Major Code BF5051

College of Fine Arts  
School of Art + Design  
Seigfred Hall 528
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4290
art-design@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/art

Julie Dummermuth, Director, School of Art + Design, contact person
dummermu@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) in Studio Art is a professional studio degree that fosters the development of studio artists and creative thinkers. Students take courses in Foundations, Art History and Studio that include topics ranging from historical through contemporary issues in art, technical demonstrations, and rigorous critiques of student work. Visiting artists, field trips, exhibitions, collaborative projects and community engagement are also important aspects of the program.

The B.F.A. in Studio Art is comprised of the following areas of concentration: Ceramics, Digital Art + Technology, Painting + Drawing, Photography + Integrated Media, Printmaking, Digital Art + Technology, and Sculpture + Expanded Practice. Students select one of these concentrations to focus on in their last two years of study; however, they are not limited to working in any one specific medium. The program embraces traditional, innovative and cross-disciplinary modes of artmaking, allowing students to pursue and produce research that motivates them. Each student is assigned an advisor within their selected area of concentration and has regular contact with all faculty in that area. Students easily develop community among their peers through regular use of the studio facilities and extra-curricular activities.

Students can apply for direct entry into a concentration by submitting a portfolio when applying for admission. Students can opt to apply for the general B.F.A. degree and apply later for the concentration or apply for the B.A. in studio art, which does not require a portfolio.

In contrast with a B.A. in Studio Art, the B.F.A. in Studio Art program places stronger emphasis on the development of a body of work that culminates in a thesis exhibition just prior to graduation. During the final year of study, students enroll in four courses that center specifically on the development and final preparation of this exhibition.

Scholarships are available for both incoming and continuing students through talent awards, Dean’s Scholarships, and Endowed Awards that recognize artistic ability, academic excellence, exemplary leadership and potential. Our students have also been successful in writing grants and receiving awards through the University.

Admissions Information

Students interested in the B.F.A. in Studio Art major should enter the School of Art + Design as a B.F.A. at the time of application by selecting B.F.A., the desired concentration, and uploading a portfolio for consideration. If students who decide to enter the B.F.A. program have not decided on the area of concentration (Painting & Drawing, Ceramics, Printmaking, Sculpture & Expanded Practice, Photography, and Digital Art + Technology) or major (Graphic Design, Interior Architecture, and Art Therapy), they should upload a portfolio and apply for the concentration or major the following Spring. All students who do not enter as a B.F.A. will automatically enter as a B.A. 

Opportunities Upon Graduation

B.F.A. in Studio Art majors are competitive in art-related careers and experiences, such as: studio artist, artist-in-residence, museum and gallery work, graduate study, studio assistant, commissioned artwork, solo/group exhibitions, entrepreneurs, studio co-ops, grant writers, community project leaders, public artwork competitions, and work in other creative fields.

Requirements