The Florida State University (FSU) Art Program is a renowned institution that offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the visual arts. With a strong emphasis on creative expression, technical skill, and critical thinking, the program provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for successful careers in the art world. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the degree requirements for the FSU Art Program, including the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree Requirements
The BFA degree is a four-year program that requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the visual arts, as well as specialized training in their chosen area of concentration. The BFA degree requirements include:
- 40 credit hours of general education courses, including English, mathematics, and humanities
- 60 credit hours of studio art courses, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and photography
- 12 credit hours of art history courses, including surveys of Western and non-Western art
- 8 credit hours of elective courses, which can be chosen from a range of studio art, art history, and other disciplines
Students in the BFA program must also complete a senior thesis project, which involves the creation of a body of work that demonstrates their technical skill and artistic vision. The thesis project is reviewed by a faculty committee and is a requirement for graduation.
Areas of Concentration
The FSU Art Program offers several areas of concentration for BFA students, including:
- Painting and Drawing: This area of concentration focuses on the development of technical skill and artistic vision in painting and drawing.
- Printmaking: This area of concentration focuses on the development of technical skill and artistic vision in printmaking, including intaglio, lithography, and screenprinting.
- Sculpture: This area of concentration focuses on the development of technical skill and artistic vision in sculpture, including wood, metal, and stone carving.
- Photography: This area of concentration focuses on the development of technical skill and artistic vision in photography, including black and white and color photography.
Students in each area of concentration must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework in their area of concentration, as well as 12 credit hours of art history courses and 8 credit hours of elective courses.
| Area of Concentration | Credit Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Painting and Drawing | 24 |
| Printmaking | 24 |
| Sculpture | 24 |
| Photography | 24 |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree Requirements
The MFA degree is a three-year program that requires a minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The program is designed to provide students with advanced training in their chosen area of concentration, as well as the opportunity to develop a strong body of work that demonstrates their artistic vision and technical skill. The MFA degree requirements include:
- 30 credit hours of studio art courses, including advanced coursework in the student’s area of concentration
- 12 credit hours of art history courses, including seminars and independent study
- 12 credit hours of elective courses, which can be chosen from a range of studio art, art history, and other disciplines
- 6 credit hours of thesis credit, which involves the creation of a body of work that demonstrates the student’s artistic vision and technical skill
Students in the MFA program must also complete a thesis exhibition, which involves the presentation of their work in a professional gallery setting. The thesis exhibition is reviewed by a faculty committee and is a requirement for graduation.
MFA Areas of Concentration
The FSU Art Program offers several areas of concentration for MFA students, including:
- Painting and Drawing: This area of concentration focuses on the development of advanced technical skill and artistic vision in painting and drawing.
- Printmaking: This area of concentration focuses on the development of advanced technical skill and artistic vision in printmaking, including intaglio, lithography, and screenprinting.
- Sculpture: This area of concentration focuses on the development of advanced technical skill and artistic vision in sculpture, including wood, metal, and stone carving.
- Photography: This area of concentration focuses on the development of advanced technical skill and artistic vision in photography, including black and white and color photography.
Students in each area of concentration must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework in their area of concentration, as well as 12 credit hours of art history courses and 12 credit hours of elective courses.
| Area of Concentration | Credit Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Painting and Drawing | 30 |
| Printmaking | 30 |
| Sculpture | 30 |
| Photography | 30 |
What are the admission requirements for the BFA program at FSU?
+The admission requirements for the BFA program at FSU include a minimum GPA of 3.0, a portfolio review, and completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework. Students must also submit an application and transcripts to the university.
Can I minor in art at FSU?
+Yes, students can minor in art at FSU. The art minor requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework, including 12 credit hours of studio art courses and 6 credit hours of art history courses.
What are the career opportunities for graduates of the FSU Art Program?
+Graduates of the FSU Art Program have a wide range of career opportunities, including careers as professional artists, art educators, art critics, and art administrators. Many graduates also go on to pursue advanced degrees in art or related fields.
