Art, BFA

Program Description

The School of Fine and Performing Arts offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, with courses in art history, foundations, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. The B.A. in Art is designed for students who wish to combine a liberal education with specific studies in art. The B.F.A. degree is designed for students who want to pursue a more intensive professional studio art program. The School also offers a minor in studio art, and a B.F.A. degree that enable students to receive a certificate in graphic arts from Wright State’s Lake Campus. Certificate programs in graphic design and interior design are also available from Sinclair Community College.

Because self-expression and self-learning are the ultimate goals of the program, students are largely responsible for determining the options that best meet their individual needs and interests. Candidates for a degree in art may prepare for graduate study, careers in teaching, museum and gallery curation, commercial arts, or the professional practice of art.

In the studio area, studies begin with introductory courses in drawing, 2D and 3D foundations, and photography. These courses are designed for the beginning artist and guide the student’s development in the visual arts. The program helps students expand and express their knowledge and grow in self-expression by exploring the processes and language  basic to all visual arts. Rather than follow a system of independent courses in a given medium or discipline, students investigate issues and ideas in a variety of visual modes.

Incoming students who have scored a 4 or 5 on the AP exam for drawing, 2D foundations, and 3D foundations will automatically receive credit for these courses. Incoming students who have scored a 3 will automatically receive art elective credit. Students with a  score of 3 are eligible to submit a portfolio for review and placement; otherwise, all first-year students in art are admitted to the general curriculum. All candidates for the B.F.A. degree must be represented in the senior thesis exhibition.

Students who wish to teach art in Ohio public schools can pursue the B.F.A. degree with the art education component. Upon completion of this undergraduate degree, students will be eligible to seek admission to qualified master’s and licensure programs throughout the state.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Have integrated drawing skills into their aesthetic sensibility.
• Be able to demonstrate an acquaintance with the materials and procedures of five of the studio disciplines taught at Wright State.
• Show proficiency and have an in-depth understanding of at least one studio discipline taught at Wright State.
• Have an understanding of the evolution of art history.
• Have integrated the study of original works of art into their artistic practice.

For More Information

• Art, BFA
• School of Fine and Performing Arts
• College of Liberal Arts