The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Studio Art is designed for students pursuing a career in studio art. This degree is considered the professional degree in the field. Our faculty are well connected to organizations in the community and internships are encouraged. Students must pass a portfolio review at the end of the third semester. The Art Lofts provides a modern educational space for innovative learning and senior studios are provided to all seniors. Roughly two-thirds of the courses are taking in the degree.
Our Department of Art & Design faculty are active artists and highly trained in their respective fields. Our low professor-to-student ratio of 13-1 gives students the opportunity to receive individual instruction in a studio class setting.
View Curriculum Program Manual
Portfolio Review
The BFA in Studio Art requires a portfolio review for all majors at the end of the third semester. Students are required to pass the Portfolio Review to remain in one of these BFA program. New and current majors are required to have and maintain a 2.5 GPA.
Career Preparation
According to the US Occupational Outlook Handbook, fine artists typically display their work in museums, in commercial or nonprofit art galleries, at craft fairs, in corporate collections, on the Internet, and in private homes. Some of their artwork may be commissioned (requested by a client), but most is sold by the artist or through private art galleries or dealers. The artist, gallery and dealer together decide in advance how much of the proceeds from the sale each will keep.
Career Opportunities
- Art Gallery Curator
- Art Archivist
- Arts Organization Fundraiser
- Artist Agent
- Art Historian
- Illustrator
- Jewelry Designer
- Museum Director
- Museum Curator
- Museum Conservator
- Museum Educator
- Photographer
- Private Art Teacher
- Police Sketch Artist
- Portrait Artist
- Private Art Teacher
- Professional Painter
- Wood Worker
Program Objectives
Creative Scholarship
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles of art and design by using related problem-solving skills to compose, analyze, and interpret visual information.
- Students will acquire manual skill and technical vocabulary related to a variety of artistic mediums with the purpose of developing a portfolio of original work.
- Students will acquire a working knowledge of the history of art, and an understanding of the historical, religious, and social circumstances that shaped each period.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
- Students will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze their own work and the work of others.
Professional Development and Service
- Students will demonstrate the ability to present their work publicly and effectively communicate their ideas both orally, and in writing with an understanding of basic professional practices in the field.
- Students will demonstrate an awareness of the visual world around them, and an appreciation and understanding of visual aesthetics.
Technical Proficiency
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the wider context of visual problem solving related to digital technologies.
- Students will acquire skills and vocabulary related to the use of software applications relevant to their field of study.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to utilize technology and hardware relevant to their field of study.
