Organizer Information
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a public research university located in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Relevant arts-related study is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, particularly the Department of Art and Art History, which provides undergraduate and graduate education in studio art, art history, cultural heritage studies, and related visual disciplines.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate / Graduate
- Degrees Offered: BA / BFA / MA
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts / Art History / Studio Art / Graphic & Digital Design / Cultural Heritage Studies / Film Studies (Minor)
- Relevant Programs: Art, BA; Art, BFA; BA in Art with Art Studio Concentration; BA in Art with Art History Concentration; Graphic and Digital Design Concentration; MA in Art History; MA in Cultural Heritage Studies; Film Minor.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Program and applicant category specific
- Application Deadline: Program and applicant category specific
- Start of Studies: Fall / Spring / Summer terms depending on program and admission cycle
- Application Fee: From $40
- Tuition: From $994 per credit hour (out-of-state undergraduate); international tuition from $1,083 per credit hour
- Funding: Scholarships and financial aid opportunities available.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
UAB’s arts programs accept students interested in visual arts, design, art history, and cultural heritage studies. Relevant disciplines include:
- Fine Arts
- Studio Art
- Art History
- Graphic and Digital Design
- Visual culture
- Cultural heritage studies
The Department of Art and Art History offers studio-based education across areas including drawing, graphic design, new media, painting, photography, and related artistic practices.
The interdisciplinary Film Minor includes coursework in film studies, animation/experimental video production, documentary video production, and narrative video production.
General Eligibility
- Applicants must meet UAB’s general undergraduate or graduate admission requirements according to their applicant category and chosen program.
- International applicants may apply to UAB programs. Undergraduate international applicants must submit an application, application fee, official transcripts, and proof of English proficiency unless exempt.
- Graduate international applicants must meet Graduate School admission requirements, including documentation of an equivalent four-year bachelor’s degree and required application materials.
Educational Background
- Applicants must satisfy the academic requirements for their selected study level.
- Undergraduate applicants must meet UAB undergraduate admission requirements.
- Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree.
- For the MA in Art History and MA in Cultural Heritage Studies, applicants apply through graduate admission procedures.
Language Requirements
- International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency unless they qualify for an official exemption.
- Specific minimum test scores depend on the applicant category and program requirements.
Application Fee
| Study Level / Applicant Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate applicants | $40 |
| Graduate domestic applicants | $50 |
| Graduate international applicants | $60 |
Tuition
| Study Level / Program | Applicant Type | Tuition | Billing Structure | Other Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate programs (College of Arts and Sciences) | In-state | $399 per semester credit hour | Per credit hour | Additional institutional fees may apply |
| Undergraduate programs (College of Arts and Sciences) | Out-of-state | $994 per semester credit hour | Per credit hour | Additional institutional fees may apply |
| Undergraduate programs (College of Arts and Sciences) | International | $1,083 per semester credit hour | Per credit hour | Additional institutional fees may apply |
For 2026–2027, estimated undergraduate international tuition and fees for two semesters with 15 credit hours per semester are listed at $32,490.
Funding & Financial Support
UAB offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for eligible students. Availability and eligibility conditions depend on applicant category and funding program.
University Services & Academic Support
Relevant academic support includes:
- Studio-based learning facilities through the Department of Art and Art History
- Access to visual arts resources including the Abroms-Engel Institute for Visual Arts
- Faculty mentoring and visiting artist/scholar opportunities
- Research and academic support for art history and cultural heritage students
Application Requirements
Required materials depend on the selected program and applicant category.
Common requirements include:
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency for applicable international applicants
- Degree documentation for graduate applicants
- Application fee
Program-specific requirement:
- Applicants to the BFA in Art must complete a portfolio review through the Department of Art and Art History.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
- Undergraduate Priority Admission Deadline: 15 May 2027
- Undergraduate Scholarship Consideration Deadline (In-State): 15 January 2027
- Undergraduate Scholarship Consideration Deadline (Out-of-State): 1 May 2027
- Graduate Fall 2026 Application Deadline: 1 August 2026
- Graduate Spring 2027 Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Location
University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Additional Details
- The BFA in Art requires a portfolio review. Portfolio reviews are conducted twice annually according to announced departmental deadlines.
- The MA in Art History is offered jointly with the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
- Admission deadlines and requirements may differ by program and applicant category. Applicants should verify program-specific conditions before applying.