Major Code BF5051

College of Fine Arts  
School of Art + Design  
Seigfred Hall 528
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4290
Fax: 740.593.0457

art-design@ohio.edu
 

Julie Dummermuth, Director, School of Art + Design

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) in Studio Art is a professional studio degree that fosters the development of studio artists and creative thinkers. Students take courses in Foundations, Art History and Studio that include topics ranging from historical through contemporary issues in art, technical demonstrations, and rigorous critiques of student work. Visiting artists, field trips, exhibitions, collaborative projects and community engagement are also important aspects of the program.

The B.F.A. in Studio Art is comprised of the following areas of concentration: Ceramics, Painting + Drawing, Photography + Integrated Media, Printmaking, and Sculpture + Expanded Practice. Students select one of these concentrations to focus on in their last two years of study; however, they are not limited to working in any one specific medium. The program embraces traditional, innovative and cross-disciplinary modes of artmaking, allowing students to pursue and produce research that motivates them. Each student is assigned an advisor within their selected area of concentration and has regular contact with all faculty in that area. Students easily develop community among their peers through regular use of the studio facilities and extra-curricular activities.

Students begin the program as Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in Studio Art majors before applying to the B.F.A. In contrast with a B.A. in Studio Art, the B.F.A. in Studio Art program places stronger emphasis on the development of a body of work that culminates in a thesis exhibition just prior to graduation. During the final year of study, students enroll in four courses that center specifically on the development and final preparation of this exhibition.

Scholarships are available for both incoming and continuing students through talent awards, Dean’s Scholarships, and Endowed Awards that recognize artistic ability, academic excellence, exemplary leadership and potential. Our students have also been successful in writing grants and receiving awards through the University.

Admissions Information

Students interested in the B.F.A. in Studio Art major will first enter the School of Art + Design as a B.A. in Studio Art major. Students will then complete the Foundations Program and four, 2000-level studio art courses in preparation for their application to the B.F.A. Two of the four, 2000-level studio courses taken must be in the student’s selected concentration Area: Ceramics, Painting + Drawing, Photography + Integrated Media, Printmaking, or Sculpture + Expanded Practice.

Students should contact the Area Chair of their chosen concentration to discuss the application requirements and submit their portfolio of studio work for review by the deadline. This review process usually occurs at the end of a student’s sophomore year; however, some Areas offer both Fall and Spring deadlines in order to accommodate transfer students or others who meet the requirements at a different time in their matriculation. The Area Chairs will notify students of their admission status soon after the portfolio reviews are completed. A successful portfolio review is required for admission to the B.F.A. in Studio Art major.

Students who are not accepted into the B.F.A. program may re-apply at the next deadline, may apply to a different area of concentration, or may choose to remain in the B.A. Studio Art program. B.F.A in Studio Art majors are expected to have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 and a major GPA of 2.75.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

B.F.A in Studio Art majors are competitive in art-related careers and experiences, such as: studio artist, artist-in-residence, museum and gallery work, graduate study, studio assistant, commissioned artwork, solo/group exhibitions, entrepreneurs, studio co-ops, grant writers, community project leaders, public artwork competitions, and work in other creative fields.

Requirements