Art with an Emphasis in Illustration (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Art is designed for those aspiring to become professional artists or designers. This program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for graduate study or a successful design career 🌟🎨. The BFA curriculum emphasizes the development of a unique artistic identity and expressive voice, providing the tools to effectively communicate ideas and contribute meaningfully to their community.

Key Features of the BFA Program:

• Artistic Expression: The program nurtures students’ creative capacity, enabling them to visually express themselves and determine their artistic identity 🖼️✨.
• Rigorous Curriculum: Students engage in an intellectually challenging curriculum focused on the communicative power of art. This demands a high level of commitment, introspection, and thoughtful consideration 🎨🧠.
• In-Depth Focus: While still part of a diverse university environment, BFA students concentrate deeply on their studio art or graphic design practice, taking additional art or design credits to explore their chosen emphasis further 📚🔍.
• Final Projects: The program culminates in the creation of a final body of work to be showcased in a professional gallery exhibition and explained in a comprehensive thesis or portfolio project 🖼️🏛️.

The BFA degree prepares students to make significant contributions in the field of art, whether through advanced study or a professional career in design or art 🌟🎨.

• First-Year Exhibition: All students majoring in BFA Art with an Emphasis in Illustration must register for ART 1900: First-Year Exhibition in the spring of their first year. This exhibition allows students to display their work from their first year in a group show with a public reception. It’s an opportunity to reflect on their progress, celebrate their accomplishments, and receive feedback from DADAH faculty 👩‍🎨🖼️.
• DADAH Critique: After completing 18 studio credits, students must register for ART 2900 DADAH Critique in their first semester following this milestone. For traditional freshmen, this usually occurs in the fall or spring of their sophomore year. Transfer students will complete this requirement in their first semester or once they have accumulated 18 studio credits. The critique involves a review of student progress by DADAH faculty, with a follow-up meeting with an advisor to discuss feedback and recommendations 📅🗨️.
• BFA Candidacy Application: Students must apply for BFA candidacy by completing the BFA candidacy form and presenting a selection of specialized work. This application process occurs one year prior to graduation. The application includes a written submission and a portfolio demonstrating technical skill, conceptual sophistication, and emphasis specialization. Students will receive written notification of their acceptance or recommendations for resubmission based on the review of their portfolio and application by the faculty of the Department of Art, Design, and Art History 📝🎨.

To complete the BFA in Art with an Emphasis in Illustration, students must fulfill the following requirements:

• Total Credit Hours: A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for graduation 🎓.
• Required Credit Hours: 73 credit hours must be completed in core and major-specific courses 📚.
• Global Citizenship Program Credit Hours: 18 credit hours are required to meet the Global Citizenship Program requirements 🌍.
• Elective Credit Hours: 29 credit hours of electives are needed, allowing students to explore additional interests or enhance their academic experience 🗂️.