Watkins College of Art, Design & Film is an award-winning, nationally-accredited college offering bachelor of fine art degrees in film, graphic design, interior design, photography and fine arts, and a bachelor of art degree in art. A certificate program in film is also offered for those who already hold a prior degree in another area. Known for its intimate and community-like culture, Watkins boasts a low-student-teacher ratio, professors who are also practicing artists, strong internship programs, apartment-style on-campus housing, financial aid and scholarships for both incoming and continuing students and an active career services department.

Programs: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA):

Graphic Design

• Beginning with a strong foundation in the basic principles and elements of design, color, typography and time based media, the curriculum builds in complexity as students develop the technical and conceptual skills needed to succeed in a competitive market. Students can focus on either design or illustration as they proceed through the program.

Interior Design

• Focusing on the creation of innovative environments with consideration towards sustainability, students develop a deep understanding of human factors together with the necessary knowledge of codes and requirements. Graduates leave Watkins with a portfolio of work and the education to enter a profession that constantly strives to improve the quality of people’s lives. This program is additionally accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Fine Arts

• Contemporary art studies is constantly shifting and transforming its boundaries and Watkins is committed to staying on that cutting-edge. Students can concentrate in drawing, painting, sculpture, clay, printmaking and time-based media (4-D Design), encouraging them to express their distinct point of view through their art.

Photography

• Photography at Watkins is a dynamic program where students gain technical and aesthetic skill sin a variety of mediums which being full-grounded in fine art principles. Beginning with black and white photography and then advancing to studies in color and digital imagery, explorations are made into historical applications and experimental technology and multi-media.

Film

• Students experience hands-on filmmaking, using both film stock and digital,while learning from a faculty who are working artists in the field. Film students can concentrate in one of five areas – producing, directing, screenwriting, editing or cinematography – while experiencing every aspect of this collaborative art. For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another area of study, Watkins offers a Professional Certificate in Film. The 42 credit hour program allows the student to study the film foundation and then choose electives from one of five concentrations to complete the curriculum.

Program: BA in Art (BA)

• For a broader, more extensive approach to the study of the visual arts, the BA in Art emphasizes the depth and breadth of the artistic experience, bringing together historical research and expository writing with working and creating in a studio environment. Students can choose to concentrate in a variety of mediums.

Location: Watkins is located in Nashville, Tennessee, at 2298 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., 37228

Watkins College of Art, Design & Film is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of School of Art and Design (NASAD). The BFA in Interior Design is additionally accredited by CIDA.

Watkins is a candidate for accreditation with the Committee on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to awards the AFA, BA and BFA degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033 for questions about the college’s status.

Watkins College of Art, Design & Film
2298 Rosa L. Parks Blvd..
Nashville, TN 37228