Visual Arts (B.F.A)

Program Requirements

Graphic Design Concentration (63 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. Projects from Art 119 and 156 must be uploaded to Behance and submitted electronically on the program website. After completing the prerequisite courses students may apply by April 30. Accepted students may begin graphic design coursework the semester located in the admittance letter.

Graphic Design Concentration — 33 Credits

Required — 27 Credits

Electives: Take two of the following — 6 Credits

All BFA candidates must complete an additional 12 credits in the BFA Option. Students in the Graphic Design concentration must complete an internship along with their thesis level coursework to be awarded a BFA. Students in the Painting or Sculpture Programs have the option to complete an internship but are not required. If you choose the internship option, only 6 credits may be used for BFA thesis and exhibit production.

Completion of coursework does not automatically guarantee admittance into the program or attainment of the BFA. Applicants for the BFA must apply by:

• submitting their formal application no later than 12 full months before their projected graduation date,
• provide a professional level portfolio for review

If accepted into the program, granting of the BFA is dependent upon the completion of the following:

• completion of the additional thesis level coursework listed below,
• a professional faculty review of the body of work achieved by the student

Thesis Level Coursework — 12 Credits

Painting Concentration (57 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 Concentration. Projects from Art 119 and 265 must be uploaded to Behance and submitted electronically on the program’s website. After completing the prerequisite courses students may apply by April 30. Accepted students may begin painting coursework the semester located in the admittance letter.

Painting Concentration — 27 Credits

Required — 21 Credits

Electives: Take two of the following — 6 Credits

All BFA candidates must complete an additional 12 credits in the BFA Option. Students in the Painting concentration must complete an internship along with their thesis level coursework to be awarded a BFA. Students in the Painting or Sculpture Programs have the option to complete an internship but are not required. If you choose the internship option, only six credits may be used for BFA Thesis and Exhibit Production.

Completion of coursework does not automatically guarantee admittance into the program or attainment of the BFA. Applicants for the BFA must apply by:

• submitting their formal application no later than 12 full months before their projected graduation date,
• provide a professional level portfolio for review

If accepted into the program, granting of the BFA is dependent upon the completion of the following:

• completion of the additional thesis level coursework listed below,
• a professional faculty review of the body of work achieved by the student

Thesis Level Coursework — 12 Credits

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.