The BFA in Studio Art with an emphasis in Drawing and Illustration, established in Fall 2023, provides a rigorous framework for students to bridge traditional foundations with experimental 2D and 3D media. The program is designed as a journey of discovery: students begin by exploring their creativity broadly, identifying personal strengths and research interests that will eventually propel their work into both familiar and untapped creative arenas.
Beyond technical mastery, the curriculum challenges students to interrogate their own motivations and dismantle preconceived notions of what Drawing and Illustration can be. By fostering a culture of deep research and stylistic exploration, we prepare students to make the degree uniquely their own. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are conceptually grounded and technically skilled, whether they are pursuing advanced graduate study or professional creative positions in the field.
Degree Requirements
BFA Major in Studio Art (83 hours of Art)
The degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) requires successful completion of 120 hours, whose required components include (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see UCA Core requirements and note that ART 2325, 2335, or 2336—required for Art majors and minors—fulfills the LD UCA Core requirement in Critical Analysis, Fine Arts/Humanities) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (again, see UCA Core requirements); (2) 83 hours of art and design courses in an approved BFA major in Studio Art and emphasis degree plan as described below; (3) and electives to bring total credit hours to 120. Art and design courses must follow a prerequisite structure. A minor is not required. This degree may require more than the normal eight semesters to complete. Students with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.25 major GPA on a minimum of 24 hours of art may apply for acceptance to the BFA program after completing the Major Advancement Portfolio Review (MAP). Students are strongly encouraged to follow the semester-by-semester structure in the published BFA Academic Map. As such, this document is to be used as a checksheet to evaluate the student’s progress through the degree in a course-by-course manner.
In order to complete the state-mandated minimum number of hours for core requirements in general education, art majors are required to complete a Humanities course in either the Diversity category or in the Responsible Living category.
Links to Degree Planning
For additional information, including Sample Degree Plans and Check sheets for this and other of our degrees, please see Degree Check Sheets & Advising Tools
