Visual Arts (BFA)

Program Requirements

Graphic Design Concentration (65 Credits)

Required Visual Arts Core — 6 Credits

Required Art History and Theory Core — 12 Credits

All students must pass the portfolio review before advancing to the Visual Arts Graphic Design Concentration. Complete the Visual Arts Core, create a portfolio on Behance and submit it electronically on the program website. Applications are due April 10. Students are allowed to take ART 210 and ART 212 before acceptance. Accepted students may begin visual arts graphic design coursework the semester indicated in the admittance letter.

Graphic Design Concentration — 47 Credits

Required — 39 Credits

Visual Arts Seminar — 2 Credits

Repeat four (4) times

Electives: Take two of the following — 6 Credits

Painting & Illustration Concentration (56 Credits)

Required Visual Arts Core — 6 Credits

Required Art History and Theory Core — 12 Credits

All students must pass the portfolio review before advancing to the Visual Arts Painting & Illustration Concentration. Complete the Visual Arts Core, create a portfolio on Behance and submit it electronically on the program website. Applications are due April 10. Accepted students may begin Painting & Illustration Concentration coursework the semester located in the admittance letter.

Painting & Illustration Concentration — 38 Credits

Required — 30 Credits

Visual Arts Seminar — 2 Credits

Repeat four (4) times

Electives: Take two of the following — 6 Credits

Additional Program Requirements

1. No more than two courses may be counted toward both the major and any other major, minor, or certificate programs.
2. No grade below C- will be accepted in fulfilling major requirements. One retake is allowed per class, for up to two major classes.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing a major in art, students will:

1. Demonstrate studio proficiency in hand crafted visual art production techniques.
2. Demonstrate studio proficiency in digital imaging and computer software production techniques.
3. Demonstrate methods of critical thinking through critique, compositional analysis, and interpretation of the elements and principles of design.
4. Demonstrate informed understanding and appreciation of the history of art, theories of art, and the role of art in education through written and oral communication.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in professional practices of visual arts documentation and presentation through portfolio production and exhibition.
6. Demonstrate leadership and self-directed learning through independent study, student research and internship.

Program Descriptions

The visual arts curriculum serves five main purposes: (1) to prepare competent professionals in various fields of visual arts; (2) to qualify artists and designers to solve conceptual and technical problems inherent in visual arts; (3) to train art students to critically assess and discuss works of art; (4) to prepare art educators for teaching the visual arts at the secondary level; and (5) to generally develop individuals’ aesthetic sense by helping them experience art.

Career Opportunities

The art major prepares students for many visual art and humanity-related careers and provides a solid foundation for art and design graduate programs. Studio art majors can specialize in one of two media tracks (graphic design, or painting). Students in the graphic design track are trained as graphic designers in digital and print media for branding, publication, and web design, including additional skills in illustration, photography, and video. Students in the painting track are trained to work as self-employed freelance artists, with the skills necessary.