Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Studio Concentrations

The B.F.A. degree is a 127-129-unit program requiring 90 units of course work in art. The B.F.A. degree differs from the B.A. degree in its requirements and rigor. The B.F.A. is often considered to be the degree of choice for students wishing to pursue graduate or professional studies. It enhances the artist's opportunities to perform at a higher level and fulfills the need for additional artistic growth in an intensive studio situation. The B.F.A. affords time for concentrated work within a specific art emphasis (painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture).

Admission Requirements

Students may only apply during or after the second semester of the sophomore year. Thereafter students may reapply as many times as desired. Applicants must meet University requirements for admission and must first be admitted to the bachelor of arts program. In addition, they must meet the following requirements to qualify:

  • Students must complete all lower-division requirements in art; take lower-division courses before upper-division courses in the area of emphasis; take at least one advanced course in the area they are applying for; maintain a 3.00 GPA in art, exclusive of GE courses; and complete all lower-division GE requirements by the end of the junior year.
  • To be considered for the B.F.A. admission review, applicants must submit 10 - 20 digital images, two letters of recommendation (or two department faculty signatures, if currently enrolled student), and a short statement including their reasons for applying. These will be reviewed and the candidates may be interviewed by the studio faculty to help determine if their work demonstrates the creative level expected of B.F.A. candidates. Applications will be reviewed in the Spring semester for possible admission the following Fall semester, and in the Fall semester for possible admission for the following Spring semester.
Types of Courses Required
Type of Course Units
General education 48–51
Major core requirements 79-81
Total units needed for graduation 127–132

 

The B.F.A. is comprised of a group of core courses representing minimum requirements for all areas of emphasis, plus course requirements in studio arts, art history, a B.F.A. seminar and a B.F.A. Professional Practices course. Students accepted into the program decide on an area of emphasis from the following choices: painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

  • Throughout the B.F.A. program, candidates must maintain a 3.00 GPA in art and a high level of performance and will be subject to review at all times.
  • To complete the program, candidates will meet all course work for the degree and participate in the B.F.A. art exhibition in the University Art Gallery.
  • In order to receive the B.F.A. degree, students must complete 24 upper-division units in art in residence (which may be included within the University's unit residency requirement).

Major Core Requirements

Freshman
Course Description Units

ArtS 101

ArtS 102

2D Fundamentals

3D Fundamentals

3

3

ArtH 210, and

ArtH 211, OR

Introduction to Art History (Pre-classical to Renaissance)

Introduction to Art History (Renaissance to Modern)

3

3

160A, and

160B

Introduction to Art History Freshman Learning Community

4

4

 

Sophomore

Complete two of the following courses (ArtS 105 a requirement for Photo/Media emphasis)

Course Description2 Units
ArtS 202 Beginning Drawing 3
ArtS 204 Beginning Life Drawing 3
ArtS 105 Media Arts Fundamentals 3

Total lower-division core units = 18-20

 

Junior

Complete 3 of the courses listed below

Course Description Units
ArtH 464 Modern Art from 1850-1945 3–4
ArtH 465 Modern Art from 1945-1979 3–4
ArtH 466 Contemporary Art 3
ArtH 490 Museum & Gallery Theory 3
ArtH 494 Curatorial Practice 3

 

Senior

Complete two upper division courses in any medium besides your area of emphasis for a total of 6 units

Areas of Emphasis

In addition to the major core requirements, each B.F.A. student must complete one of the following 41-unit concentrations and the three courses listed below, for a total of 48 units

Required Courses
ArtS 465 B.F.A Seminar 3
ArtS 466 B.F.A. Professional Artists' Practices 3
ArtS 491 Visiting Artists Lecture Series 1

 

  • Complete at least three courses from three different studio emphases at the lower division (excluding drawing) to a total of 9 units.

  • Complete 20 units of upper division in area of emphasis.

  • Complete an additional 6 units of auxiliary studio courses.