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To be creative is not just about making art, it is about vision and follow-through. It is about having a combination of practicality, whimsy and the discipline to use both in proper measure. It is to understand how to activate the senses of both the artist and the audience. It is to be daring, provoking, instilling and empowering. For the artist, to create is a need.

At Watkins we understand this need. We know it takes focus, commitment and discipline to become a professional artist. Having talent is just the beginning of the journey. We provide a community of students and faculty devoted to artistic and academic excellence. The creative mind is a powerful tool

For more information, double click the booklet below for a great overview of what Watkins College has to offer.

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JUST THE FACTS:

Who we are: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Watkins Institute was established in 1885 and we have been serving he community in art education since 1888. After operating as a community-based learning institute for over 100 years, we officially became Watkins College of Art, Design & Film in the year 2000.

What we do: Watkins offers four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in five areas - film, fine arts, graphic design, interior design and photography - and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in art. A Professional Certificate in Film is offered for those who currently hold a bachelor's degree in another area.

Accreditation: Watkins College of Art, Design & Film is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Art and Design (NASAD). The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design is additionally accredited by the Council for the Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), formerly known as the Foundation for Interior Design Education Reserach (FIDER). Watkins College is authorized to offer undergraduate college degrees by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). Watkins College of Art, Design & Film is a candidate for accreditation with the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award the Associate of Fine Arts (AFA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees. 

Calendar: We are on a semester system with Fall running from mid-August to early December; Spring starts in January and runs to early May. We also have a one-month long intensive Maymester and a two-month Summer semester.

Faculty: Our faculty is comprised of qualified instructors who are also practicing, professional artists. They bring experience and real world connections into the classroom. Their artistic sensibilities, together with the small average class size, equal individual attention and mentoring opportunities for the student.

Housing: Apartment style housing is available with 4-bedroom, 2-bath units that include a full kitchen, washer & dryer, cable, internet and local phone. Freshmen 20 years or younger whose permanent residence is 50 miles or more from the college are required to live on campus.

Financial Aid: Programs include entering and continuing student scholarships, federal, state and institutional grants, loans and work-study opportunities. Watkins is eligible to receive the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (Hope Scholarship) and veterans are eligible for assistance under Title 38.
         

Latest News

  • 06/11/2009
    New Pre-College Program Kicks Off This Summer - Register Today
    The Watkins Pre-College program is a 3-week college-like experience is for highly-motivated high school students to experience the life and culture of art college and broaden their artistic potential as they take classes, work in the studio, develop a college portfolio and exhibit their work. The program will be held July 13-31, Monday through Friday from 9am – 4pm. Students may choose between two different tracks of study – film or fine arts. Space is still available. Learn more at www.watkins.edu/precollege or contact the Community Education office at 383-4848 for more details.
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  • 06/10/2009
    Watkins Students Teela Shandess, Lydia Light & Chad Sawyer Win National ADDY Awards

    The National Gold and Silver ADDY Award winners were announced last week at the 2009 AAF National Conference in Washington, DC. Teela Shandess won a Gold ADDY, Lydia Light won a Silver ADDY and Chad Sawyer won a Silver ADDY. Watkins received more national student ADDYs than any other college in the region.

    Learn more about the Watkins Graphic Design Department by clicking here.

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  • 06/01/2009
    Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association Extends Membership to Watkins
    On May 13, the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) voted to extend membership to Watkins College of Art, Design & Film. TICUA’s member colleges and universities educate nearly 68,000 students from across the state, country, and throughout the world. Membership in TICUA is limited to independent, non-profit, regionally accredited colleges in Tennessee, and with the addition of Watkins, TICUA represents 35 private colleges and universities across the State.
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