Art (BFA) with concentration in: Design

Affiliation: School of Arts & Letters

THE MAJOR

The objectives of the degree programs in the visual arts are defined by and were developed to:

1. Offer programs of concentrated study that are sensitive to the needs of students and relate to the overarching goals of the University.
2. Ensure well-organized, coherent programs that provide opportunities for synthesis and integration across courses within those programs.
3. Help students assimilate the knowledge delivered within the programs and develop the capacity to focus on methods of inquiry and analysis that enables them to use that knowledge.
4. Encourage students to develop a critical perspective that enables them to learn about and from the variety of views existing within their chosen field of study.
5. Guide students in the cultivation of liberal learning by helping them perceive and appreciate the connections among courses in their major and those in other disciplines.
6. Assure practical support and encouragement for students’ intellectual and creative growth and development by providing opportunities for interaction and dialogue in an environment conducive to learning.
7. Present students with a culturally diverse approach to art and to acknowledge biases that may be inherent within the discipline.
8. Prepare students for graduate study or employment opportunities within the field.
    

B.F.A.: Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is the initial professional degree in art. The primary emphasis of the degree is to develop skills, concepts, and sensitivities essential to the professional artist. Successful candidates for this degree must function as practitioners who exhibit both technical competence and a broad knowledge of art and art history, sensitivity to artistic style, and an insight into the role of art and design in the life of humankind. Evidence of these characteristics and potential for their continuing development is essential for the awarding of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. 

ART DESIGN COMMUNICATION

In addition, all Art majors will significantly develop their skills as speakers and writers within their major courses. All majors are required to take Art History courses which develop a wide range of skills involved in research and writing and writing about research, and at least one of these courses is required to be a Writing-Enhanced (WE) course. Writing also occurs in many different forms throughout the curriculum including informal, creative, and professional modes – and via other Writing-Enhanced (WE) opportunities. All Art majors also engage in a wide range of oral communication activities including regular class critiques in studio contexts and formal class presentations in both studio and lecture courses.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN ART: DESIGN

1. GPA: 3.50 or above cumulative.
2. GPA: 3.50 or above in the major.
3. Receive an “A” in Senior Capstone Experience/Graphic Design-Visual Communication.
4. Provide documentation to Honors Committee Chair of acceptance in an exhibition or internship in the design field. 

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: