Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Fine Arts (BFA) Painting, Specialization in African Art History

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Fine Arts (BFA) Painting, Specialization in African Art History

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of Arts and Humanities

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze the historical development and stylistic characteristics of various African art traditions.
• Demonstrate advanced technical proficiency in oil, acrylic, and mixed-media painting techniques.
• Evaluate the socio-cultural and spiritual contexts of historical art movements to inform contemporary practice.
• Design original bodies of work that synthesize individual creative expression with historical research.
• Communicate the philosophical and ethical dimensions of art through academic writing and critical presentation.
• Integrate Christian ethical frameworks into the artistic process to promote stewardship and servant leadership.
• Apply critical thinking skills to curate and organize thematic art exhibitions for diverse audiences.

Applicants must provide evidence of a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. The application process requires the submission of an academic transcript, a personal statement detailing the applicant's creative goals and commitment to ethical engagement, and a portfolio containing 8-12 examples of original visual work. Successful candidates must demonstrate readiness for undergraduate study in the humanities and an aptitude for studio-based learning. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating integration of the student's academic and creative journey, functioning as a bridge between theoretical research and professional artistic practice. Students are expected to produce a cohesive body of original paintings that reflect their specialization in African Art History, accompanied by a formal thesis paper that interprets their work within both historical and contemporary frameworks. This project is worth 6 credits and represents the pinnacle of the student's intellectual and technical development. Beyond technical competency, the project mandates the application of a Christian worldview, requiring students to articulate how their work reflects values such as stewardship of talent, ethical integrity, and service to the broader community. The project deliverables include a public exhibition, a formal artist statement, and an oral defense that explores the synthesis of art, history, and character formation. Through this experience, students demonstrate their ability to apply academic rigor to creative practice while embodying the principles of servant leadership and social responsibility. The capstone provides a transformative space where students validate their readiness to enter professional practice as artists who are deeply rooted in both their craft and their faith-informed vocation.

• To graduate, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. This includes all prescribed core, elective, and capstone coursework. Academic achievement is regarded as inseparable from spiritual and personal growth; therefore, students are required to participate in structured community service projects and regular spiritual formation activities as defined by the university. These requirements ensure that graduates are not only academically prepared but also demonstrate the ethical maturity and character needed for a life of service. The graduation process requires a final review by faculty to ensure that students have met the disciplinary benchmarks in painting and art history while upholding the institutional standards of integrity and excellence. Graduates are expected to leave the institution as professionals who understand the call to use their gifts for the common good, consistently displaying the humility, wisdom, and technical capacity required to contribute effectively to their fields and the wider world.
• Career Opportunities
• Professional Studio Artist
• Art Gallery Curator or Administrator
• Museum Educator or Outreach Coordinator
• Art Historian or Cultural Consultant
• Community Arts Program Director
• Arts Educator in Non-Profit or Private Institutions
• Exhibition Designer for Cultural Institutions
• Important Notices
• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | B.A. in Faith-Based Fine Arts (BFA) Painting, Specialization in African Art History
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Fine Arts and African Art History core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Composition | 3 | None
• ART101 | Foundation of Drawing | 4 | None
• HIS110 | World History I: Ancient Foundations | 3 | None
• PHI105 | Foundations of Philosophical Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART110 | Fundamentals of Painting | 4 | ART101
• ART120 | Survey of African Art History I | 3 | None
• COM101 | Public Speaking and Presentation | 3 | None
• MAT101 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART210 | Intermediate Painting | 4 | ART110
• ART220 | Survey of African Art History II | 3 | ART120
• SOC201 | Sociology of Culture | 3 | None
• PSY205 | Professional Development and Career Strategy | 3 | THE105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART250 | Color Theory and Composition | 3 | ART110
• ART260 | The African Diaspora in Global Art | 3 | ART220
• HUM210 | Ethics in the Humanities | 3 | THE105
• RES205 | Research Methods in the Arts | 4 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART310 | Advanced Painting I | 4 | ART210
• ART320 | Traditional Craft and Aesthetics in Africa | 3 | ART120
• CHR305 | Stewardship and Community Engagement | 3 | MIN205
• ART350 | History of Modernist Movements | 3 | ART120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART360 | Advanced Painting II | 4 | ART310
• ART370 | African Art and Social Change | 3 | ART220
• EDU305 | Teaching and Mentoring in the Arts | 3 | None
• SOC320 | Sociological Perspectives on Cultural Criticism | 3 | THE105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART410 | Senior Studio Practice I | 4 | ART360
• ART420 | Critical Issues in Global Art | 3 | ART350
• BUS405 | Professionalism in the Arts | 3 | None
• AFS410 | Integrative Seminar in African Diasporic Studies | 3 | THE105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 6 | ART410
• ART480 | Senior Studio Practice II | 3 | ART410
• HIS450 | Advanced Topics in African History | 3 | ART320
• COM420 | Exhibition Curation and Management | 3 | COM101