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
- Apply the principles and practices/skills of a professional artist/designer.
- Understand the world through study of international historic and contemporary art.
Critical Thinking
- Integrate knowledge critically and analytically.
- Observe, analyze, and explain motivation for and intent of an individual’s work.
Communication
- Communicating proficiently in writing, and orally.
- 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 Exhibition - 0 Credits
Total credit hours - 129
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 101-106) 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.
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 201-262) 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 the ART 211 during the fall semester. This course is not offered in the spring semester. In the spring semester sophomore students are encouraged to take one of the required upper-level courses - ARTH 300-399.
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.
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 300-399. If students have successfully taken one 300 level ARTH, they can receive permission to take one 400 level with permission from instructor.
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 300-378) 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 (72cr.) required. Students are not allowed to take more than 2 studio (ART 401) courses per semester.
The culmination of the BFA degree is the senior exhibition that happens in the final semester of senior year. During the final two weeks of the academic year, the School of Art and Design is transformed into an exhibition space where graduating seniors display their final work. Senior students are required to register for ART 499 in their final semester. Registration in this course and participation in the senior show is only permitted to those students who have successfully completed and satisfied all studio and art history credits/requirements.
BFA Academic Requirements
The academic requirement is met by completing 4 credits of writing, 8 credit of humanities, the University Common Ground requirement, and 12 additional credits.
Electives
Elective credits include ART 110 Foundations Discussions plus 10 additional credit hours of electives. Elective courses can be any course except for Physical Fitness courses (PFIT 100-133).
University Requirement
The University Requirements not completed above must also be fulfilled: