Program Overview

Studio Arts B.F.A.

The B.F.A. in studio arts focuses on the practice and production of contemporary art and emphasizes the skills and abilities needed to develop and maintain a sustainable artistic practice.

About this Program

• Pursue intensive coursework in traditional modes of art making such as ceramics, jewelry and metalsmithing, painting, printmaking and sculpture while exploring more contemporary approaches such as installation, performance art, public art and social practices.
• Enjoy 24-hour access to individual studio spaces and access to 70,000 square feet of shared work, critique and exhibition space.
• Learn from a professional faculty and an active schedule of acclaimed artists via our Visiting Artist Lecture Series.
• Join one of our student organizations, including Shaped Clay Society, JAM (Jewelry and Metalsmithing) Club and Command Print.
• Study abroad in Florence, Italy, through Syracuse Abroad or spend a semester studying and interning in Los Angeles through the VPA LA Semester program.
• Benefit from a strong, supportive alumni network.

Program Information

• Degree Type: B.F.A.
• Major: Studio Arts
• Modality: In-person
• College or School: College of Visual and Performing Arts

Curriculum

• Major requirements: 44 credits
• Art intensive requirements: 18 credits
• Art in context requirements: 12 credits
• Academic requirements: 6 credits
• Liberal arts & sciences electives: 15 credits
• Academic electives: 11 credits
• Studio electives: 15 credits
• University-wide requirement: 1 credit
• Total Credits Required: 122

Extracurricular Opportunities

• Study abroad opportunity: Florence Semester
• Spend a semester at Syracuse University’s center in Florence, Italy, where you’ll explore major museums and work in the University’s art studios, located in the historic art district. Or explore another study abroad destination through Syracuse Abroad, which offers more than 100 programs in over 60 countries.
• Study away opportunity: VPA LA Semester
• The VPA LA Semester is an immersive professional development program that provides you with the opportunity to work as an intern in Los Angeles while taking academic courses taught by LA professionals with expertise in their given disciplines. The program is designed to broaden your understanding of career opportunities and gain skills to network and succeed in your career.
• Student organization: Shaped Clay Society
• The Shaped Clay Society is a student-run organization of undergraduate and graduate ceramics students. Through various fundraising activities—including a popular mug sale on campus—the group increases educational opportunities, such as bringing visiting artists to campus or supporting a local initiative, such as Empty Bowls, which benefits the Interreligious Food Consortium of Central New York.
• Student organization: Command Print
• Command Print is the student-run print club. As a member, you can participate in numerous events, field trips and demonstrations related to printmaking.

Related Programs

• Studio Arts B.S.
• The B.S. in studio arts is designed for the student who wishes to pursue an intensive studio art experience alongside another field(s) of academic study.
• Illustration B.F.A.
• Our illustration program balances imagination and self-expression with refinement of skills in drawing, painting, digital media and research.
• Computer Art and Animation B.F.A.
• The computer art and animation program is dedicated to exploring the possibilities of digital media within a fine art, exploratory and culturally aware setting.

College of Visual and Performing Arts

Home to the visual and performing arts at Syracuse University, VPA supports the creative process and professional development of its students. VPA is divided into seven areas: the School of Art; the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies; the School of Design; the Department of Drama; the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music; the Department of Film and Media Arts; and the Department of Creative Arts Therapy.