Art & Design BFA

The BFA degree provides opportunities for undergraduate students to study ceramic art, drawing, painting, photography, design, print media, video, sonic art, interactive media, foundry, fabrication, fibers, neon, mixed media, glass and sculpture within an open curriculum. This 4-year professional program develops a significant commitment to studio practice and fosters the conceptual and technical skills necessary to pursue a career in the arts.

BFA students take elective and academic credit from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the Inamori School of Engineering and the Performing Arts Division. There are numerous options for art students who want to pursue academic minors or double majors.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Content Knowledge

1. Apply the principles and practices/skills of a professional artist/designer.
2. Understand the world through study of international historic and contemporary art.

Critical Thinking

1. Integrate knowledge critically and analytically.
2. Observe, analyze, and explain motivation for and intent of an individual’s work.

Communication

1. Communicating proficiently in writing, and orally.
2. Create a professional portfolio.

Incoming Credits

School of Art & Design accepts incoming transfer credit; AP (score of 4 or higher), IB, and dual enrollment transfer credit (letter grade of C or higher). All core art studio and art history courses must be completed in residence as a matriculated student at AU. *Dean's office to review any exceptions.

BFA Degree Requirements

Students who enroll in the School of Art & Design must complete the requirements listed below to receive the BFA degree, in addition to university requirements (Global Perspective, Common Ground, Lifetime Health and Wellness):

• Art Studio - 72 Credits
• Art History - 18 Credits
• Academic Requirement - 25 Credits
• Electives - 14 Credits
• BFA Senior Show - 0 Credits
  Total credit hours - 129

Overview of the BFA degree program 

BFA First Year Studio and Art History Courses

Foundations at Alfred is an intensive first-year immersive series of courses which equip students with a foundational understanding and beginning command of the elements and principles of art and design. Through diverse media, conceptual thinking, and communication skills to articulate the strategy and references, students engage in an environment that encourages experimentation, collaboration, community, and personal expression. A faculty team provides a learning environment that fosters research, practice, and reflection-including conscientious citizenship. It prepares students to make informed, intelligent decisions about the studio's community and the outside world.

The foundations program provides students with a knowledge of essential elements and art-making skills while challenging preconceived notions of art and the creative process. Throughout each of the first-year studio courses, students are encouraged to broaden their visions and find linkages between the methods, material, and content. Students complete 16 credits of studio (ART 101-ART 106) and 2 semesters of ART 110 Foundations Discussion. In addition, students complete 6 credits of art history by taking three (half semester) 2 credit courses, one each from three focus areas. 

Students are not allowed to take any other studio courses, other than the above courses. First-year students are not permitted to take professional practice or technical ART courses but are permitted to take ART internship courses:
ART 289 - Robert C. Turner Gallery Internship
ART 385 - Internship

BFA Sophomore Year Studio and Art History Courses

The sophomore curriculum is designed to build upon the Foundations year's studio experience through the introduction to specific studio areas, all of which support the "high tech, high touch" vision of the school. The curriculum encourages the study of studio disciplines across the school. Students will gain awareness and ability to understand, use and integrate processes, tools, materials, and vocabularies. Through inquiry-based research and synthesis, each student learns strategies to realize their ideas through art practice, research and reflection.

If any first-year studio courses are unsatisfactory, students will need permission from the Assistant Dean of the School of Art & Design to continue into sophomore studios. Sophomore studios are reserved for School of Art & Design sophomore students. Students that have a studio standing of first-year, junior, or senior are not permitted to register for sophomore studios unless permission is granted from the Assistant Dean. Sophomore students complete 16 credits of studio by taking four of the following ART courses (2 per semester) during their sophomore year. Students are not allowed to take more than 2 studio (ART 201-ART 262) courses per semester.

The sophomore art history requirement provides a stimulating and integrated context to the studio experience. Students complete 4 credits of art history by taking ARTH 211 during the fall or spring semester. Sophomore students are encouraged to take one of the required upper-level courses - ARTH 300-ARTH 493.

Students are required to take one 4-credit drawing course designed for the major. It is recommended that this requirement be fulfilled in the sophomore or junior year and must be completed by the end of the first semester of senior year.

BFA Junior Year Studio and Art History Courses

Students entering the junior year have the latitude and ability to define their interests and creative goals. Students naturally become more focused, integrating conceptual and technical skills while developing a personal vision in their art-making. The junior year is also the time for students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities. For more information visit the Study Abroad Office. If any sophomore studio courses are unsatisfactory, students will need permission from the Assistant Dean of the School of Art & Design to continue into junior studios.

Junior studios are reserved for School of Art & Design junior students. Students that have a studio standing of first-year, sophomore, or senior are not permitted to register for junior studios unless permission is granted from the Assistant Dean. Junior students complete 16 credits of studio by taking four studio courses (2 per semester) during their junior year.

If students did not take a required upper-level ARTH course during their sophomore year they will have an opportunity to take both in their junior year by taking one during each semester. Students complete 4-8 credits of art history by taking one or two of the required upper- level courses - ARTH 300-ARTH 493. Upon successful completion of one 300 level ARTH, students may enroll in another 300 level ARTH course or a 400 level ARTH. All 400 level ARTH courses require instructor permission.  

Junior studio courses cannot be repeated for credit, unless specified as repeatable in their course description. Students are not allowed to take more than 2 studio (ART 300-ART 378) courses per semester.

BFA Senior Year Studio and Art History Courses

Seniors work semi-independently in their own studio spaces and are required to meet weekly with two faculty instructors (per semester) to discuss their work, research and process. Additionally, seniors participate in seminars, visiting artists programs, group critiques, discussions and exhibitions. Seniors develop and produce a consistent body of work, which draws on their individual experiences, acquired skills, and personal vision. f any junior courses are unsatisfactory, students will need permission from the Assistant Dean of the School of Art & Design to continue into senior studios.

Senior studios are reserved for School of Art & Design senior students. Students that have a studio standing of first-year, sophomore, or junior are not permitted to register for senior studios unless permission is granted from the Assistant Dean.

Credits during the senior year are variable to allow for completion of the total studio credits (72 credits) required. Students are not allowed to take more than 2 studio (ART 401) courses per semester.