The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is a professional degree program that prepares the student for competency in art and art-related careers and provides opportunities for further in-depth research and study in art and design. Students enrolled in this Bachelor of Fine Arts degree are expected to develop the knowledge, skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to the professional life of the artist or designer. In any of many possible roles, the professional must exhibit not only technical competence, but also broad knowledge of art and design, the ability to integrate knowledge and skills, and an insight into the role of art and design in intellectual and cultural life.
The BFA with a major in art is a comprehensive degree, which focuses on a common body of knowledge and skills in art studio and art history coursework. This is a 120-hour degree program.
Selected Educational Outcomes and Competencies
Students pursuing a BFA with a major in art will:
- demonstrate advanced skill in one or more areas of art production.
- demonstrate competence with principles of visual organization, including the ability to work with visual elements in two- and three-dimensions, color theory and its applications, and drawing.
- present work that demonstrates perceptual acuity, conceptual understanding, and technical facility at a professional entry level in their chosen field(s).
- demonstrate familiarity with the historical achievements, current major issues, processes, and directions of their field(s).
- exhibit their work and participate in discussions of their work and the work of others.
- demonstrate a working knowledge of technologies and equipment applicable to their studies in art.
- demonstrate their competence by developing a senior project or final presentation in the major area of study.
Examples of Outcome Assessments
- Assessment and evaluation of art works produced.
- Senior exhibition and presentation review by committee using a criterion-based rubric.
- Departmental review of student competition exhibition using a criterion-based rubric.
- Comparisons of transcript audit results with accreditation curriculum requirements.
- Review of selected artists’ statements and art history research papers.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Major in Art
| Core Curriculum | 60 | |
| Core Curriculum Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum) | 42 | |
| Core Curriculum Area F | ||
| ART 1010 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 1020 | Two Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 1011 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 1030 | 3-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 2030 | Computers in Art | 3 |
| ARTH 2121 | Art History Survey I | 3 |
| Major Curriculum | 60 | |
| ART 3061 | Ceramics I | 3 |
| ART 3081 | Sculpture I | 3 |
| ART 3071 | Black and White Photography | 3 |
| or ART 3072 | Digital Photography | |
| ART 3091 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| ART 3041 | Painting I | 3 |
| ART 3023 | Figure Drawing | 3 |
| ART 3051 | Printmaking I | 3 |
| ART 4170 | Professional Preparation | 1 |
| ART 4171 | Senior Exhibition Seminar | 1 |
| ART 4172 | Senior Portfolio Presentation | 1 |
| ARTH 2122 | Art History Suvery II | 3 |
| Art History (ARTH) Electives | 6 | |
| Studio Electives | 18-27 | |
| Art History and Criticism Electives | 0-9 | |
| Total hours required for the degree | 120 | |
