Bachelor of Fine Arts with Major in Visual Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Visual Arts degree program offers intensive study in the visual arts that encourages students to critically examine the role art plays in culture and contemporary life.
The curriculum promotes the cultivation of critical thinking and creative visual expression based upon historical and contemporary trends and theories. Through hands-on studio experience and academic seminar, it provides comprehensive study in art history and a variety of art and design disciplines.
The B.F.A. in Visual Arts is a professional undergraduate degree program. It prepares students for graduate study in the visual arts; for professional practice as working artists or educators; as well as for occupations in museums, galleries and other arts institutions.
All art or design majors begin in the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Visual Arts degree program. Students gain entrance to the B.F.A. in Visual Arts program through a formal application process.
B.F.A. in Visual Arts majors must complete at least 24 credits in one of the following Areas of Emphasis:
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Jewelry & Metalsmithing
- Painting
- Photography
- Sculpture
Required 120 credits (36 of which must be numbered 300 or above, and 30 of which must be from UND) including:
I. Essential Studies Requirements (see University ES listing).
II. The Following Curriculum of 69 major credits:
All BFA degree majors have a minimum requirement of 69 credits in Art, Art History or Graphic Design courses in conjunction with other program requirements as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements (15 credits) | ||
| ART 112 | Two Three Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 115 | First Year Seminar | 3 |
| ART 210 | History of Art - Ancient to Medieval | 3 |
| ART 211 | History of Art - Renaissance to Present | 3 |
| ART 230 | Introduction to Drawing | 3 |
| Additional supportive courses (12 credits) | 12 | |
| 200-level two-dimensional studio art courses (6 credits) | ||
| 200-level three-dimensional studio art courses (6 credits) | ||
| Studies in Art History (6 credits) | 6 | |
| 300/400-level art history courses | ||
| Studies in Studio Art Emphasis Area (24 credits) | 24 | |
| 200-level studio art courses (3-6 credits) | ||
| 300/400-level studio art courses (18-21 credits) | ||
| Art & Design Electives (12 credits) | 12 | |
| 300/400-level two-dimensional studio art course outside of emphasis area (3 credits) | ||
| 300/400-level three-dimensional studio art course outside of emphasis area (3 credits) | ||
| 300/400-level art history, graphic design or studio art courses (6 credits) | ||
| Total Credits | 69 | |
B.F.A. in Visual Arts Program Requirements
- B.F.A. Application - All B.F.A. in Visual Arts majors must apply to be accepted into the program. Accepted students will be expected to demonstrate artistic and creative growth, and maintain a 3.00 grade point average in all art and design courses.
- B.F.A. Review - B.F.A. Reviews are evaluations conducted with departmental faculty. After being accepted into the program, B.F.A. majors must advance through at least one review.
- B.F.A. Exhibition - B.F.A. in Visual Arts majors mount an exhibition of art work that reflects concentrated study in their Area of Emphasis. This exhibition serves as a culmination of their undergraduate studies.
Teacher Licensure
Through a partnership with the College of Education and Human Development and the Department of Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice students may seek a K-12 licensure in Art. The following program of study must be completed:
I. Requirements for the B.F.A. with major in Visual Arts.
II. Admission to the Teacher Education Program, normally while taking T&L 250 Introduction to Education. (See College of Education and Human Development for admission and licensing requirements.)
Art majors seeking a K-12 licensure must have an adviser in both the Art & Design Department and the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Practice.