Last updated on 2026-07-22
Program overview
The study of Fine Arts at Mount Allison University is designed to enhance your artistic and creative abilities while fostering critical thinking, writing, and communication skills related to art. This program has a rich history, dating back to the establishment of the Women's Academy in 1854, and it was the first university in Canada to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in visual arts in 1941. Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major in Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), allowing for a tailored educational experience that combines studio work with a liberal arts curriculum.
Program structure
The Fine Arts program at Mount Allison University offers a comprehensive structure that emphasizes both practical and theoretical aspects of art. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in various artistic disciplines while allowing for personal exploration and growth. Key features of the program structure include:
- Program Length: The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Fine Arts typically require four years of study.
- Students engage in a combination of studio work and art history courses.
- First-year courses provide a broad knowledge base, while second- and third-year courses focus on specific studio areas.
- In the final year, students create a body of work through independent study.
- Opportunities for paid arts internships and participation in an artist-in-residence program are available.
Overall, the program is structured to develop both creative and critical skills, preparing students for various career paths in the arts.
Featured Experiences
The Fine Arts program at Mount Allison University offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the educational journey of its students. These experiences include:
- Access to the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts, which features state-of-the-art facilities for painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and more.
- Opportunities to work at the Owens Art Gallery, the oldest university art gallery in Canada, which provides invaluable resources and hands-on experience.
- Participation in the Art Conservation Lab, the only paintings conservation lab in New Brunswick, offering mentoring opportunities with the gallery's Art Conservator.
- Engagement in interdisciplinary collaborations with the Drama Studies program.
- Annual Portfolio Day, where students can receive feedback on their creative work from faculty before submitting their portfolios.
Career Options
Graduates of the Fine Arts program at Mount Allison University have a wide range of career options available to them in Canada. Some popular career paths include:
- Artist: Create original works of art for exhibitions, galleries, or private commissions.
- Art Gallery Director/Curator: Oversee art exhibitions, manage collections, and organize educational programs.
- Cartoonist/Animator: Produce illustrations and animations for various media, including films, television, and online platforms.
- Exhibit Preparator: Prepare and install artworks for exhibitions, ensuring proper display and preservation.
- Art Educator: Teach art in schools or community programs, fostering creativity and artistic skills in students.
- Art Therapist: Use art as a therapeutic tool to help individuals express emotions and improve mental health.
- Web Designer: Create visually appealing and user-friendly websites, incorporating artistic elements into digital design.
These career options reflect the diverse skill set developed through the Fine Arts program, equipping graduates for success in various fields related to art and design.
DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.
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