About the Program
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in art is designed to provide the student with thorough training in studio techniques and theory as well as a sound background in the history and criticism of art. The course of study, while allowing students a considerable degree of choice, will also usually fulfill requirements for admission to graduate study or preparation for professional work in the field.
All Art and Art History classes must be taken A/F. Only grades of C- or higher will apply toward the major. The exception is the Major Project (ArtS 3444), a one-credit course that must be taken S/N. (Students must receive a grade of S to satisfy this requirement). Students must pay a fee in some courses to help defray the cost of expendable materials.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
Core (1xxx) Requirements
- 1001W or 1001 Concepts in Visual Arts (enroll before or concurrently with other 1xxx-level classes.)
- 1101 Drawing I
- 1301 Sculpture OR 1801 Ceramics
- 1501 Printmaking OR 1502 Printmaking OR 1601 Electronic Art OR 1701 Photography OR 1702 Photography
Intermediate (3xxx) and Advanced (5xxx) Requirements
- At least 15 credits (usually four courses) are selected from Department of Art courses of your choosing. While some students sample widely from the various art media, others pursue a more area-specific program. The Department encourages you to discuss your proposed course of study with the adviser.
- Six credits of Art History, usually two courses (minimum 3 credits at the 3xxx/5xxx-level)
- ArtS 3444 (Major Project), is usually taken the final semester of the senior year. This project is designed to help you clarify and present visual concepts in the broader context of your liberal education experience. You have the opportunity to make connections to other areas of study or interest. Projects vary widely, and may include, among many possibilities, a well-structured paper, visual presentation, and/or video.
It is your responsibility to contact a faculty sponsor, well before registration, to discuss your project proposal and to mutually agree on meeting times. If you are unable to select a faculty sponsor see Cindy Cribbs, Coordinator of Advising, for an assignment. The Major Project is one credit and can only be taken S/N. Contracts to help you define your project and receive instructor’s approval to register are obtained in the Advising Office, E223 Regis Center for Art. Contracts must be signed by both student and faculty sponsor in order to receive a permission number for registration. The permission number is obtained from the Coordinator of Advising.
Major Project FAQ (PDF)
Major Project Contract Form (PDF)
BFA Major Requirements
The BFA is a highly selective degree program intended for students who plan to either pursue a professional career in art or prepare for specialized graduate study. Art majors apply to the BFA program at the end of the sophomore year after completing five core requirements (listed below).
To apply, submit the following:
- BFA application form (available from the Art adviser)
- Current University of Minnesota transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable)
- Two faculty evaluations
- Portfolio of artwork
Applications are reviewed twice a year, in mid-fall and mid-spring by a faculty committee representing all media areas. Acceptance to the BFA degree program is based on the quality of artwork submitted. BFA candidacy is subject to review and dismissal.
Students should plan to spend at least two semesters registered and in residence after admission to the BFA program. The year-in-residence allows you to take advantage of coursework and internships, faculty advising, and the final term exhibition. Students wishing to pursue the BFA degree through the College of Continuing Education must be admitted to the College of Liberal Arts before applying for the BFA. Although most courses in the major are offered in the evening program, it may be necessary to take some courses during the day in order to graduate.
All Art and Art History classes must be taken A/F. Only grades of C- or higher will apply toward the major. Students must pay a fee in some courses to help defray the cost of expendable materials.
Art Major Requirements
Core (1xxx) Requirements
- 1001W or 1001 Concepts in Visual Art (enroll before or concurrently with other 1xxx-level classes.)
- 1101 Drawing I
- 1301 Sculpture OR 1801 Ceramics
- 1501 Printmaking OR 1502 Printmaking OR 1601 Electronic Art OR 1701 Photography OR 1702 Photography
- 1xxx ArtS elective
Intermediate (3xxx) and Advanced (5xxx) Requirements
- 30 ArtS credits (usually eight courses). Concentration in one media area is not required.
- An adviser approved course in critical theory (3 credits, taken in the junior year). This course may be writing intensive and will fulfill part of the college writing requirement.
List of Approved Critical Theory Courses (PDF)
- ArtS 3496 Internship in the Arts OR ArtS 3499 Internship at the Katherine E. Nash Gallery (1-3 credits)
- ArtS 5400 Seminar: Concepts and Practices in Art (3 credits, taken in the senior year)
- Art History: 9 credits, with a minimum of 6 credits at the 3/5xxx level
- Art 5444: Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition
Honors Program
Enrollment in the Honors Program is needed to graduate with the traditional honors designations: cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. In addition to participating in College of Liberal Arts honors seminars and colloquia, honors candidates in Art are urged to enroll in individual tutorials with faculty. For further information, contact the Honors Office in 115 Johnston Hall, (612) 624-5522.
Art Minor
The purpose of a minor is twofold: to indicate competency in a focused area and to complement a major program or primary interest. The requirements for a minor in Art are intended to fulfill both purposes. All courses in the minor must be graded A through C-.
Minor Program Requirements
Core (1xxx) Requirements
- 1001W or 1001 Concepts in Visual Art
- One ArtS course at the 1xxx level
Intermediate and Advanced Requirements
- Three ArtS courses 3xxx or 5xxx Art (one of these courses may be at the 1xxx level)
- One Art History class (at the 3xxx level or above)
Learning Abroad
The Department of Art strongly encourages an international learning experience; such work can contribute to your liberal education as well as to your formation as an artist. Learning abroad provides the opportunity to gain international perspectives that can broaden and enhance your understanding of your own milieu, deepen your perspectives, and sharpen your awareness—all important ingredients in the process of creative thinking and visual art making. If you plan to use some of your learning abroad credit toward your Arts major or minor, consult the Department of Art Advising Coordinator well in advance of your departure. To be applicable, a class should have content reasonably similar to that of the course for which it is to be substituted. (This applies to Art History work as well).
For information specifically on learning abroad for Art majors see the Study Abroad Major and Minor Advising Sheet (PDF)
Learning Abroad Center
230 Heller Hall
612-626-9000
http://www.UMabroad.umn.edu
