Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Art, BFA
What Is the Study of Art?
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is the professional undergraduate art degree. It is an expanded undergraduate degree, beyond the Art BA, that requires each student to undertake a program of more than 180 undergraduate credits. Students are advised that a Bachelor of Arts major (Art, BA) of normal length is available.
The broad instructional concept is to integrate the components of art history, art criticism, design and studio courses, university courses, and gallery exhibition programs. A grasp of the dynamic nature of a culture and the continuing extension of its visual language is a fundamental objective. Art Studio includes ceramics, drawing, fiber/fabrics, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. The objectives of the major are to investigate the function of art and the relationships between art, culture, artist and audience. Art Studio classes are designed to familiarize students with the principles that shape and inform visual literacy and expression through a variety of practices in art making.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
To continue beyong the Art, BA degree and learn to create, interpret, anaylize and make informed judgments about art, studio concepts and practices at an advanced level.
How to Declare:
Are you eligible to apply for the BFA program? You do not need to be ready to graduate by spring 2013 to apply, but you do need to be finishing the 71 credit Art Studio, BA by fall 2013 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Application Requirements
- 15-20 labeled images [Mac-compatible CD, website, or a thumb drive that you will pick up later).
- Image list corresponding to labeled images with title, medium, dimensions and date.
- A letter of application stating your intent for the BFA year, your goals and/or your theme of study, and indicating your preference for faculty advisors on your committee.
- An unofficial transcript.
- Hand deliver your application to the Department of Art office in care of:
BFA Coordinator
Department of Art MS 9068
Western Washington University
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-9068.
Application Deadline
All eligible students should submit their application and supporting documents by the spring quarter deadline (announced in the department spring quarter) by 4:00 to the Department of Art office.
Coursework
Completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Art course of study
Additional requirements for B.F.A.
- 10 credits from:
- ART 494 Advanced Studio Seminar (5 cr)
- ART 495 Professional Practices for Studio Artist (5 cr)
- 20 credits of studio practice in areas of focus
- 8 credits of 300- or 400-level art history
- 7 credits of electives specific to course study
- Midterm review, to be scheduled before registration for spring quarter
- Final exhibition and evaluation
During the BFA program students spend three quarters creating a self-determined body of artwork. Attention is given to the medium(s), method(s), and the content of the creative activity. The evaluation of the first part of your work will take place with the midterm review, with participation of the student's full committee. The midterm review must be scheduled to take place sometime in January, during a designated week. At the culmination of the project each student is required to exhibit their completed work in a one or two-person exhibition. In addition, the student is required to submit a research-driven artist's statement that supports the individual's own intellectual and creative achievement. An oral defense with full committee will be scheduled during the week fo the student's exhibition. This is an opportunity for the student to discuss and defend their work.
Failure to meet these requirements on schedule will result in an unsatisfactory progress mark for the BFA degree which, in turn, would result in having to repeat the course of study.
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- HUM: ART 109; A/HI 220, 221, 230, 231, 240, 241
- ACGM: A/HI 270, 271
Notable Alumni
Sample Careers
- Art Educator
- Exhibiting Artist
- Exhibit Designer
- Gallery Director
- Photographer
- Curator
Department
Contact
Department Chair:
Gaye Green
360-650-3672
FI 117
gaye.green@wwu.edu
General Information:
360-650-4323
FI 116
artinfo@wwu.edu