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

Program Overview

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

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Fine Arts (BFA) with a specialization in African Art History offers a rigorous exploration of visual expression, combining technical proficiency in painting with an in-depth study of the rich artistic traditions of the African continent. This program emphasizes the intersection of creative practice and ethical stewardship, encouraging students to view their artistic output as a vocation of service and cultural contribution. Students engage with foundational techniques in studio arts alongside critical inquiries into historical, social, and spiritual contexts that shape African aesthetics. By integrating diverse perspectives, the curriculum promotes a holistic approach to artistry that respects historical legacy while fostering individual creative voice. The program is designed to cultivate practitioners who are not only technically skilled but also possess the intellectual depth and ethical awareness necessary for impactful work in professional, educational, or community settings. Through a commitment to excellence and reflection, graduates emerge prepared to navigate the complexities of the art world with integrity and vision.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Fine Arts (BFA) Painting with a specialization in African Art History combines a robust foundation in general education with a comprehensive study of painting theory, technical execution, art history, theological aesthetics, ethics in visual arts, research methodologies, cultural context awareness, creative community engagement, and program development.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

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

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