The visual arts major transcends mere technique or style; it empowers students to merge inner creativity with external observation. Students gain confidence in their creative vision and the technical skill and critical thinking necessary to articulate that vision. Whether refining figure drawing, shaping clay on a pottery wheel, or crafting an artist statement, our students engage deeply with authenticity and introspection. The Visual Arts program offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts, alongside minors and certificates in Visual Arts, a minor in Film and Media Studies, and a minor in Contemplative Art Therapy.
Recognized as one of the top Visual and Performing Arts Colleges in Colorado in 2020, Naropa boasts a rich tradition in fine arts. Our campus features four art galleries, a state-of-the-art 2D studio, a recording studio, an extensive art library, and dedicated spaces for pottery, sculpture, and media arts.
Naropa University’s undergraduate program spans four years, leading to a fully accredited Bachelor of Arts Degree. The Visual Arts Degree entails a 33-credit major with elective studios in diverse painting media, calligraphic forms, sculpture, pottery, and photography. Core courses encompass drawing, world art history, contemplative and studio practices, and professional readiness. Specialized mentoring in Advanced Studio Practice, Warrior Artist, and Portfolio and Gallery Presentation prepares students for their final project—an exhibition at the prestigious Nalanda Art Galleries, complete with a digital portfolio and artist statement.
At the heart of the term “contemplative” lies the essence of observing and seeing. Originally associated with divination, it referred to an open space designated for observation. Contemplation involves a thoughtful and meditative form of observation. Through mindfulness meditation, studio assignments, and selected readings, students delve into the art’s cosmology, exploring its genesis, the intricacies of perception, cultural influences, and the convergence of the personal and public in an individual’s aesthetic sense.
A Bachelor of Arts degree (120 credits) consists of a Core Curriculum (24 credits) and at least one major as well as minors and/or elective courses of the student’s choosing.
The Visual Arts Major has a total of 33 credit hours.
Gateway: 12 credits
Perception & Perspective: Choose 3 Credits
Art Genres: Choose 12 credits
Capstone: 6 credits
Total: 33 credits
Explore a short, self-paced course with sample classes, teachings from faculty, and real stories from students and alumnx about their experience. Get a feel for how learning happens here through reflection, practice, and real-world application.
A Naropa education diverges from conventional art schools by encouraging introspection and personal discovery of creative vision, complemented by mastering artistic techniques to manifest that vision.
Your journey of artistic and personal growth is nurtured within a vibrant community of artists, performers, scholars, writers, and healers. Culminate your artistic evolution with the Portfolio & Gallery Presentation at Naropa Gallery, celebrating with your supportive arts community.
Embracing cultural diversity, Naropa University offers scholarships and financial aid options, including student employment, to ensure accessibility for all undergraduate students.
Engage deeply with your art through mindfulness practices and self-exploration.
Become part of a dynamic community of visual artists, writers, scholars, and thinkers.
Curate a portfolio showcasing your most authentic and compelling work.
Develop the ability to articulate your artistic vision and the role of art in society.
Present your artwork in prestigious exhibitions at the Naropa Gallery, alongside peers and mentors.
Graduates of Naropa’s Visual Arts degree program continue to create and exhibit their art both regionally and nationally. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees in art, art therapy, and art history, while others embark on fulfilling careers as photographers, arts administrators, designers, entrepreneurs, art teachers, or professional exhibiting artists.
I struggle with multiple disabilities and gaining access to an equal education has been a lifelong battle. My time at Naropa has helped me find sacredness within my own skull. Now, I’m finally starting to see my brain as it is, strange and beautiful.
A visual arts degree can open up several career paths in the creative and artistic fields. Some potential options may include professions such as visual artists, art critics, graphic designers, art directors, photographers, musicians, and fine artists, among others. With a Bachelor’s degree, you’re set for most entry-level positions. A Master’s degree in Visual Arts can launch you into specialized positions, research-oriented roles, or advanced academic pursuits.
Yes, you can be an interior designer with a visual arts degree. A visual art degree equips you with the essential creative groundwork necessary to excel as an interior designer, fostering a robust comprehension of vital design elements such as color and composition.
The difference between a visual art degree and other art degrees lies in its broad focus and specialization. While a visual arts degree encompasses various art disciplines, a fine arts degree centers on traditional artistic forms, a graphic design degree emphasizes visual communication, illustration degrees focus on creating visual narratives, and art history degrees delve into the historical and critical study of art. Each offers unique skills and perspectives for diverse career paths in the art world.
Associate Director of Admissions
We want everyone to have the opportunity to pursue an education at Naropa. Take a look at our page on undergraduate costs & aid to learn more about tuition, scholarships, grants, and financial assistance available at Naropa. You can also use our Net Price Calculator to have an approximation of your expenses at Naropa (currently based on 2025/2026 data).
Scholarships are a great way to help with the costs of going to school. Naropa University offers an array of scholarship opportunities to undergraduate students. Students may be eligible to receive scholarships through their admissions application (residential students only), by applying for scholarships, or by being nominated for a scholarship. For more detailed information about the different scholarships available and how to receive them, please review our undergraduate scholarship page.
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About Naropa
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion.
Academics
Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.
Admissions & Aid
If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.
Life at Naropa
Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community, “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom
The Naropa Difference
How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person.
Support Naropa
At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, Naropa University stands firmly rooted in its mission to create a more just and regenerative world by nurturing insight, awareness, courage, and compassion in its students. By making a gift to Naropa, you play a pivotal role in helping to create the authentic, effective & mindful leaders that the world desperately needs.
