The Major

Requirements

The major in Art leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Art or the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art. The B.A. degree major incorporates more courses outside the Department of Art and is designed to provide an aesthetic and historical knowledge of the visual arts while affording an opportunity to develop creative ability in several media. Students completing the B.A. need to fulfill the foreign language requirement of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, as well as University requirements, which include General Education courses, in addition to departmental requirements. Students completing the B.F.A. degree must satisfy University requirements, which include General Education courses, in addition to departmental requirements, but not the CHFA foreign language requirement.

The B.F.A. in Art degree offers seven concentrations: Animation, Art Education, Ceramics, Intermedia, Painting, Print Media, and Sculpture.

During the first year all majors take courses in the Foundations Program. This program helps students develop their proficiency in drawing, two- and three-dimensional design, visual communications, literacy in digital media software, and color theory, while providing an introduction to a variety of media and techniques basic to all the upper-level major disciplines. All Art majors are required to take a minimum of four courses in the History of Art and Architecture. It is recommended that students take introductory survey courses in the History of Art and Architecture while they are taking Foundations courses.

Students interested in Graphic and Interactive Media, Art and Emerging Technologies, Design Thinking, or related areas, should select an undergraduate program and primary concentration of interest and pursue the new Certificate in Design and Creative Technologies concurrently to their degree. This 19-credit certificate prepares students to gear their studio electives towards core design and digital media courses, portfolio building, and applied learning experiences. This may include practicums and internships, on-campus collaborative projects sponsored by lead faculty, and off-campus service learning with community partners.

Art students are encouraged to take advantage of course offerings and faculty beyond the boundaries of the Department. The University and the Five College consortium offer rich opportunities for expansive study in the arts.