Studio Art (BFA)

Program Overview

The BFA program emphasizes studio practice and theoretical understanding of the human image. It requires students to complete courses in core requirements, specialization electives, art history, and capstone projects. The program prepares students for professional practices, graduate school, and various careers in the art field. Students who complete the program will graduate with a solid foundation in art techniques and theory, preparing them for a successful career in the arts.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objectives: The BFA degree prepares students for professional practices and is recommended for students who plan to attend graduate school.
It provides a solid foundation in techniques and theory in focused areas of competence.
• Description: The program emphasizes a theoretical and working understanding of the historical meanings and studio applications of the human image.
Some courses study the form and proportion of the human figure, using nude models as reference.

Outline:

• Content: The program includes core requirements, restricted electives, specialization electives, outside of specialization electives, art history electives, capstone requirements, and general electives.
• Structure:
• Core Requirements:
• Basic Level (6 total credits): ARH2500 - History of Non-Western Art (3), ART2823 - Art as Interface (3)
• Advanced Level (3 total credits): ART3950 - Studio Art Portfolio, ARH3471 - Art in the Last 25 Years (3)
• Restricted Electives:
42 total credits, including at least three 4XXX-level Studio Art courses.
• Specialization Electives: Students choose one specialization and complete six upper-level courses (3XXX/4XXX) in that area.
• Specializations: Advanced Design/Sculpture Combination, Book Arts, Ceramics/Sculpture Combination, Drawing, Drawing/Printmaking Combination, Drawing/Illustration Combination, Drawing/Painting Combination, Painting, Photography
• Outside of Specialization Electives - Studio Art:
15 total credits, including five upper-level Studio Art courses from at least three areas, excluding the specialization.
• Art History Electives: 9 total credits, including three upper-level Art History courses.
• Capstone Requirements: ART4935 - BFA Exhibit/Seminar (3)
• Electives:
3 total credits, including one additional course.
• Course Schedule: A sample course schedule is provided for each year of the program, outlining specific courses and credit hours.

Assessment:

• Studio Art Portfolio Review (ART 3950): All students must successfully pass this review.
• Faculty Evaluation: Faculty in the student's specialization area evaluate students through interviews and a review of their work.
• Minimum Grade Requirements: Students must earn at least a "C" (2.0) in each required course and achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher in major requirements.

Teaching:

• Studio-Based: The program emphasizes studio practice and hands-on learning.
• Faculty Mentorship: Once admitted into the BFA program, students are required to be supervised by a specialization faculty mentor for at least two semesters.
• Nude Model Use: Nude models are used as reference in some courses.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Art Directors, Art/Design Teachers, Curators, Environmental Design, Gallery/Museum Assistant, Industrial/Manufacturing Designer, Muralist, Professional Artist/Illustrator, Public Artist, Theatre/Film Set Artist/Designer

Other:

• Foreign Language Requirement: Proficiency equivalent to one year of college instruction in a single foreign language is required.
• Signature Experience: The Signature Experience requirement is met by successful completion of ART 4935 - BFA Exhibit/Seminar.
• Honors in Major: Students interested in completing Honors in the Major should contact their program advisor.
• Transfer Notes: Lower division courses do not substitute for upper division courses.
Courses transferred from private and out-of-state schools must be evaluated for equivalency credit.
• Equipment Fees: Part-time students pay $31.50 per term, while full-time students pay $63 per term.