Art, B.F.A.
Coordinator: Mark Rooker
Phone: (540) 568-6410
Email: rookermd@jmu.edu
Program Description
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art offers concentrations in ceramics, fibers, metals, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. It is designed for students who aspire to develop a professional art practice as expansively defined in today's world. Students are prepared to produce and exhibit art and to pursue further study at the graduate level.
The art faculty is made up of practicing artists who work closely with the students, and students also work closely with each other as they develop their studio practice. Visiting artists and scholars, workshops, field trips and frequent on-campus exhibitions of professional artwork enhance student engagement with contemporary art. Additionally, students have opportunities to exhibit and present their artwork, to assist in running on-campus galleries and studio art labs and to partake in other hands-on art experiences.
Students graduating with a major in art will:
- Display technical command of at least one medium and display fluency in a range of media
- Effectively analyze and apply two- and three-dimensional design principles and devices
- Develop an independent line of creative inquiry that embraces risk-taking and inventive solutions
- Knowledgeably critique and contextualize their artwork to cultivate expressive ideas and meaningful content
- Demonstrate awareness of contemporary art and art history within a global context
Special Admission Requirements
Architectural Design, Art, Graphic Design and Industrial Design Majors
All prospective first year, transfer and change of major students intending to major in architectural design, graphic design or studio art must meet JMU admission requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. In addition to meeting JMU admission requirements, all students seeking the B.F.A. with a major in architectural design, art studio or graphic design, or the B.S. with a major in industrial design are required to submit a portfolio to the school's SlideRoom account. The submission of a portfolio is optional for students seeking the B.A. and B.S. with a major in art studio. All students regardless of degree type, who wish to be considered for a scholarship must submit a portfolio to SlideRoom. The submission of a portfolio is seen as evidence of a student's interest and potential for future success in art. The deadline for submitting portfolios to SADAH's SlideRoom site can be found on the School's Portfolio page. There is a $10 charge for this submission.
Transfer and Change of Major Students
Transfer and change of major students seeking the B.F.A. with a major in architectural design, art studio, or graphic design or the B.S. with a major in industrial design are required to submit a portfolio and also need to upload unofficial transcripts and a statement of intent to the school's SlideRoom account that explains their educational and artistic goals, articulating the reasons for choosing this area of study.
On-Campus Portfolio Feedback Days and Scholarships
All students who would like to be considered for scholarships are required to attend one of the on-campus or virtual portfolio feedback days. Students will show their original art and participate in a faculty interview. If time-based media examples (video and animation) are included, students will need to bring their own digital device for presentation purposes. Refer to the SADAH website for the dates of the upcoming portfolio feedback days and for additional portfolio requirements. All scholarship awards are based on merit and vary in amount. Tours of facilities and program information sessions will take place at on-campus events.
Off-Campus Portfolio Feedback Days
The SADAH also offers students the opportunity for faculty critiques on their portfolio, prior to their digital submission and before an on-campus or virtual portfolio scholarship interview. The off-campus portfolio feedback events provide an opportunity for students to meet SADAH's faculty. All prospective first-year, transfer and change of major students are strongly encouraged to attend a portfolio feedback day, on or off campus, prior to submitting their portfolio.
SADAH Computer Hardware and Software Requirements for Art, B.F.A.
SADAH's programs require all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running any necessary software. SADAH considers a laptop an essential tool for total participation in classes and content.
SADAH faculty determine the hardware and software requirements annually to ensure students purchase the most up-to-date technology conducive to participating in the curriculum.
For all hardware and software requirements, please see the department's website.
Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education courses 1 | 41 |
| Major requirements | 81 |
| University elective | 1 |
| Total 2 | 120 |
- 1
The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some of these courses may double count with major requirements.
- 2
The optional art education concentration requires more than 120 credits.
Major Requirements
The major requires 81 credit hours in art, art history and art related courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Courses | ||
| ARTH 205 | Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance [C2VPA] | 3 |
| ARTH 206 | Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern [C2VPA] | 3 |
| FDS 102 | Color and Composition | 3 |
| FDS 104 | Observational Drawing | 3 |
| FDS 106 | Form and Space | 3 |
| FDS 108 | Expressive and Expanded Drawing | 3 |
| Subtotal | 18 | |
| Core Art Courses | ||
| ART 105 | Introduction to Studio Art | 3 |
| ART 305 | Professional Practices in Studio Art | 3 |
| ART 405 | Studio Art Capstone Thesis Seminar | 3 |
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Introductory Studio Courses | ||
| ART 222 | Introductory Ceramics | 3 |
| ART 230 | Introduction to Fibers Processes | 3 |
| ART 240 | Introductory Metals | 3 |
| ART 252 | Introductory Painting | 3 |
| ART 260 | Introductory Black and White Darkroom Photography | 3 |
| ART 271 | Introductory Printmaking: A Survey of Analog Printmaking Methods | 3 |
| ART 280 | Introductory Sculpture: Idea Material Process | 3 |
| Subtotal | 21 | |
| Studio Concentrations | ||
| Students must take 12 credits at the 300- and 400-level in a single medium from the following concentration options. See below for a list of courses in each concentration. | 12 | |
Ceramics | ||
Fibers | ||
Metals | ||
Painting | ||
Photography | ||
Printmaking | ||
Sculpture | ||
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Art History Electives (300-400 Level) | ||
| Student must take 6 credits of art history electives at the 300-400 level. 1 | 6 | |
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Art and Art-Related Electives | ||
| Art and art-related electives may include courses from art, graphic design, architectural design, art education independent study, industrial design, internships and study abroad studio courses but excludes courses taken to fulfill the studio concentration. | 15 | |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 81 | |
Ceramics Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 320 | Molds and Casting: Ceramics | 3 |
| ART 322 | Surface Development: Ceramics | 3 |
| ART 324 | Potter's Wheel | 3 |
| ART 420 | Advanced Ceramics (repeatable to 9 credits) | 1-3 |
| ART 429 | Portfolio Development: Ceramics | 3 |
Fibers Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 330 | Intermediate Fiber Processes | 3 |
| ART 332 | Woven Structures | 3 |
| ART 334 | Iterative Structures | 3 |
| ART 430 | Advanced Fiber Processes | 1-3 |
| ART 432 | Fiber Installation Art | 3 |
| ART 434 | Collaboration in Fiber Arts | 3 |
| ART 439 | Portfolio Development: Fibers | 3 |
Metals Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 340 | Molds and Casting: Metals | 3 |
| ART 342 | Knifemaking | 3 |
| ART 344 | Welding and Metal Fabrication | 3 |
| ART 346 | Color on Metal | 3 |
| ART 440 | Advanced Metals | 1-3 |
| ART 449 | Portfolio Development: Metals | 3 |
Painting Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 352 | Intermediate Painting (repeatable for credit) | 3 |
| ART 452 | Advanced Painting (repeatable for credit) | 1-3 |
| ART 459 | Portfolio Development: Painting | 3 |
Photography Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 360 | Digital Photography | 3 |
| Choose three of the following: | 3-9 | |
| Experimental Black and White Photography | ||
| Large Format Photography | ||
| Alternative Photographic Processes | ||
| Wonder and Illusion: Origins of Photography | ||
| The Photograph/Video as Document | ||
| Performance for the Lens | ||
| Screen-Based Photography/Video | ||
| Portfolio Development: Photography | ||
Printmaking Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 372 | Mechanical Reproduction(s): Relief, Intaglio and Technology | 3 |
| ART 373 | Graphic Edition(s): Lithography, Silkscreen and Digital Processes | 3 |
| ART 470 | Advanced Printmaking (repeatable to 6 credits) | 1-3 |
| ART 474 | Expanded Print Media: Contemporary Printmaking and Interdisciplinary Practices | 3 |
| ART 479 | Portfolio Development: Printmaking and Expanded Media | 3 |
Sculpture Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 380 | Conceptual Practice: Sculpture | 3 |
| ART 480 | Expanded Field: Sculpture (repeatable to 9 credits) | 1-3 |
| ART 489 | Portfolio Development: Sculpture | 3 |
Art Education Concentration
Coordinator: William Wightman
Phone: (540) 568-5144
Email: wightmwh@jmu.edu
Students pursuing art education as part of the B.F.A. in Art complete two concentrations, one in their chosen studio art area and one in art education. The concentration in art education requires 42 credit hours, 15 of which apply towards the art and art-related electives requirement in the major. Students complete an additional 27 credit hours for the art education concentration. The total credit hours for the degree, major and both concentrations are 143.
It is necessary to be admitted to the teacher education program prior to enrolling in professional education courses. For a complete description of admission and retention policies and procedures for teacher education, refer to the College of Education.
Students seeking the concentration in art education professional PK-12 teaching licensure are encouraged to consult regularly with the program coordinator of art education. The undergraduate degree leading to licensure must include the following minimum requirements in art:
- Nine credits must be earned in art history and art appreciation.
- Six credits must be earned in ceramics and crafts, with a minimum of one course in ceramics.
- Six credits must be earned in three-dimensional media, with one course in sculpture.
- Twelve credits must be earned in four different two-dimensional media.
- Twenty-seven studio credits, with a minimum of six credits in each of three separate studio areas.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Art Education Concentration Requirements | ||
| ARED 300 | Elementary Art Education Methods | 3 |
| ARED 302 | Secondary Art Education Methods | 3 |
| ARED 400 | Visual Arts Across the Curriculum | 3 |
| ARED 480 | Student Teaching 1 | 16 |
| ARED 490 | Field Experiences in Art Education 2 | 6 |
| ART 304 | Methods of Art Criticism | 3 |
| EDUC 200 | Foundations of Education in the United States | 3 |
| LED 420 | Content Area Literacy, K-12 | 2 |
| PSYC 160 | Life Span Human Development [C5SD] | 3 |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| FDS 102 | Color and Composition | 3 |
| FDS 104 | Observational Drawing | 3 |
| FDS 106 | Form and Space | 3 |
| FDS 108 | Expressive and Expanded Drawing | 3 |
| ART 105 | Introduction to Studio Art | 3 |
| ARTH 205 | Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance [C2VPA] | 3 |
| ARTH 206 | Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern [C2VPA] | 3 |
| Madison Foundations | 9 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Second Year | ||
| ART 222 | Introductory Ceramics | 3 |
| ART 230 | Introduction to Fibers Processes | 3 |
| ART 240 | Introductory Metals | 3 |
| ART 252 | Introductory Painting | 3 |
| ART 260 | Introductory Black and White Darkroom Photography | 3 |
| ART 271 | Introductory Printmaking: A Survey of Analog Printmaking Methods | 3 |
| ART 280 | Introductory Sculpture: Idea Material Process | 3 |
| General Education requirement | 10 | |
| Credits | 31 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Art history elective (300-400 level) | 6 | |
| Introductory studio course | 3 | |
| Art and art-related electives | 9 | |
| Studio concentration | 6 | |
| General Education requirement | 3 | |
| ART 305 | Professional Practices in Studio Art | 3 |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| ART 405 | Studio Art Capstone Thesis Seminar | 3 |
| Art and art-related electives | 6 | |
| Studio concentration | 9 | |
| General Education requirement | 10 | |
| University Elective(s) | 1 | |
| Credits | 29 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |