Bachelor's Degree in Studio Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Arts with a Ceramics / 3-D Emphasis is a professional degree focusing on intensive study of 3-dimensional work, as it relates to the ceramic process and multi-media materials. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of technical methodologies relating to hand-building and throwing processes, glaze development, various firing methods, mold-making and slip-casting. They will gain a firm foundation of contemporary and historical ceramics and sculpture. They will have opportunities to combine their ceramic skills with other mediums such as wood, felt and stone, and each individual will determine their own artistic 3-Dimensional artistic practices.

Program Outcomes

Each prospective BFA student will develop a body of work for evaluation and a final BFA exhibition. Through this body of work, students must demonstrate creative potential, problem solving, self-motivation and a competent understanding of 3-dimensional visual art as a means of communication.

During the final year of study, each student must enroll in the Art Major Seminar – a unique cross-disciplinary course where students discuss their ideas and goals with other Art and Design majors. As well, they work with other Art and Design faculty and visiting artists to aid in developing practical communication and business skills to promote their career and/or apply for further graduate studies.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Arts with an Illustration Emphasis is a professional degree that focuses on intensive work in visual communication and design principles supported by a program of general studies. Students with this emphasis will develop essential illustration skills and a portfolio of artwork to assist in launching their career.

An illustration student's degree will culminate in preparation of a body of work that will enable them to promote a career and/or apply for further graduate studies. This body of work will be exhibited to the public and featured in a personal, online portfolio website.

• Entertainment Art—Concept art for movies, feature film, cartoons, video games, etc.
• Publishing—Book covers, children’s books, graphic novels, comics, etc.
• Advertising—Printed or online ads and ad campaigns.
• Editorial—Printed or online magazines and newspapers.
• Licensing—Art for consumer merchandise and products.
• Self-Publishing—Self-initiated illustration projects produced for a body of fans or followers.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Arts with a Painting/Drawing/Printmaking Emphasis is a professional degree that focuses on intensive work in two-dimensional design principles and media supported by a program of general studies. This degree enables students to develop a consistent, personal direction and style that is informed by knowledge of media, design principles, and historical and contemporary major works of art.

Graduates will have developed competencies in synthesizing the use of drawing, design, and color. They will understand the technical procedures of intaglio, relief, lithography, silkscreen, and various photo-mechanical printmaking processes. Students will prepare a portfolio of their work that will enable them to promote a career and/or apply for further graduate studies.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Arts with a Photography Emphasis is a professional degree that focuses on the intensive study of both the technical and conceptual aspects of photography supported by a program of general studies. This degree develops students’ understanding of and skill in the production of lens-based images in contemporary culture. The coursework emphasizes visual literacy by educating the students’ viewpoint and equipping the student with the necessary skills to develop, progress, and execute their ideas.

Graduates will have developed competencies in the principles and techniques of communicating information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the creation of photographic images, which may prepare individuals to be professional photographic artists. Includes instruction in design, camera and equipment operation and maintenance, lighting, composition, printing media, color and special effects, photographic art, photographic history, the photography of various subjects. They will have worked with current technologies related to photography and digital design. They will develop a body of work that will enable them to promote a career and/or apply for further graduate studies.

Academic Catalog Program Map