Art & Design BFA with Visual Arts Education

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.

The Visual Arts Education Minor is offered to BFA students through the Division of Education in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The BFA requirements are adjusted as indicated below to account for the Art Ed Minor and Teaching Certification requirements:

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Content Knowledge
Students will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of artistic and design practices through:

• Application of the principles, materials, and processes central to professional practice in art and design.
• Development of technical proficiency and conceptual understanding across media.
• Engagement with global, historical, and contemporary art and design contexts, demonstrating an understanding of diverse cultural perspectives and artistic traditions.

2. Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and analytically through:

• Integration of conceptual, historical, and technical knowledge in the development of their work.
• Analysis and interpretation of artworks, including their own, with attention to intent, context, and audience.
• Articulation of creative motivations, problem-solving strategies, and decision-making processes.

3. Communication
Students will demonstrate effective communication skills through:

• Clear and professional written, verbal, and visual communication about their work and the work of others.
• Development and presentation of a cohesive, professional portfolio that reflects their artistic identity and readiness for entry into the field.
• Ability to engage in professional practices, including presentations, critiques, and external communications with galleries, clients, and institutions.

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
• Professional Practices in Art & Design - 2cr.
• Art History - 18 Credits
• Liberal Arts Core - 19 Credits
• Education Core - 30 Credits

• BFA Senior Show - 0 Credits

  Total credit hours - 141

Overview of the BFA degree program 

BFA First Year Studio and Art History Courses

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.

ART HISTORY: 
In addition, students complete 6 credits of art history by taking three (half semester) 2 credit courses, one each from three focus areas. 

BFA Sophomore Year Studio and Art History Courses

ART STUDIO: 
Sophomore students complete 16 credits of studio by taking two courses per semester, selecting a total of four studio courses from ART 201-ART 262. Students are not permitted to enroll in more than two core studio courses in any given semester. Sophomore studio courses cannot be repeated for credit, unless specified as repeatable in their course description.

Students are required to take one 4-credit drawing course (ART 282-ART 285). 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.

If a student earns an unsatisfactory grade in any first-year studio course, they must obtain permission from the Assistant Dean of the School of Art & Design as well as the Director of Foundations, to continue into sophomore-level studios. Sophomore studios are reserved for School of Art & Design students with sophomore studio standing. Students with first-year, junior, or senior studio standing are not permitted to register for sophomore studios unless permission is granted by the Assistant Dean.

The sophomore curriculum is designed to build upon the Foundations 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 multiple mediums. 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 research and reflection.

ART HISTORY: 
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. 
 

BFA Junior Year Studio and Art History Courses

ART STUDIO: 
Junior students complete 16 credits of studio by taking two courses per semester, selecting a total of four studio courses from ART 300-ART 322, or ART 324-ART 377. Students are not permitted to enroll in more than two core studio courses in any given semester. Junior studio courses cannot be repeated for credit, unless specified as repeatable in their course description.

If a student earns an unsatisfactory grade in any sophomore studio course, they must obtain permission from the Assistant Dean of the School of Art & Design to continue into junior-level studios. Junior studios are reserved for School of Art & Design students with junior studio standing. Students with first-year, sophomore, or senior studio standing are not permitted to register for junior studios unless permission is granted by the Assistant Dean. 

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. 

ART HISTORY: 
After successful completion of the sophomore level art history course (ARTH 211), students are required to complete 8 credits of upper-level art history courses (ARTH 300-ARTH 493). Upon successful completion of one 300-level art history, students may enroll in another 300-level or a 400-level course. All 400-level art history courses require instructor permission.  
 

BFA Senior Year Studio and Art History Courses

ART STUDIO: 
Senior students complete 16 credits of studio by taking two sections of ART 401 per semester. Students are not permitted to enroll in more than two studio courses in any given semester. Additionally, students will register for ART 499 in their final semester.

If a student earns an unsatisfactory grade in any junior studio course, they must obtain permission from the Assistant Dean of the School of Art & Design to continue into senior-level studios. Senior studios are reserved for School of Art & Design students with senior studio standing. Students with first-year, sophomore, or junior studio standing are not permitted to register for senior studios unless permission is granted by the Assistant Dean. 

Seniors work semi-independently in their own studio spaces and are required to meet 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 work, which draws on their individual experiences, acquired skills, and personal vision. 

Senior students are required to register for ART 499 – Senior Show in their final semester. Students must participate in all applicable course work, meetings, and exhibition. Registration for Senior Show is only permitted to students who will have successfully completed and satisfied all studio (including drawing requirement) and art history credits/requirements by the end of their final semester.

ART HISTORY: 
If students did not successfully complete both required upper-level ARTH course during their sophomore and/or junior years, students must complete both required upper-level courses (ARTH 300- ARTH 493) totaling 8 credits of upper-level art history by the end of their final semester.