Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Fine Arts, Major in Painting, Specialization in Art African History

Degree abbreviation B.A. in Faith-Based Fine Arts Total program length 135 semester credit hours Normal completion time Four academic years General education 36 credit hours Faith-Based Fine Arts core 78 credit hours Professional application courses 15 credit hours Capstone requirement 6 credit hours The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Fine Arts, Major in Painting, Specialization in Art African History, provides a rigorous foundation for students to integrate technical artistic mastery with a Christian worldview. Students engage in intensive painting practice while examining the intersection of historical art traditions and the theological influences of African religious narratives on contemporary visual culture. This curriculum fosters creative expression and critical thinking, encouraging students to act as stewards of their God-given talents. By exploring sociocultural contexts through a lens of biblical inquiry, students develop a unique artistic voice that reflects both their spiritual formation and a commitment to art as a vessel for truth, beauty, and servant leadership in the global community. The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Fine Arts, Major in Painting, Specialization in Art African History combines foundational general education with comprehensive study in artistic theory, historical and cultural analysis, aesthetics, ethical considerations within the arts, research methodologies, creative development, and community-based cultural support. 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: 135 Duration: 4 years Degree Level: Bachelor

Academic unit

Unassigned Academic Unit

Total credits

135

Duration

4 years

• Develop advanced skills in painting techniques and mediums.
• Critically analyze and interpret artworks within historical and cultural contexts.
• Integrate thematic research from African religion studies into artistic practice.
• Demonstrate knowledge of significant movements and figures in art history.
• Produce a cohesive portfolio that showcases individual artistic vision and style.
• Collaborate with peers and faculty in exhibitions and presentations.
• Engage in critical discussions about contemporary issues in the art world.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ARH 101
• Survey of World Art I (Minor Course)
• 3
• None
• ARH 101
• Survey of World Art I (Minor Course)
• 3
• None
• ART 101
• Drawing I: Observational Foundations
• 3
• None
• ENG 101
• College Composition for Artists
• 3
• None
• ARH 110
• African Art History I (Minor Course)
• 3
• None
• ART 110
• Two-Dimensional Design
• 3
• None
• ART 120
• Drawing II: Form and Structure
• 3
• None
• ARH 101 — Survey of World Art I (Minor Course): Overview of world art history - Part IThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ARH 101 — Survey of World Art I (Minor Course): This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ART 101 — Drawing I: Observational Foundations: Foundational observational drawing techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENG 101 — College Composition for Artists: Writing and composition for visual artistsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ARH 110 — African Art History I (Minor Course): Introduction to African art historyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 110 — Two-Dimensional Design: Principles of two-dimensional designThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 120 — Drawing II: Form and Structure: Advanced drawing with emphasis on form and structureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ART 130
• Color Theory
• 3
• None
• ART 140
• Introduction to Painting
• 3
• None
• ART 150
• Three-Dimensional Design
• 3
• None
• ART 160
• Digital Tools for Fine Artists
• 3
• None
• ARH 210
• Renaissance to Modern Art History (Minor Course)
• 3
• None
• ART 210
• Intermediate Painting I
• 3
• None
• BUS 210
• Business Fundamentals for Artists
• 3
• None
• ART 130 — Color Theory: Fundamentals of color theory and applicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 140 — Introduction to Painting: Introduction to painting techniques and mediaThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 150 — Three-Dimensional Design: Principles of three-dimensional designThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 160 — Digital Tools for Fine Artists: Digital tools and technologies for visual artistsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ARH 210 — Renaissance to Modern Art History (Minor Course): Art history from Renaissance through Modern eraThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 210 — Intermediate Painting I: Intermediate painting techniques and compositionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS 210 — Business Fundamentals for Artists: Business principles for professional artistsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COM 210
• Visual Communication
• 3
• None
• REL 210
• Introduction to African Religious Traditions (Minor Course)
• 3
• None
• ART 220
• Figure Drawing
• 3
• None
• ART 230
• Materials and Techniques in Painting
• 3
• None
• REL 230
• African Spirituality and Visual Culture (Minor Course)
• 3
• None
• ART 240
• Intermediate Painting II
• 3
• None
• ART 250
• Mixed Media Studio
• 3
• None
• COM 210 — Visual Communication: Visual communication principles and practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• REL 210 — Introduction to African Religious Traditions (Minor Course): Overview of African religious traditionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 220 — Figure Drawing: Drawing the human figure from observationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 230 — Materials and Techniques in Painting: Painting materials, techniques, and surface preparationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• REL 230 — African Spirituality and Visual Culture (Minor Course): African spirituality expressed through visual cultureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 240 — Intermediate Painting II: Advanced intermediate painting conceptsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 250 — Mixed Media Studio: Exploration of mixed media techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ART 260
• Visual Narrative and Storytelling
• 3
• None
• ART 270
• Contemporary Painting Practices
• 3
• None
• ART 280
• Experimental Studio Techniques
• 3
• None
• ART 290
• Digital Portfolio Development
• 3
• None
• ARH 310
• Modern and Contemporary African Art (Minor Course)
• 3
• None
• ART 310
• Advanced Painting Studio I
• 3
• None
• REL 310
• African Religion and Contemporary Culture (Minor Course)
• 3
• None
• ART 260 — Visual Narrative and Storytelling: Narrative techniques in visual artThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 270 — Contemporary Painting Practices: Contemporary approaches to paintingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 280 — Experimental Studio Techniques: Experimental approaches to studio practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 290 — Digital Portfolio Development: Creating professional digital art portfoliosThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ARH 310 — Modern and Contemporary African Art (Minor Course): Modern and contemporary African art movementsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 310 — Advanced Painting Studio I: Advanced painting studio practice - Part IThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• REL 310 — African Religion and Contemporary Culture (Minor Course): African religion in contemporary cultural contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ART 320
• Conceptual Art Practices
• 3
• None
• ART 330
• Installation and Exhibition Design
• 3
• None
• COM 330
• Arts Marketing and Promotion
• 3
• None
• ART 340
• Advanced Painting Studio II
• 3
• None
• ART 350
• Professional Studio Practices
• 3
• None
• ART 360
• Public Art and Community Projects
• 3
• None
• ART 370
• Abstraction and Expressionism
• 3
• None
• ART 320 — Conceptual Art Practices: Conceptual approaches to contemporary artThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 330 — Installation and Exhibition Design: Design and installation of art exhibitionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM 330 — Arts Marketing and Promotion: Marketing strategies for artists and galleriesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 340 — Advanced Painting Studio II: Advanced painting studio practice - Part IIThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 350 — Professional Studio Practices: Professional practices for studio artistsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 360 — Public Art and Community Projects: Creating art for public spaces and communitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 370 — Abstraction and Expressionism: Abstract and expressionist painting techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ART 380
• Advanced Color and Composition
• 3
• None
• ART 390
• Interdisciplinary Studio Lab
• 3
• None
• ARH 410
• Global Art Movements (Minor Course)
• 3
• None
• ART 410
• Senior Painting Studio I
• 3
• None
• REL 410
• African Sacred Arts and Symbolism (Minor Course)
• 3
• None
• ART 420
• Critical Theory for Artists
• 3
• None
• ART 430
• Curatorial Studies and Exhibition Practice
• 3
• None
• ART 380 — Advanced Color and Composition: Advanced study of color and compositional techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 390 — Interdisciplinary Studio Lab: Interdisciplinary approaches to studio artThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ARH 410 — Global Art Movements (Minor Course): Major global art movements and their impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 410 — Senior Painting Studio I: Senior-level painting studio - Part IThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• REL 410 — African Sacred Arts and Symbolism (Minor Course): Sacred art and symbolism in African religious traditionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 420 — Critical Theory for Artists: Critical theory and contemporary art discourseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 430 — Curatorial Studies and Exhibition Practice: Curatorial practices and exhibition managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ART 440
• Senior Painting Studio II
• 3
• None
• ART 450
• Artist Residency Practicum
• 3
• None
• ART 460
• Art Law and Professional Ethics
• 3
• None
• ART 470
• Contemporary Studio Seminar
• 3
• None
• ART 480
• Thesis Project Development
• 3
• None
• ART 485
• Exhibition Preparation Workshop
• 3
• None
• ART 488
• Professional Practices Seminar
• 3
• None
• ART 440 — Senior Painting Studio II: Senior-level painting studio - Part IIThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 450 — Artist Residency Practicum: Professional artist residency experienceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 460 — Art Law and Professional Ethics: Legal and ethical issues for professional artistsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 470 — Contemporary Studio Seminar: Seminar on contemporary studio art practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 480 — Thesis Project Development: Development of senior thesis projectThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 485 — Exhibition Preparation Workshop: Workshop on exhibition preparation and installationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ART 488 — Professional Practices Seminar: Professional development seminar for artistsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must submit a completed application form, high school transcripts, and a portfolio of artwork demonstrating artistic ability. A statement of purpose outlining the candidate's interest in painting and related studies is also required. Senior Capstone Project The senior capstone project serves as the culmination of the student’s spiritual and academic journey, requiring the creation of a comprehensive body of work that demonstrates advanced technical proficiency and deep ethical reasoning. Students must produce a cohesive gallery exhibition accompanied by an artist’s statement that articulates how their work reflects a Christian worldview and engages with the complexities of African art history. This project necessitates that students operate as servant leaders, reflecting on how their creative contributions serve the common good and honor the Creator, while demonstrating the ability to synthesize interdisciplinary research into a professional-grade presentation.

• To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Fine Arts, candidates must successfully complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. The program of study requires the completion of all core painting and art history modules, ensuring that students demonstrate mastery in both practice and theoretical analysis. Students must also participate in scheduled spiritual formation activities, which reinforce the integration of their faith with their professional development. Throughout their tenure, candidates are expected to model the principles of biblical stewardship, showing consistency in their dedication to excellence, academic integrity, and the ethical application of their artistic skills as they prepare for diverse vocations within the arts and culture sectors.
• Career Opportunities
• Professional Artist
• Art Educator
• Gallery Curator
• Art Therapist
• Cultural Arts Organizer
• Art Historian
• Museum Exhibit Designer
• 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
• Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Fine Arts core | 78 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ARH 101 | Survey of World Art I (Minor Course) | 3 | None
• ARH 101 | Survey of World Art I (Minor Course) | 3 | None
• ART 101 | Drawing I: Observational Foundations | 3 | None
• ENG 101 | College Composition for Artists | 3 | None
• ARH 110 | African Art History I (Minor Course) | 3 | None
• ART 110 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | None
• ART 120 | Drawing II: Form and Structure | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART 130 | Color Theory | 3 | None
• ART 140 | Introduction to Painting | 3 | None
• ART 150 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 | None
• ART 160 | Digital Tools for Fine Artists | 3 | None
• ARH 210 | Renaissance to Modern Art History (Minor Course) | 3 | None
• ART 210 | Intermediate Painting I | 3 | None
• BUS 210 | Business Fundamentals for Artists | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 210 | Visual Communication | 3 | None
• REL 210 | Introduction to African Religious Traditions (Minor Course) | 3 | None
• ART 220 | Figure Drawing | 3 | None
• ART 230 | Materials and Techniques in Painting | 3 | None
• REL 230 | African Spirituality and Visual Culture (Minor Course) | 3 | None
• ART 240 | Intermediate Painting II | 3 | None
• ART 250 | Mixed Media Studio | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART 260 | Visual Narrative and Storytelling | 3 | None
• ART 270 | Contemporary Painting Practices | 3 | None
• ART 280 | Experimental Studio Techniques | 3 | None
• ART 290 | Digital Portfolio Development | 3 | None
• ARH 310 | Modern and Contemporary African Art (Minor Course) | 3 | None
• ART 310 | Advanced Painting Studio I | 3 | None
• REL 310 | African Religion and Contemporary Culture (Minor Course) | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART 320 | Conceptual Art Practices | 3 | None
• ART 330 | Installation and Exhibition Design | 3 | None
• COM 330 | Arts Marketing and Promotion | 3 | None
• ART 340 | Advanced Painting Studio II | 3 | None
• ART 350 | Professional Studio Practices | 3 | None
• ART 360 | Public Art and Community Projects | 3 | None
• ART 370 | Abstraction and Expressionism | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART 380 | Advanced Color and Composition | 3 | None
• ART 390 | Interdisciplinary Studio Lab | 3 | None
• ARH 410 | Global Art Movements (Minor Course) | 3 | None
• ART 410 | Senior Painting Studio I | 3 | None
• REL 410 | African Sacred Arts and Symbolism (Minor Course) | 3 | None
• ART 420 | Critical Theory for Artists | 3 | None
• ART 430 | Curatorial Studies and Exhibition Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ART 440 | Senior Painting Studio II | 3 | None
• ART 450 | Artist Residency Practicum | 3 | None
• ART 460 | Art Law and Professional Ethics | 3 | None
• ART 470 | Contemporary Studio Seminar | 3 | None
• ART 480 | Thesis Project Development | 3 | None
• ART 485 | Exhibition Preparation Workshop | 3 | None
• ART 488 | Professional Practices Seminar | 3 | None