BFA in Painting +

inclusive on-line curricula (I, II or III)

Inclusive On-line Tracks for Students with Mental Disabilities

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting – Online Program, open to all students, but specifically designed for students with mental disabilities. 


What is an inclusive education?

Inclusive education works to identify all barriers to education and remove them and covers everything from curricula to pedagogy and teaching.

Program Overview

GEA University of San Marco is proud to offer an inclusive, fully online Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting program that empowers students with mental disabilities through accessible art education. This program supports both creative development and personal growth, with an emphasis on therapeutic engagement, professional pathways, and individualized support. 

Program Mission

To empower students with mental disabilities through inclusive, therapeutic, and professionally grounded arts education in painting, cultivating self-expression, artistic skills, and pathways to personal and career development.

Program Vision

To provide an inclusive, accessible, and professionally valuable online BFA in Painting + that nurtures creativity, independence, and self-expression for students with mental disabilities.

Program Objectives

  • Equip students with foundational and advanced painting skills
  • Promote emotional expression and cognitive development through art
  • Prepare students for careers or entrepreneurship in the creative arts
  • Foster independence through adaptive technology and life skills integration

Program Structure

  • Institution: GEA University of San Marco
  • Institution Type: Faith-based Institution 
  • Faculty: Fine Arts
  • Degree Type: Faith-based degree
  • Delivery:  100% Online Format
  • Format: Synchronous & Asynchronous Online Learning
  • Length: 4 Years (Full-Time) | Flexible part-time options available
  • Total Credits: 120 credit hours
  • Structure: 8 semesters, each with 12–15 credits
  • On-Demand: Videos
  • Paths: Curriculum I or Curriculum II or Curriculum III (accomodations considered)
  • Optional Opportunities: optional hybrid modules (example: optional Summer Classes/Labs in Venice or in other locations in Italy. Option to book and pay apart)
  • Support Services: Integrated academic coaching (on-line, in streaming), mental health online support (to book and pay apart), peer mentoring, and flexible assessment methods 
  • On-Demand Mental Health & Academic Support (to book and pay apart)

Program Features

  • 100% online with flexible, self-paced modules
  • Supportive faculty trained in special education and art therapy
  • Personal success coaches and art mentors
  • Optional in-person art retreats and local partnerships in Florida or abroad

Admissions Criteria

  • High school diploma or equivalent (accomodations considered)
  • Statement of interest (can be written, recorded or visual)
  • Optional: Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan (optional) or Medical documentation
  • Portfolio review (can include non-traditional work): portfolio of 5–10 artworks (any medium, including crafts or digital)
  • Interview and support needs assessment: Intake interview in streaming with support coordinator

Curriculum Pathways

We have three Curricula: Curriculum I, Curriculum II or Curriculum III, depending on the personal abilities and on the grade of the student's mental disability (accomodations are considered). This program is also open to all students aiming to work in the field of Art and mental disability.

Possible Career Paths

  • Studio Artist
  • Creative Content Creator
  • Muralist or Community Art Facilitator, Art Facilitator for Disability Programs
  • Art Therapy Assistant
  • Freelance Illustrator
  • Gallery Technician
  • Arts & Crafts Instructor
  • Art Entrepreneur (via supported small business programs)
  • Digital or Therapeutic Art Assistant


CURRICULA: Curriculum I, Curriculum II or Curriculum III


Curriculum I

Core Curriculum (60 Credits)

  1. Foundation Courses (18 Credits)
    • Introduction to Drawing and Composition
    • 2D Design Fundamentals
    • Color Theory and Practice
    • Art History I & II (with accessible formats)
    • Art and Mental Wellness
  2. Intermediate Studio Courses (18 Credits)
    • Painting Techniques I & II (Acrylic, Oil, Watercolor)
    • Life Drawing with Adaptive Approaches
    • Mixed Media and Collage
    • Sensory Art Practices
  3. Advanced Studio Practice (18 Credits)
    • Painting Studio III & IV (personal style development)
    • Thematic Studio: Identity, Community & Nature
    • Experimental and Digital Painting
  4. Art in Society (6 Credits)
    • Community Arts Engagement
    • Art Advocacy and Disability Rights

Supportive Courses (30 Credits)

  • Life Skills and Independent Living
  • Communication for Artists
  • Time Management and Emotional Regulation
  • Writing and Documentation for Visual Arts
  • Accessible Technologies in Art
  • Financial Literacy for Artists 

General Education Requirements (30 Credits)

Adapted from the standard Florida college requirements but delivered with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles:

  • English Composition (with support)
  • Math in the Arts
  • Health & Wellness
  • Environmental Studies
  • Social Sciences (adapted)
  • Electives (music, theater, photography, etc.)

Capstone & Career Preparation (15 Credits)

  • Junior Year Project: Collaborative mural or exhibit
  • Senior Thesis: Solo art exhibit and presentation
  • Internship: Supported placements at galleries, community centers, or therapeutic art programs
  • Portfolio Development Workshop
  • Career Exploration & Vocational Skills


General Education Requirements (30 Credits)

Adapted from the standard Florida college requirements but delivered with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles:

  • English Composition (with support)
  • Math in the Arts
  • Health & Wellness
  • Environmental Studies
  • Social Sciences (adapted)
  • Electives (music, theater, photography, etc.)

Curriculum II

Year 1: Foundations (30 Credits)

  • Painting I: Basic Techniques
  • Introduction to Drawing and Sketching
  • Color Theory and Practice (Interactive)
  • Introduction to Digital Art Tools (Tablet-based)
  • Art History: Global Traditions (Audio & Video Formats)
  • Communication Skills for Artists

Year 2: Development (30 Credits)

  • Painting II: Acrylics & Watercolor
  • Life Drawing and Imagination (with adaptive options)
  • Mixed Media Exploration
  • Mental Health and the Arts
  • Universal Design for Artists
  • Math in Creative Practice (Visual Learning Methods)

Year 3: Exploration & Community (30 Credits)

  • Studio Painting III: Thematic Practice (e.g. identity, nature)
  • Community-Based Art Projects (Virtual Collaboration)
  • Art for Social Change
  • Financial Literacy for Artists
  • Internship Prep (Virtual Internships Supported)
  • Digital Portfolio Design

Year 4: Professional Pathways (30 Credits)

  • Capstone Project: Online Solo Art Exhibit
  • Senior Seminar: Art Careers & Entrepreneurship
  • Adaptive Teaching Techniques (for future instructors or aides)
  • Online Internship (flexible, supported placements)
  • Grant Writing and Funding for Artists (study a lists of Grants for artists)
  • Creative Business Models

Curriculum III

Year 1 – Artistic Foundations

  • Introduction to Drawing and Composition
  • Painting I: Techniques in Acrylic and Watercolor
  • Color Theory and Visual Design
  • Introduction to Digital Tools for Artists
  • Adaptive Learning & Mental Wellness in Creative Practice
  • General Education: English, Math in the Arts, Art Appreciation (simplified)

Year 2 – Developing Skill & Voice

  • Painting II: The Human Form and Nature
  • Mixed Media Studio Practice
  • Accessible Art History (Global Focus)
  • Creative Communication & Storytelling
  • General Education: Science & Society (UDL Format), Music for Wellness
  • Studio Lab: Guided Independent Practice

Year 3 – Community, Career & Expression

  • Painting III: Identity & Expression
  • Virtual Community Mural Collaboration
  • Financial Literacy for Creatives
  • Internship Exploration (Remote & Supported)
  • Digital Portfolio Development
  • Accessible Entrepreneurship for Artists

Year 4 – Capstone & Professional Focus

  • Senior Painting Studio IV: Thematic Focus
  • Capstone: Solo Online Exhibition & Artist Talk
  • Online Internship or Apprenticeship (guided by a mentor)
  • Adaptive Teaching Methods in Art
  • Creative Business Planning & Grant Writing

Apply Now

To apply or request more information about the BFA in Painting: Inclusive Online Track, visit our Contact page and fill in the form here