student artist painting

Incoming Freshman

Incoming freshmen will need to complete the University’s online application.

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.

View University Requirements

Step 2: Apply.

You will apply to Ball State using the University’s online form.

Apply

Step 3: Incoming Freshman Scholarship Portfolio (Optional).

Incoming freshmen are invited to apply for art scholarships. To be considered, students must submit a portfolio and provide additional materials.

View Scholarships Requirements

Key Dates for First-Time Freshmen

calendar

February 1 – Deadline for Freshman Scholarship

Alternative Credit

If you have completed studio art or art history alternative credit including but not exclusive to 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 Associate Director of the School of Art Andy Beane for evaluation.

Didn't Get Into a BFA Option?

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.

If you’re already at Ball State—or even already in our studio art option—and plan to change your major to one of our bachelor of fine arts options, you will need to meet with your advisor.

Step 1: Enroll in a desired art major.

You will need to notify your academic advisor and complete a “Change of Major” form.

Learn How to Change Your Major

Step 2: Successfully complete our foundation courses.

You will need to complete our first-year foundation courses with a grade of C or higher.

The foundation courses are:

  • ADS 101 – Foundations: 2D Studio
  • ADS 102 – Foundations: 3D Studio
  • ADS 103 – Foundations: 4D Studio
  • AFA 101 – Drawing Studio 

If you are interested in the Animation or Visual Communications areas, you will need to submit a portfolio based on your work in the first-year foundation courses. For more information click here.

If you plan to transfer to Ball State from another institution, you will need to work with the Transfer Center.

Course Evaluations

Transfer students who have studio art or art history credits must undergo a separate evaluation of coursework to determine art program credit. You will need to submit digital examples of your artwork and course syllabi to determine course-to-course transfer equivalencies.

We recommend you:

  • Keep your course syllabi, project descriptions, and sketchbooks.
  • Digitally preserve artwork or project from each course.
  • Contact Andy Beane, the Associate Director of the School of Art for more information.

Questions?

If you have questions about our admissions requirements or process, please call or email us.

Contact Us