The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is the professional degree in art and design. The program provides a rich educational environment for students to develop capabilities necessary for careers in the visual arts, or for further study at the graduate level. A solid program in general education supports intensive work in studio art, design and art history. Students gain requisite technical skills, experience in critical and creative problem solving, visual literacy, and a knowledge of historical modes of expression in the visual arts. After completing foundational studies, students choose from eight concentrations to focus their work through required and elective upper level courses. Internships, education abroad, and student exhibitions provide further educational opportunities. Studies culminate in the Senior Project course and an exhibition of work in the Senior Show.
Areas of Concentration
- Graphic Design
- Illustration/Animation
- Industrial Design
- Painting/Drawing
- Photography/Video
- Printmaking
- Sculpture/Ceramics
- Individualized
Admission
Portfolio Review
Minors
The Art and Art History Department offers minors in Art History and Studio Arts. They are described in the “Minors” section of this Catalog.
Common Curriculum
All B.F.A. students share a common curriculum of 39 credits:
Areas of Concentration
All concentrations consist of a minimum of 18 credits of 2000-level or higher courses, with area requirements specified below.
Graphic Design
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ART 2011 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 |
| ART 2110 | Graphic Design: Process and Thinking | 3 |
| ART 2120 | Graphic Design 1: Typography | 3 |
| ART 3110 | Graphic Design 2: Visual Systems | 3 |
| ART 3120 | Graphic Design 3: Relational Design | 3 |
| ART 4110 | Graphic Design 4: Communication Dynamics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 |
Illustration/Animation
Industrial Design
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ART 2011 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 |
| ART 3701 | Industrial Design: Materials and Techniques | 3 |
| ART 3705 | Industrial Design: Form, Structure, and Space | 3 |
| ART 3710 | Industrial Design: Drawing and Modeling for Design | 3 |
| ART 3720 | Industrial Design: Process and Practice | 3 |
| ART 3730 | Industrial Design: Digital Fabrication | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 |
Painting/Drawing
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ART 2010 | Life Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 3310 | Intermediate Painting | 3 |
| ART 3330 | Advanced Painting | 3 |
| ART 3901 | Advanced Studio Art Projects | 3 |
| 9 |
| Total Credits | 21 |
Photography/Video
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ART 2420 | Intermediate Photography | 3 |
| ART 3420 | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| ART 4410 | Advanced Photography (may be repeated once) | 3 |
| ARTH 3460 | History of Photography: 1839 to World War I | 3 |
| ARTH 3560 | History of Photography: World War I to Present | 3 |
| 12 |
| Introduction to Video Art | |
| Alternative Processes (Photography) | |
| Color Photography | |
| Documentary Photography and Video | |
| Portrait Photography | |
| Large Format Photography | |
| Landscape Photography | |
| Studio Photography | |
| Total Credits | 27 |
ART 1040 Drawing II optional for photography/video concentration, substitution determined by student interest and faculty advisement.
Printmaking
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ART 2010 | Life Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 3510 | Intaglio Printmaking | 3 |
| ART 3520 | Lithography | 3 |
| ART 3530 | Printmaking Workshop (repeated for a total of 9 credits) | 9 |
| ART 3901 | Advanced Studio Art Projects | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 |
Sculpture/Ceramics
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ART 2010 | Life Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 3901 | Advanced Studio Art Projects | 3 |
| 15 |
| Ceramic Art: Materials and Methods | |
| Ceramics: Vessel Constructions | |
| Ceramics: Wheel Work | |
| Ceramics: Sculptural Approaches | |
| Ceramics: Surface Engagement | |
| Sculpture: Wood | |
| Sculpture: Metals | |
| Sculpture: Mold Making and Casting | |
| Ceramics: Mold Making and Casting | |
ART 3660 | | |
| Ceramics: Clay and Glaze Composition | |
ART 3670 | | |
| Total Credits | 21 |
Individualized Studies
A program of at least 30 credits (including ART 4901 Senior Project) on the 3000-level or higher, drawn from two or more areas, in consultation with area faculty. Students must file an approved Individualized Studies proposal.
Information Literacy and Writing in the Major Competency Requirements
Students must successfully complete at least one Art History W course.
Remaining Credits
Any remaining credits of the required 78 in art and art history may be filled by repeating some courses where permitted, taking relevant concentration courses, or taking electives in studio art.
Required Technology
Each Bachelor of Fine Arts Studio Art Major must own a personal portable computer that meets or exceeds posted departmental performance standards. Students are also responsible for purchasing the latest version of Adobe Creative Cloud for Education prior to the start of the second semester of their first year.
Independent Study
Open to Juniors and higher with a minimum departmental grade point average of 3.0 and no outstanding incompletes for any other 3999. A maximum of six credits total.
Internships and Co-ops
Open to Juniors and higher with a minimum major GPA of 3.0 have an opportunity for a placement in art for credit, either ART 3991 Studio Internship or ART 3990 .
Additional Graduation Requirements
- Senior Project (“C” or better)
- Exhibited work in annual BFA Exhibition
The Department of Art and Art History reserves the right to retain student work for exhibition purposes and classroom demonstrations.
University General Education Requirements
Every student must meet a set of core requirements to earn a baccalaureate degree, in addition to those required by the student's major course of study and other requirements set by the student's school or college. For more information about these requirements, please see General Education Requirements.
School of Fine Arts Degree Requirements
Students must meet a set of requirements established by the college in addition to the University's General Education requirements. For more information, see the School of Fine Arts section of this catalog.
