BFA, Studio Art

Get a professionally-oriented degree for your career or graduate study in the visual arts.

Sonia Heming | Fall 2018
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The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a major in studio art is a professionally-oriented degree for students planning careers or graduate study in the visual arts. BFA students must choose a concentration in 2D, 3D, or 4D Art. To qualify, students must meet the progression requirements in at least one of the seven areas of study within studio art: 4D Art, Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Photography, or Sculpture. BFA students will complete two-thirds of their degree requirements in art and art history courses, including a capstone course and exhibition in their final semester. BFA students should also consider pursuing a minor in art history or art education.

Program Features

Concentrations

To qualify for a BFA with a major in studio art, students must meet the progression requirements in a concentration area. Before choosing a concentration, students should meet with area faculty to discuss portfolio review requirements and alternative options. It should not be assumed that a high grade point average in the concentration assures fulfilling progression requirements. The links below will connect you with the current Academic Catalog and requirements for each concentration.

BFA—Two-Dimensional Arts Concentration

BFA—Three-Dimensional Arts Concentration

BFA—Time-Based Arts Concentration

Requirements for Transfer Students

The University of Tennessee School of Art works with Tennessee two-year institutions to make the pathway from an Associate of Arts or Associate of Fine Arts to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree as straightforward as possible.

Learn more about the Tennessee Transfer Pathway Agreement for studio art, including a list of participating community colleges.

Transfer students are advised that a minimum of 20 hours in studio courses must be earned at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Students should be cautioned that art courses taken at another institution may not apply toward their concentration. ARTA 212 and ARTA 214 must be taken at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, if they are to count toward the concentration. Courses not accepted for application toward a concentration may be counted toward other requirements.

No grade below C in art courses may be applied to the Bachelor of Fine Arts major. A minimum of 42 credit hours, 300-level or above, must be earned prior to graduation.

Capstone Exhibition

About the Capstone

The Capstone course is a requirement for all BFA Studio Art majors in the final semester of their degree. For Capstone, students engage in a self-initiated research project to demonstrate their ability to practice the skills and concepts of their chosen concentration. The Capstone also demonstrates the student’s ability to intellectualize and articulate issues and ideas about contemporary art.

Fall 2023 – Capstone Instructions

Capstone Gallery