The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) enables students to concentrate their efforts in a studio art education. The structure of the BFA program presents many opportunities for interaction with faculty and fellow BFA students. Mentorship by dedicated faculty prepare students for a professional career in the arts.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
- Declare the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art.
- Upon completion of the following courses and requirements, refer to the BFA Handbook on the Department of Art website for details about applying for program admission to the BFA. Program admission is a selective process that includes submitting a portfolio of work.
- Choose a primary studio area of concentration and secondary studio area of emphasis, listed in the Graduation Requirements below.
- Complete the 24 credits of the Foundation Core Courses in the Graduation Requirements below.
- Complete the 9 credits of coursework in the two-dimensional and three-dimensional Beginning Studio Electives in the Graduation Requirements below.
- Maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA and 3.00 overall GPA in Art courses.
- Once selected, file a change of major form to be admitted to the BFA.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
- Complete the General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
- Complete the following major requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Core Courses | ||
| ART A105 | Beginning Drawing | 3 |
| ART A111 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART A112 | Color Design | 3 |
| ART A113 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART A205 | Intermediate Drawing | 3 |
| ART A261 | History of Western Art I | 3 |
| ART A262 | History of Western Art II | 3 |
| ART A307 | Life Drawing and Composition I | 3 |
| Beginning Studio Electives | ||
| Complete one course from the two-dimensional list and one course from the three-dimensional list, and one course from either list: | 9 | |
Two-Dimensional Area | ||
| Beginning Watercolor | ||
| Beginning Painting | ||
| Beginning Printmaking | ||
| Beginning Photography | ||
| Computer Art | ||
Three-Dimensional Area | ||
| Beginning Handbuilt Ceramics | ||
| Beginning Wheelthrown Ceramics | ||
| Beginning Sculpture | ||
| Art History | ||
| Complete three of the following: | 9 | |
| History of Modern Art | ||
| History of Contemporary Art | ||
| Italian Renaissance Art | ||
| History of Photography | ||
| Art History Seminar | ||
| Primary Studio Area of Concentration and Secondary Studio Area of Emphasis | ||
| Complete a primary studio area of concentration and a secondary studio area of emphasis from the following: | ||
Ceramics | ||
Communication Design | ||
Illustration | ||
Photography | ||
Printmaking | ||
Drawing | ||
Painting | ||
Watercolor | ||
Sculpture | ||
| Primary Studio Area of Concentration | ||
| Complete a primary studio area of concentration from the list above and complete the following studio courses in the same concentration: | ||
| 200-level studio course 1 | 3 | |
| 300-level studio course | 6 | |
| 400-level studio course | 6 | |
| Complete a support course from the following: | 3 | |
| Selected Topics in Studio Art | ||
| Selected Topics in Studio Art | ||
| Individual Research | ||
Other courses by permission | ||
| Secondary Studio Area of Emphasis | ||
| Complete a secondary studio area of emphasis from the list above and complete the following studio courses in the same emphasis: | ||
| 200-level studio course 2 | 3 | |
| 300-level studio course | 3 | |
| Complete a support course from the following: | 3 | |
300-level studio course | ||
400-level studio course | ||
| Selected Topics in Studio Art | ||
| Selected Topics in Studio Art | ||
| Individual Research | ||
Other courses by permission | ||
| Thesis Requirements | ||
| ART A491 | Senior Seminar (fall semesters only) | 3 |
| ART A499 | Thesis (spring semesters only) | 3 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| ART A203 | Introduction to Art Education | 3 |
| PHIL A401 | Aesthetics | 3 |
| Complete 6 credits of electives selected from art history or art studio courses. | 6 | |
| Total | 87 | |
- 1
Students must choose a beginning course studio area of concentration. Exception: Students with a drawing concentration may choose from any 200-level two-dimensional class listed under Beginning Studio Electives.
- 2
Must be other than a course selected to fulfill the Beginning Studio Electives within the Foundation Core.
A minimum of 120 credits is required for the degree, of which 39 credits must be upper-division. A maximum of 84 credits in Art (ART) may be applied towards the degree.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts will be able to:
- Master techniques, composition, and the use of materials to express ideas in a cohesive body of work.
- Comprehend knowledge of contemporary and historical contexts in the visual arts.
- Apply critical thinking, writing and research skills in the discovery of original approaches to creative problem solving.
- Demonstrate professional skills to be a practicing artist as applied to art proposals, exhibitions and business matters.