Studio Arts (B.F.A.) - J

Program Description

The BFA in Studio Arts degree offers a solid background in traditional studio media while at the same time entering the latest in digital art technology. Students get a firm foundation in drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media and art history, with additional electives in photography, printmaking and ceramics. Students go on to create their own self-designed concentration. Admission to the program (generally in the sophomore or junior year) must be followed by a minimum of three semesters of studio work before the thesis exhibition. A student is admitted into the program only upon recommendation by the studio arts faculty and approval by the chairperson, following a successful portfolio review. All majors must participate in the monthly BFA critiques held in the Visual Arts Center Gallery. Each candidate for the BFA must present an exhibition and gallery talk during the final year of study. This exhibit is prepared under the guidance and supervision of the art faculty and must demonstrate proficiency in a chosen area of concentration. Once admitted into the BFA program via their BFA review, students must achieve grades of B- or higher in all ART and ARH courses.

Student Learning Outcomes 

Students with a B.F.A. in studio arts should be able to:

1. Articulate informed and ideologically sound ideas about art, both historic and contemporary, and connect those ideas to the wider world.
2. Create artwork that is technically proficient and imbued with meaningful content.
3. Demonstrate a general understanding, ability and resourcefulness with a wide range of art media, as well as a deeper understanding of at least one medium such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital media or art history.
4. Have an openness to ideas other than their own and a willingness to take risks with their own work.
5. Have established regular studio practice, which will hopefully be lifelong, be aware of developing issues in their own work and know how to continue on their own in the pursuit of that vision, with strategies for maintaining self-awareness.Be familiar with the professional art world, from the perspective of career options, including exhibition venues, graduate school and grant opportunities.
6. Be familiar with the professional art world, from the perspective of career options, including exhibition venues, graduate school and grant opportunities.
7. Assemble a professional portfolio.
8. Understand the mechanics of setting up a safe and functioning studio.
9. Know how to do a professional exhibition of their art, write about their art and speak about their art at a public event.