About Us
In At a Glance In This Section
At a Glance
Watkins by the numbers
Our first significant digit is 1885—the year of our founding. Over the next century, Watkins evolved into an influential art institution with local impact and global reach. More specifically, we are a regionally and nationally accredited nonprofit independent college of the visual arts offering bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degrees in film, fine art, graphic design, illustration, interior design, and photography as well as a BA in art. Our graduate programs include two MFA degrees—in film and in visual arts. We also are a committed community partner, offering classes in a broad range of subjects for adults, teachers, and children of all ages through our Community Education programs. In January 2020, Watkins College of Art and Belmont University decided to merge and form Watkins College of Art at Belmont University.
Find out more about our history and mission.
Cohort
Fall 2018 stats
- 193 students
- 62% Female, 38% male
- 82% between ages 17 and 24
- 18% over the age of 25
- 20 states represented
- 10:1 student-teacher ratio in studio classes
- 19:1 student-teacher ratio in liberal arts classes
Campus
The 13-acre Watkins campus is located just north of downtown Nashville and includes:
- 63,000 square-foot academic and art-making facilities
- 10,000 square-foot Cecy Reed Student Center with cafe
- Lakeside gardens and sitting areas
- State-of-the-art “silo” studios for individual studios
- Cutting-edge film soundstages
- 48 student residents in Hawkins Residence Hall apartments
- 48 student residents in Turner Residence Hall apartments
