B.F.A. Printmaking

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 71 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 95.
• SAT: Not required for undergraduate admissions.

The University of Akron (UA) offers a variety of scholarships to support international students financially. These scholarships are designed to help alleviate the cost of tuition and support academic excellence. 

Merit Scholarships: Merit scholarships at UA are automatically considered for all incoming first-year students. These awards are based on a comprehensive review of the applicant’s academic transcripts, curriculum, and cumulative GPA. 

Williams Honors College Scholarships: First-year, transfer, and continuing students who meet specific academic qualifications can apply for the Williams Honors College Scholarships. These scholarships range from $1,500 to $2,000 and require an application to the Williams Honors College, including an interview. 

Provost’s Scholarships for Transfer Students: These scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, are available to students transferring from another regionally accredited college or university. Transfer students are automatically considered for these awards upon applying for admission​.

International Student Scholarship Opportunities: International students can also benefit from various specific scholarships offered by different departments and programs within the university. For instance, the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences offers numerous scholarships for students pursuing majors within their disciplines. These range from awards for academic merit to those supporting specific fields of study​​.

Graduates of the B.F.A. Printmaking program from The University of Akron are prepared for diverse career paths within the art and design industries. 

Printmaker: Many graduates pursue careers as professional printmakers, creating original prints using techniques such as etching, lithography, screen printing, or relief printing. They may work independently, sell their work through galleries or online platforms, or collaborate with publishers and print studios.

Fine Artist: Graduates may establish themselves as fine artists, exhibiting their work in galleries, museums, art fairs, and public spaces. They create unique prints that explore personal themes, social issues, or aesthetic concepts, contributing to the contemporary art discourse.

Educator: Some graduates become educators, teaching printmaking techniques and art history at schools, colleges, universities, or community art centers. They inspire and mentor aspiring artists, fostering creativity and technical skill development in the next generation of printmakers.

Gallery or Museum Curator: Curators specialize in organizing exhibitions, managing collections, and interpreting artwork for galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. They may focus on printmaking exhibitions, showcasing historical prints, contemporary works, or thematic collections.

Art Director: Art directors oversee visual aspects of publications, advertising campaigns, or media productions. They collaborate with designers, photographers, and illustrators to create cohesive visual concepts that communicate messages effectively to audiences.

Illustrator: Illustrators use printmaking techniques to create illustrations for books, magazines, advertising campaigns, or digital media. They blend traditional printmaking methods with digital tools to produce visually compelling and conceptually rich artwork.

Freelance Artist: Many graduates work as freelance artists, taking on commissions for custom prints, collaborations with designers, or public art projects. They manage their own studios, market their work, and build relationships with clients and collectors.

Art Consultant: Art consultants advise clients, collectors, or businesses on acquiring and managing art collections. They specialize in printmaking, providing expertise on artists, market trends, and investment opportunities in the art market.

Gallery Manager: Gallery managers oversee daily operations, marketing, and exhibitions for art galleries or printmaking studios. They cultivate relationships with artists, collectors, and the community, promoting artwork and organizing events to enhance visibility and sales.

Print Technician: Print technicians work in printmaking studios, universities, or commercial print shops, assisting artists with technical aspects of print production. They maintain equipment, prepare materials, and provide support during printmaking processes.