Studio Art, B.F.A

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The BFA degree is offered for students who seek focused, undergraduate professional education in studio practice. There are degree concentrations in ceramics, photography and digital art & design, painting and drawing, and sculpture. The program prepares students to become open, resourceful, critical, and independent thinkers, capable of successfully conceiving, articulating, and resolving their own visual problems, and equally capable of successfully viewing, appreciating, and contemplating the work of others. They will be engaged and active artists producing work that encompasses theoretical and practical knowledge.

Students who intend to pursue professional careers in art and design or who plan to pursue graduate study culminating in the MFA degree are encouraged to seek admission to the BFA program.

Program Requirements

The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core curriculum) required for the major: 75.

Grades of C- or better must be earned to satisfy all major or minor requirements.

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core curriculum) required for the Studio Art major: 75
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C-
Minimum GPA requirement for major courses listed below: 1.67

Art Foundation (15 credits)

ARH 111 - Art History: Prehistoric through Medieval Credits: 3
ARH 112 - Art History: Renaissance to the Present Credits: 3
ART 141 - Surface, Space, Time (2D) Credits: 3
ART 142 - Surface, Space, Time (3D) Credits: 3
ART 151 - Fundamentals of Perceptual Drawing Credits: 3

Upper Level Art History Requirements (9 credits)

Three ARH 300- or 400-level Art History courses

General Studio Requirements (9 credits)

ART 251 - Drawing: Media and Strategies Credits: 3
ART 281 - Introduction to Printmaking: Intaglio and Relief Credits: 3
ART 312 - Topics in Studio Art Credits: 3

Concentration Requirements

Choose one concentration and the associated sequence of courses:

Internship Requirement (3 credits)

ART 400 - Internship in the Visual Arts Credits: 1-6 (3 credits required for major)

Senior Seminar and Exhibition Requirement (3 credits)

The BFA senior exhibition requirement must be completed while enrolled in ART 401 - Senior Seminar in Studio Art .

ART 401 - Senior Seminar in Studio Art Credits: 3

Elective Studio Courses (18-21 credits to meet total of 75 credits)

Any 200-, 300-, or 400-level ART courses

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3:
Quantitative Reasoning:
Creative Expression: ART 141 , ART 142 , & ART 151
Cultural Interpretation: ARH 111 & ARH 112
Science Exploration:
Socio-cultural Analysis:
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship: ARH 312
Culture, Power, and Equity: ARH 310 & ARH 311
International: ARH 111 & ARH 112
Engaged Learning: ART 341 , ART 400 , ART 401 , ART 407 , ART 408 , ART 431 , ART 432 , ART 441 , ART 461 , ART 461 , ART 471 , ART 472 , ART 491 , & ART 492
Capstone: ART 401

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.