Caldwell University
Caldwell University is a private, accredited Catholic university in Caldwell, NJ offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and a vibrant campus life complete with rewarding activities, clubs, and service opportunities.
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Bachelor of Fine Arts Specializing in Studio Arts
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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)
Statement of Outcomes Assessment
JUNIOR COMPREHENSIVE 1 credit
In the junior year students are required to execute independently a series of works that demonstrate proficiency in various media. All art faculty evaluate students in a group critique. An evaluation of each individual student is made jointly by the department. Areas of weakness are addressed and students may be required to repeat a project. Students may be required to do additional coursework if skill or understanding in a particular area(s) is insufficient. Junior Project students may not go on to enroll in the Senior Thesis Exhibit until all studies for the Junior Project and any remedial coursework are satisfactorily completed. Students should have taken the following courses prior to their junior year: AR 111 Drawing I, AR 200 2D Design and Color Theory, AR 118 3D Design and AR 280 Painting I.
It is strongly recommended that students take this course in the fall semester
SENIOR SEMINAR 2 credits
In the fall semester of senior year all seniors are required to enroll in the Senior Seminar. Students are required to research a contemporary artist of their choice who makes work that relates to the student’s area of interest. Students must also write a detailed proposal for their senior thesis exhibition which takes place in the spring semester of their senior year. A grade of C is required to pass. Course may be retaken the following fall if not passed. This course may not be taken if a student has failed the Junior Comprehensive.
B.F.A. SENIOR EXHIBIT 4 credits
In the spring semester a group exhibition is scheduled. BFA students are required to mount a solo exhibition that includes a highly realized and coherent body of work. The full-time faculty meets with the students to critique the installation and the work of each student. Students must demonstrate an ability to utilize the necessary technical skills and processes with materials to make unique works of art. They must successfully organize the visual elements necessary to communicate concepts and experiences and be able to identify and define examples of formal elements and principles of design in their own work. Finally, all seniors must develop and defend a thesis project in an individual critique. This should include examples, concepts, and terminology from historical, modern and contemporary art.
The B.F.A. exhibit may not be taken if a student has not received a grade of C or above in the Senior Seminar.
Courses
