Art Degrees Online

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is the initial professional degree in art. The primary objective is the development of skills, concepts and historical awareness essential to the professional artist. Students in the B.F.A. program concentrate on in-depth study through studio instruction, practicum experiences and internships with artists, museums, galleries and for/nonprofit arts organizations. Extensive study of history of photography, theory and ethics as related to the past and contemporary issues is a focus of our curriculum as well. The development of each student’s expressive abilities, ethical judgment and professional standards is central to our B.F.A. degree.

Commercial Photography Concentration
The Commercial Photography major is designed to prepare students for wide range of experiences. This course of study is the broadest based view of the professional photography majors, and includes required courses in Portraiture and Industrial/Scientific photography. The result is versatility that can give the commercial photographer an edge in competing successfully in a wide range of markets.

Show ten people the same photograph and you’re likely to get ten different interpretations. Because we all look at life through the lens of our own experiences. But the fundamental mission remains the same. To capture forever a moment in time – historic or random, joyous or poignant – that communicates an idea, an emotion, or a point of view as nobody ever quite has before. In our Photography program, you’ll explore the profession from all angles – artistic, technological, business and just plain fun – as you learn to look at your world in a whole new way. And whether you end up taking the pictures or taking them to the next level, you’ll be preparing for a career where you love what you do.

Total Credit Hours: 188
12 quarters

You will be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of photographic media, techniques and processes. You may use traditional methods and/or digital techniques. Researching the work of other Photographers and Artists is an integral part of the investigating and making process. You will produce a sketchbook/workbook/journal to underpin your work, documenting your research and recording the development of your own work. You should be able to express ideas and link your intentions to outcomes in a confident and assured manner.
Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English Language
Content and Assessment

AS Course – One Year
Unit 1 – Portfolio (50% AS mark, 25% of total A Level mark)
AS students should submit a selection of thoughtfully presented work that demonstrates the depth and breadth of the course.
At least one extended collection of work, based on an idea, concept, theme or issue.
Unit 2 – Externally-Set Assignment (50% AS mark, 25% of total A Level mark)
Question Paper containing a choice of five exciting starting points
Five hours supervised to produce final piece(s)

A2 – Second Year of Course
Unit 3 – Personal Investigation (25% of total A Level Mark)
Students develop work in response to an idea, issue, concept or theme of their choice. Students must include written material of a critical analytical nature. Written work linked to the practical work must also be included.
Unit 4 – Externally-Set Assignment (25% of total A Level marks)
Question Paper containing a choice eight exciting starting points. Fifteen hours supervised to produce final piece(s).
Students produce a clearly defined selection of work which will lead to a finished piece(s).
Coursework

Unit 1 of AS and Unit 3 of A2 are coursework, making 50% of the total marks.
Progression

A Levels can lead to exciting opportunities in Higher Education to do creative subjects and some practical aspects of the course are good preparation for the workplace.

This course offers the opportunity to explore and become proficient in the skills of Traditional Photography. You will have the opportunity to learn use of the camera, studio photography, portraiture, urban landscapes, film processing and photographic printing. You will be required to produce your own work at all times, both at college and in your own time. You will research contemporary artists and photographers and relate that to your work. During the course there will be an option to look at some elements of digital photography. The course is suitable for both novices and students with more subject experience.
Entry Requirements

No formal entry requirements but you should be motivated and demonstrate an interest in the subject you wish to pursue. Whilst largely for adults of all ages with some experience, there are a few opportunities for beginners.
How is my work assessed?

These classes focus on the joy of creative practice in the visual arts and there is no formal assessment. You will be guided by your tutor in continuously evaluating what you create as a natural part of development through learning.
Can I study further?

Whilst these classes are not intended as preparatory, they may help you progress to one of our undergraduate programmes.
What are my employability prospects?

Again, these classes are intended as learning experiences in their own right but they may enhance your employability by developing new or existing skills

FOUNDATIONS COURSES

ART 110 Drawing I. 3 hours.

Basic studio course concerned with comprehension of visual concepts and development of skills through exposure to drawing media.

ART 130 Design I. 3 hours.

Introductory course that explores two-dimensional concepts in a variety of processes and media.

ART 131 Design II. 3 hours.

Introductory course that explores three-dimensional concepts in a variety of processes and media.

ART 210 Drawing II. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 110.

Continuation of Drawing I with emphasis on creative development of visual ideas using traditional and experimental techniques and media.

ART 302 Color Theory. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 130.

Course focuses on both analytical and intuitive understanding and application of color.

ART 310 Figure Drawing. 3 hours.
Prerequisites: ART 110 and ART 130.

Individual exploration of figurative forms in a variety of drawing media and processes.

ART 311 Figurative Modeling. 3 hours.
Prerequisites: 6 hours from courses at the Studio Foundation Level.

Course offers students a chance to explore figurative ceramic modeling and sculpting as it relates to representing a likeness.

INTRODUCTORY STUDIO COURSES

ART 208 Special Projects. 3 hours.

Topics not taught in the regular curriculum.

ART 212 Ceramics. 3 hours.

Completion of ART 110, ART 130, and ART 131 is recommended before taking this course. Exploration of ceramics media and processes with emphasis on the development of individual concepts.

ART 216 Painting. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 110 or ART 130.

An introductory course designed to strengthen the individual student’s awareness of the history and techniques of the craft of painting while exposing the student to contemporary styles and ideas of painting.

ART 218 Photography. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 110 or ART 130.

Study of photography and photographic processes employed as creative media. Basic black-and-white processing and printing.

ART 220 Printmaking. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 110 or ART 130.

Survey of printmaking processes including intaglio, relief, screen print, and lithography.

ART 222 Sculpture. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 131.

Introduction to basic sculptural skills—including plaster, wood, aluminum casting, direct construction, and various mixed materials and techniques—with emphasis on craftsmanship, content, and idea development.

ART 224 Digital Art. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 110 or ART 130.

An introduction to computer-based art making, digital literacy, image processing, and digital printing.

INTERMEDIATE STUDIO COURSES

ART 305 Aqueous Media. 3 hours.
Prerequisites: ART 110, ART 210, ART 216, and ART 302.

The history and technique of watercolor, gouache, tempera, casein, and acrylic media. Students are exposed to contemporary styles, concepts, and ideas regarding the use of wet media.

ART 308 Printmaking and Sculpture: The Connection. 3 hours.
Prerequisites: ART 110 and ART 131.

Explores relationship between two and three dimensions. Class will consist of 2-D and 3-D imaging techniques through studio/lab assignments.

ART 309 Navigating the Art Word: Theory and Practice. 3 hours.
Prerequisites: 6 hours of studio art courses or permission of the instructor.

The theory and history of the art institutions that shape artists’ careers and practical strategies for sustainable creative opportunities beyond the degree.

ART 312 Ceramics. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 212.

Emphasis is on individual approaches to media, methods, and activities.

ART 313 Ceramics. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 312.

Emphasis is on individual approaches to media, methods, and activities.

ART 314 Graphic Design. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 224.

Further development of design methods and processes including typography, image processing, visual communication, and digital design production.

ART 315 Graphic Design. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 224.

Further development of design methods and processes including grids, page layout, visual communication, and digital design production.

ART 316 Painting Composition. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 216.

The applied study of pictorial manipulation through color and design principles.

ART 317 Painting Concepts. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 316.

A course designed to increase understanding of subject, meaning and context with the objective of making the transition between guided assignments and personal pursuits.

ART 318 Photography. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 218.

Emphasis is on individual approaches to media, methods, and activities.

ART 319 Photography. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 318.

Emphasis is on individual approaches to media, methods, and activities.

ART 320 Printmaking. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 220.

Further exploration of intaglio and relief processes with emphasis on both technical and conceptual development.

ART 321 Printmaking. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 220.

Further exploration of lithography and screen print processes with emphasis on both technical and conceptual development.

ART 322 Sculpture. 3 hours.
Prerequisites: ART 131 and ART 222.

Introduction to advanced sculptural thinking and problem solving with assignments geared toward the development of skills and abilities in working with a range of materials and techniques such as metal casting, fabrication, rubber, leather, wood, and stone fabrication.

ART 323 Sculpture. 3 hours.
Prerequisites: ART 131, ART 222, and ART 322.

Continued development of 3-D thinking and technical skills through assignments addressing a variety of materials and processes, including physics in three dimensions, the illustration of intangible thoughts with physical objects, the relevance of self to sculpture, and an examination of personal aesthetic.

ART 324 Digital Art. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 224.

Projects allow for individual approaches and further development of digital art methods and processes.

ART 325 Monotype/Monoprint. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 316 or permission of the instructor.

Introduction to printmaking using materials and methods based on the students’ existing skills with acrylic and/or oil paint mediums.

ART 329 Photo-Based Printmaking. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 318 or permission of the instructor.

Printmaking using photographic techniques to create a variety of matrices, including intaglio and screen printing processes.

ART 330 Advanced Studio Seminar. 3 hours.
Prerequisites: ART110, ART130, ART131, and one of the following: ART 212, ART 216, ART 218, ART 220, ART 222, or ART 224. An examination of the studio practices of successful artists.

ART 380 Art Museum Practices. 3–6 hours.
Prerequisites: 21 hours of studio art or art history courses or permission of the instructor.

An overview of art museum practices. Students acquire informed perspectives on the general operations, strategies, policies, and practices inherent in a small art museum.

ART 406 Independent Study. 3 hours.

Students may make proposals for projects not taught in the regular curriculum. Proposals must be approved by a sponsoring faculty member and the department chairperson.

ART 408 Special Projects. 3 hours.

Topics not taught in the regular studio curriculum such as Photo-based Printmaking, Water Media on Paper, Digital Design Applications, Figurative Modeling and Sculpture, and Alternative Photographic Processes.

ADVANCED STUDIO COURSES

ART 410 Drawing Seminar. 3 hours.
Prerequisites: ART 310 and/or any 300-level media focus course.

Self-directed studio practice overseen by the instructor. The student works toward creating a consistent and conceptually sound body of work that investigates contemporary and traditional definitions of drawing.

ART 412 Ceramics. 3–6 hours each semester.
Prerequisite: ART 212, ART 312, and ART 313.

Directed studio practices overseen by the instructor and designed to enhance the student’s understanding of advanced ceramics concepts and techniques.

ART 414 Graphic Design. 3–6 hours each semester.
Prerequisite: ART 314 or ART 315.

Preparation of a graphic design portfolio. Enrollment for 4, 5, or 6 hours requires permission of the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 hours.

ART 415 Professional Practices: Graphic Design Practicum.
Prerequisite: ART 414 or permission of the instructor.

Partnering agencies with design apprentices for hands-on training. Students are required to work no less than 10 hours per week.

ART 416 Advanced Painting Seminar. 3–6 hours each semester.
Prerequisite: ART 317.

Self-directed studio practice overseen by the instructor. The student is expected to work toward creating a consistent and conceptually sound body of work. Enrollment for 4, 5, or 6 hours requires permission of the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 hours.

ART 418 Photography. 3–6 hours each semester.
Prerequisites: ART 318 and ART 319.

Emphasis on individual approaches resulting in a cohesive body of work suitable for exhibition. Enrollment for 4, 5, or 6 hours requires permission of the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 hours.

ART 420 Printmaking. 3–6 hours each semester.
Prerequisite: 9 hours in this studio area.

Emphasis on individual approaches resulting in a cohesive body of work suitable for exhibition. Enrollment for 4, 5, or 6 hours requires permission of the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 hours.

ART 422 Sculpture. 3–6 hours each semester.
Prerequisite: ART 222, ART 322, and ART 323.

Development of work and thought at an advanced level in preparation for completion of the BA or BFA degree. Graduating semester includes a BA or BFA thesis exhibition accompanied by a written thesis requirement.

ART 424 Digital Art Seminar. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: 9 hours in this studio area.

Special topics in digital media. Enrollment for 4, 5, or 6 hours requires permission of the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 hours.

ART 430 Advanced Studio Seminar. 3 hours.
Prerequisite: ART 330.

Further exploration of the studio practices of notable artists

The major in studio art gives a thorough education in the traditions of twentieth-century drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture. In addition to extensive studio courses, the major covers the history of art and its role in contemporary society.

The introductory two-term sequence, called Theory and Techniques of Studio Art, focuses on developing the fundamentals of visual language. The major culminates in Open Studio and the Senior Show, immersing the student in building and exhibiting a body of work.

The minors in ceramics, painting, photography, sculpture and printmaking each have a strong foundation in the basic requirements of an art major, as well as in-depth experiences in one of the department’s program areas, ensuring that each student has a broad understanding of the visual language and is able to articulate visual ideas.