BFA in Studio Art
The bachelor of fine arts (BFA) in studio art is a limited access, one hundred-eighteen (118) semester-hour program. It differs from the BA degree in that it provides the graduate with a more intensive background in professional skills and theoretical knowledge. The BFA degree seeks to develop in graduates an informed personal vision, a high level of competence in technique, and the ability to make sound artistic decisions. It is a proficiency-based program, characterized by continuous assessment. Upon completion of the nineteen (19) semester hours in the foundations program, application for the BFA degree is by portfolio review of the faculty. The process includes an individual review of the student's portfolio by two faculty who may recommend that the work be submitted to the entire faculty for consideration.
In addition to the nineteen (19) semester hours of foundations, coursework includes thirty-six (36) semester hours of liberal studies, fifty-one (51) semester hours of studio art courses, and twelve (12) semester hours of art history. An important aspect of the program is that students are taught to make their own decisions with regard to media selection or concentration. Students admitted to the BFA program are exempt from the language requirement, but they are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in art and art history courses and to fulfill the additional requirements and responsibilities of this program, culminating in the advancement review and graduation show. The BFA adviser can provide additional guidance with regard to entrance and degree requirements.