. Gain access to resources, professional development and hands-on
experiences that prepare you for a career in art education. Connect with peers, explore
museum partnerships and learn the skills needed to inspire the next generation. Make
an impact and grow as an educator through NAEA.
After UNCP
Because of (the study abroad) trip, I’ve come to realize I have a chance at getting a job in another country, especially in the art community. Travel can be for fun, but it can also improve you as a person.
Monika Czartoszewski
Studio ArtCommon Careers
A degree in art from UNC Pembroke equips you with creative, technical and critical thinking skills that translate across industries. Whether you pursue a path as a professional artist, educator, designer or creative strategist, an art degree opens doors to meaningful and visually driven careers.
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Studio Artist
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Art Teacher or Professor
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Graphic Designer
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Art Director
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Illustrator
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Museum or Gallery Curator
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Animator or Multimedia Artist
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Art Therapist (with additional education)
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Exhibition Designer
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Creative Director
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Arts Administrator
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User Experience (UX) Designer
Want to learn more?
Our Admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you have.
or call us at 910.521.6262
Send us a message and one of our counselors will get back to you
Faculty
