Studio Art - Department of Art

BFA in Studio Art

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art seeks to develop in students an informed personal vision, a high level of competence in technique, the ability to apply critical and reflective skills to their practice and in their research, and the ability to make sound artistic decisions within the appropriate contextual and cultural arena. Students are allocated a personal studio in which they experiment, develop techniques and processes to create individual art practices. By the end of the program students will demonstrate their technical, conceptual and creative skills to produce and exhibit innovative and effective bodies or artwork in their media focus areas. This is a great choice for students who want to have a career as an artist.

apply for this program Student Handbook

Program Overview

As a top tier art program housed in a major Research I University, the Department of Art is able to offer an exceptional range of opportunities for undergraduates typically not available at smaller institutions. The Department offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that incorporates traditional and contemporary ways of making. Course selection encompasses history, theory, and practice. Each degree program mandates specific entry and graduation requirements. The BA degree requires the completion of one focus area, and the BFA degree requires the completion of two focus areas. Focus area details are located in the Undergraduate Programs drop-down menu.

Our unique program offers specialized coursework, access to art studios at The Carnaghi Arts Building (CAB), opportunities for gallery exhibition in the BFA-run Phyllis Straus Gallery, faculty review of artworks, and access to the Lightbox a photographic lighting studio and BFA computer labs. Additionally, graduating BFA seniors submit upon acceptance to exhibit their thesis work at one of Florida State University’s galleries.

Our BFA shares FSU’s mission as a research university cultivating excellence through creative scholarship and innovation in the arts.

Advisor Contact Info

Advisor

Denise Bookwalter

Program Director

Contact

dbookwalter@fsu.edu

(850) 644-6474

Freshman Application Transfer Students Current FSU Students

Program Requirements
Acceptance into the BFA in Studio Art is gained through an application and selection process. It is a 120-credit hour limited access program that offers students an intensive studio art environment, theoretical knowledge, and professional skills. The BFA degree in studio art requires that at least 65 percent, or two thirds, of the total course credit for the degree be taken in the creation and study of art and design, and that it is supported by general study in the liberal arts. The BFA degree also requires the completion of two focus areas.

The BFA requires the following:
- sixteen (16) credit hours in Foundations courses through course credit or faculty approval
- thirty-six (36) credit hours in liberal studies
- fifty-one (51) credit hours of studio art courses including completion of two focus areas.
  - Completion of two focus areas
  - ART 3930 BFA Art Fundamentals
  - ART 4801 BFA All Media Critique
  - ART 4970 BFA Thesis
- twelve (12) credit hours of art history
- five (5) credit hours (at least) in electives
Students admitted to the BFA program are exempt from the foreign language requirement. The BFA advisor can provide additional guidance with regard to degree requirements.