Incoming freshmen will need to complete the University’s online application, which includes a supplemental application for the School of Art. Any incoming student wanting to pursue a BFA in one of the art program areas will need to submit an art portfolio.
Step 1: Review admission criteria.
Before you begin working on your application and materials, take a few minutes to review Ball State’s admission standards and steps to apply. The School of Art will also review your academic records after your transcripts are submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
View University Requirements
Step 2: Apply.
You will apply to Ball State using the University’s online form. As part of this application, you will complete a supplemental application for the School of Art.
Apply
Step 3: Prepare your portfolio.
Students interested in one of our bachelor of fine arts degrees will need to submit a portfolio of original works of art.
This applies to students planning to study: animation, ceramics, drawing, glass, metals, painting, photography and intermedia, printmaking, sculpture, or visual communications.
If you are interested in one of our BA or BS degrees in Art Education, Art History, Graphic Arts Management, and Studio Art you are NOT required to submit a portfolio.
View Portfolio Requirements Submit Materials
Key Dates for First-Time Freshmen
March 1 – Priority Deadline for Admission and Freshman Scholarship: Materials must be submitted in order to receive full consideration.
April 1 – Deadline for Regular Admission: After this date, we will only consider portfolios based on available space in the program.
Alternative Credit
If you have completed studio art or art history alternative credit including but not exclusive to Advanced Placement (AP), IB Credit, and Transfer credit you must undergo a separate evaluation of coursework to determine art program credit. You will need to submit a portfolio of artwork and course syllabi to determine course-to-course alternative credit equivalencies. Contact the Director of the School of Art Andy Beane for evaluation.
Applicants not admitted to one of our BFA degrees may still enroll at Ball State, declare a BA degree with a concentration in studio art. With the successful completion of the first-year art foundation courses, may change their major to a BFA degree. Learn more.