Bachelor of Fine Arts
The BFA in Studio Arts is designed to provide an enriched educational environment that develops and nurtures the full range of capabilities necessary for a career in the visual arts. This degree prepares the student to enter into a professional fine art career or to pursue further study on a graduate level. The BFA offers an extensive art curriculum competitive with programs in major art schools. This degree is designed to develop technical competence, critical judgment, and a strong commitment to artistic quality. Once the student has fulfilled the basic requirements and introductory studies, a concentration is required in a specific discipline. Our fine arts curriculum allows students to custom tailor a specialization in many areas of art making including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography and video.
Graduates of our Studio BFA program have gone on to successful careers as professional artists, graphic designers, art restorers, and illustrators. They have pursued graduate study at some of the most prestigious MFA programs in the country, including Parsons School of Design, Columbia University, and Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
BACHELOR OF ARTS
The B.A. in Art provides the student with a broad experience in a variety of media. Students may combine a B.A. in Art with a certification in education. For students interested in a career in art therapy, the department offers a double major in art and psychology with an art therapy concentration in conjunction with the School of Psychology and Counseling (please see description of the double major below and under the School of Psychology and Counseling section for more details)
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
The B.F.A. degree prepares the student to enter into a professional career within an area of specialization or to pursue further study on a graduate level. This degree is designed to develop technical competence, critical judgment, and a strong commitment to artistic quality. Once the student has fulfilled the basic requirements and introductory studies, a concentration is required in a specific discipline.
With the exception of art education majors, all B.A. students must complete at least one upper level course in the area of study chosen for their senior these exhibit. For example: Both Painting I and Painting II are required for students presenting painted works for their senior thesis exhibit.
Note that the Double Major in Art and Psychology with Art Therapy Concentration is designed to provide a strong preparatory base for graduate study in art therapy and meets the educational requirements for entry into Caldwell’s graduate program. Registration and practice as an art therapist requires master’s level preparation.
Qualified undergraduates in the double major with Art Therapy Concentration may also take advantage of the opportunity to pursue their M.A. in Counseling with Art Therapy Specialization in an accelerated manner through the Combined B.A./M.A. program.
Admission Requirements
Students may apply in the semester prior to the semester during which they intend to begin the combined degree program.
- Completion of at least 60 undergraduate credits with a minimum 3.3 overall GPA (this minimum must be maintained also for the remainder of the undergraduate coursework).
- Completion of PS 150/207 General Psychology, PS 208 Psychological Statistics, PS 232 Psychology of Personality and either PS 309 Psychopathology OR a course in human development (PS 211, PS 216) as well as AR 111 Drawing, AR 113 2D Design, and AR 118 3D Design (or their equivalent if the student has transferred to Caldwell University) and AT 230 Intro to Art Therapy.
- Two letters of recommendation from undergraduate faculty in psychology and/or art (forms provided).
- Submission of an APA style paper.
- Art portfolio (10-15 pieces) demonstrating competency in drawing, painting and sculpture.
- Personal or group interview with program coordinator.
- Completion graduate application form.
- M.A. in Counseling requirement of the GRE/MAT will be waived for students who matriculate through the combined degree program.
Curriculum Substitutions
Once accepted into the M.A. program a student may fulfill undergraduate program requirements or electives with graduate courses
Students may fulfill undergraduate program requirements or electives with graduate courses according to the tables below:
| UNDERGRADUATE COURSE | GRADUATE SUBSTITUTE |
|---|---|
| PS 310 Career Counseling | CPS 633 Career Counseling |
| AT 310 Art Therapy Methods | CAT 507 Art Therapy Methods in Counseling |
| AT 320 Art Therapy in Practice | CAT 501 History & Development in Art Therapy |
| AND | One CAT Elective with Advisement |