The B.F.A. is an intensive degree program in studio art, intended for students who plan to pursue a professional career in art or to prepare for specialized graduate study, in particular the Master of Fine Arts. The degree requires 73 credit hours in the major, including foundation, skills core, studio specialization and five art history courses. Specializations include ceramics, fibers, graphic design and digital media, painting, print media and sculpture.

The culminating experience is the two-semester senior thesis project. A cohesive body of work is developed from concept to exhibition, accompanied by written abstract and oral presentation. One semester of foreign language or equivalent is required. Admission to the B.F.A. program is by portfolio review. For more information about this program, contact the Art and Art History Department .

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply the elements of art and principles of design.Execute visual and written/verbal skills applicable to the presentation of their work.
   1. Construct compositions with awareness of design principles.
   2. Describe the elements of art and principles of design within their own work.
   3. Apply principles of visual organization within work.
2. Execute visual and written/verbal skills.
   1. Describe work in a statement that contextualizes it within the field of art (contemporary/historical)
   2. Discuss their research and work verbally in a competent manner.
   3. Domonstrate proficient presentation of work in professional setting.
3. Analyze the interaction between art, media and culture.
   1. Identify relationships between art, media and culture.
   2. Demonstrate an understanding of terminology in relation to art, media and culture.
4. Analyze works of art from diverse art historical perspectives demonstrating comprehension of global viewpoints in visual culture.
   1. Evaluate media from a range of global perspectives.
   2. Differentiate between the global perspectives in each culture examined.
   3. Examine various historical periods and geographical locations within the media.
5. Evaluate works of art/design using visual vocabulary expressing awareness and dialog with historical and contemporary influences. 
   1. Demonstrate knowledge of historical and contemporary influences within the arts and sciences.
   2. Employ a visual vocabulary to critically evaluate works of art.
   3. Appraise multiple works of art/design through the lens of this visual vocabulary.
6. Demonstrate competence in related discipline with considerable depth of knowledge, integrating and synthesizing information associated with practice in the area of specialization, by creating a significant, culminating body of work.
7. Create a body of work that demonstrates competence and depth of knowledge in related discipline. 
   1. Develop a professional thesis exhibition with appropriate accompanying media. 
   2. Organize source research and conceptual development into a singular body or work.
   3. Prepare written thesis abstract with revision.