The University offers a bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) that prepares students to enter the work force as artists, designers, photographers, and a host of other creative professions—or to pursue a master of fine arts or related graduate degree. The Fine Arts Program is a profession-oriented degree in studio art, designed to develop high levels of competency in one or more studio areas (listed below) and to prepare students to make clear and logical verbal presentations on artistic matters. Students are encouraged to think and work creatively, and to become engaged members of a variety of artistic and scholarly communities. Each student receives professional guidance and participates in annual department assessment reviews that serve to enhance his or her scholastic and creative development. Coursework includes study in art history, criticism, and theory. Drawing is a vital part of the program, and provides students with basic perceptual and technical skills. In addition, students complete a concentration in one of the following areas: Graphic design 2-dimensional arts (digital art, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking) 3-dimensional arts (ceramics, sculpture/metal) Intermedia (combinations of above media) Art students must participate in a portfolio review, usually in their fourth semester of study or upon transferring from another institution, to assess strengths and opportunities for development. Students who wish to teach (Kindergarten-12) must take additional credits to meet teacher licensure requirements. The Fine Arts Program is distinguished by its small class sizes and a curriculum that strikes a balance between traditional art-making processes and cutting-edge technology. Spacious studios and ample equipment enhance hands-on experiences.

Ceramics: ceramic artist, ceramic designer, ceramic technician, ceramics expert, kiln expert, kiln technician, tile artist Digital Arts: digital artist, television and film post-production compositor, videographer, multimedia exhibition designer, motion graphics designer, digital animation artist, game art design, video editor Drawing: artist, cartoonist, commercial illustrator, comic illustrator, courtroom sketch artist, draftsperson Graphic design: web designer, publications designer, illustrator, computer artist/computer graphics designer; corporate and small-business branding, advertising designer, presentation/display designer. Painting: caricaturist, cartoonist, curator, display painter, gallery staff, mural artist, painter, scene painter Photography: aerial photographer, commercial photographer, digital photographer, fashion photographer, fine art photographer, large format photographer, portrait photographer, still-life photographer, video photographer, photographer’s assistant, photography stylist Printmaking: studio assistant, master printer, or careers in etching, intaglio, lithography, serigraphy (silk screening) Sculpture/metals: 3-D artist, artist welder, foundry artist, stone carver, tile sculptor, fabrication studio worker