Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art is a pre-professional degree that is well suited for students who are primarily interested in developing their conceptual and technical skills to prepare for acceptance into prestigious graduate programs nationally and internationally, and for professional careers as practicing artists in the visual arts and related fields.

The BFA in art is designed for those students who exhibit strong studio discipline and the desire to pursue studio research in greater depth.  The degree requires an additional 24 credits of upper division studio work over the BA/BS degree, emphasizing study in one area of concentration with additional studio work in a second area.  Concentration and second area options are ceramics, digital art, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. 

Criteria:

• Enrollment in good standing, or Advanced Standing admission, at Southern Oregon University.

• Completion of the departmental core curriculum as outlined in the university catalog. Transfer students should consult with the department chair regarding core curriculum equivalency before applying to BFA program.

•  At least sophomore status

•  A minimum GPA of 3.25 in Art and Art History. (Courses taken at SOU only)

• The final four quarters, after acceptance into the program, must be taken in consecutive residence. Student must enroll in 4 credit courses in concentration and second areas all quarters.

Studio Work

The candidate’s studio work must demonstrate a strong understanding of conceptual and formal issues and show clear evidence of ambition, creative development, and potential for further growth. The committee evaluates the candidate’s ability to do focused, independently driven work based on academic record, performance in art classes, and the quality and depth of work submitted for review. The discipline, desire, and ability to maintain regular, sustained studio hours is a major criterion for acceptance into the BFA program.

 Writing

Demonstration of adequate writing ability is a pre-requisite for admission to the BFA. The BFA Thesis forms a central part of the BFA experience, and candidates must show the ability to investigate and articulate their ideas through independent writing and research. During the application process, the committee evaluates the student’s artist’s statement, academic record, and performance in classes with a strong writing component.

Application to the BFA program may be made during Fall or Spring term. Check in the Department of Art and Art History office for additional information and for exact dates and location of submission of application and portfolio. Students admitted to the program are required to successfully completa a BFA mid-program review, and graduation with a BFA degree is dependent upon continued good performance in the program.