Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting +

The Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew 25:14-30, illustrates the importance of using the gifts and abilities given to us by God


Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting +

Institution: GEA University of San Marco 

Institution Type: Faith-based

Degree Level: Undergraduate

Program Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)

Total Credit Hours: ~120–126

Admission Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Portfolio of 10–15 artworks
  • Faith commitment statement or pastoral reference
  • Interview (optional but recommended)

Program Objectives

Graduates of the BFA in Painting will:

  • Develop technical excellence in drawing, painting, and mixed media.
  • Cultivate personal expression informed by historical, cultural, and spiritual traditions.
  • Integrate Christian/Biblical worldviews into artistic practice.
  • Prepare for careers in the arts or graduate study.


Curriculum Structure

1. General Education (30–36 credits)

36 Credits: 30 General Education credits + 3 Civic Literacy Credits + 3 faith-integrated Credits

General Education requirements: 30 credits

(a) Complete almoust one of the following courses in Communication: minimum 3 Credits

    • ENC 1101 English Composition I (see General Education, a) - (3 credits) or
    • A course with an ENC prefix for which ENCX101 is a direct prerequisite.

(b) Complete almoust one of the following courses in Humanities: minimum 3 Credits

    • ARH 1000 Art Appreciation - (3 credits) or
    • HUM 1020 Introduction to Humanities (3 credits) or
    • LIT 1000 Introduction to Literature (3 credits) or
    • MUL 1010 Introduction to Music Literature/Music Appreciation - (3 credits) or
    • PHI 1010 Introduction to Philosophy - (3 credits) or
    • THE 1000 Theatre Appreciation - (3 credits)

(c) Complete almoust one of the following courses in Mathematics: minimum 3 Credits

    • MAC X105 College Algebra or 
    • MAC X311 Calculus I or 
    • MGF X106 Liberal Arts Mathematics I or 
    • MGF X107 Liberal Arts Mathematics II or
    • STA X023 Statistical Method or
    • A mathematics course for which one of the above general education core course options in mathematics is a direct prerequisite (see General Education, c)

(d) Complete one of the following courses in Natural Sciences: minimum 3 Credits

    • AST X002 Descriptive Astronomy (3-9 credits) or
    • BSC X005 General Biology (3 credits) or
    • BSC X010 General Biology I (3 credits) or
    • BSC X085 Anatomy and Physiology I (3-9 credits) or
    • CHM X020 Chemistry for Liberal Studies (3 credits) or
    • CHM X045 General Chemistry I (3 credits) or
    • ESC X000 Introduction to Earth Science (3 credits) or
    • EVR X001 Introduction to Environmental Science (3 credits) or
    • PHY X020 Fundamentals of Physics (3 credits) or
    • PHY X048 General Physics with Calculus (3 credits) or
    • PHY X053 General Physics I (3 credits) or
    • 1 Natural Sciences course for which one of the above general education core course options in natural science is a direct prerequisite - (3-6 credits) (see General Education, d) 

(e) Complete almoust one of the following courses in Social Sciences: minimum 3 Credits

    • AMH X020 Introductory Survey Since 1877 or
    • ANT 1000 Introduction to Anthropology or
    • ECO X013 Macroeconomics or
    • POS X041 American Government or
    • PSY X012 Introduction to Psychology or
    • SYG X000 Principles of Sociology
  • Biblical Studies Courses (Includes faith-integrated 3 Credits):
    • Old Testament Survey (1 Credit)
    • New Testament Survey (1 Credit)
    • Christian Worldview and Culture (1 Credit)
  • Civic Literacy requirements (3 Credits)
    • POS X041 American Government or
    • U.S. History with civic literacy content

2. Art Foundations (24 credits)

Core technical and conceptual courses:

  • Drawing I & II
  • 2D Design
  • 3D Design
  • Color Theory
  • Art History I & II (with optional Biblical art emphasis)
  • Digital Foundations for Artists

3. Painting Core (36 credits)

Focused studio development:

  • Painting I: Materials & Techniques
  • Painting II: Color & Light
  • Life Drawing and Anatomy
  • Intermediate Painting: Observation to Abstraction
  • Contemporary Painting Practices
  • Spiritual Themes in Art
  • Mixed Media & Installation
  • BFA Critique Seminar
  • Senior Studio I & II (Capstone + Exhibition)

4. Art & Faith Integration (9–12 credits)

Bridging theology and aesthetics:

  • Theology of Beauty & Art
  • Art and the Church through History
  • Studio Ministry Practicum or Sacred Space Projects

5. Electives (12–18 credits)

Options include:

  • Printmaking
  • Mural Painting
  • Art Education
  • Business for Artists
  • Gallery Management
  • Study Abroad (e.g., art pilgrimage in Europe or Israel)

Capstone Requirement

  • Senior Thesis Exhibition: A body of original work, artist statement, and oral defense.
  • Optional: Integration paper reflecting on personal faith and creative process.