Prospective Students

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.

Connect with Watkins

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.