Art, B.F.A.

Location(s): Statesboro, Armstrong-Savannah

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The Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art (BFSDoArt) supports the University’s Mission of learner-centered culture to prepare students with the requisite professional practices for successful careers in art and design fields or for students seeking advanced degrees. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a professional undergraduate degree. Undergraduate students select one of two concentrations: Studio Art or Art Education. The BFA degree uses the standards of the National Association for Schools of Art and Design for the respective concentrations.

The Studio Art concentration allows students to select a sequence of upper-level studio experiences and Art History courses to personalize discipline-specific mastery and/or interdisciplinary professional practice. This self-directed approach encourages creative agency and strengthens the capacity to conceptualize and communicate artistic intentions while mastering technical skills and gaining specialized knowledge in a chosen area(s) of study. This degree concentration prepares students for graduate school, studio practice, or professional careers in art-related fields.

The Art Education concentration equips students to become model teachers to meet the evolving needs of educational environments in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Students explore a variety of art media and art history courses to assist in the development of professional knowledge of fundamental art concepts, materials, and teaching techniques. In addition, students take a series of educational theory and art methods courses that provide the skills to prepare and implement an effective curriculum for any elementary, middle, or secondary school grade level.

To indicate achievement within an area of inquiry, Bachelor of Fine Arts students in the Studio Art concentration create a body of creative work for exhibition, write a supporting artist statement, and present their work publicly by giving a formal artist talk in a gallery setting. Art Education concentration students indicate achievement by successfully completing student teaching and passing the GACE Art Education Assessment Exam used to certify art teachers in Georgia. These indicate skills and knowledge competency in their communication of creative scholarship or teaching. The BFA mission aligns with the University’s mission and values: collaboration, academic excellence, discovery and innovation, openness and inclusion, and integrity. The BFA supports student success by encouraging the free exchange of ideas, creating experiential learning opportunities, and fostering agency in creative scholarship. BFA students are represented in the University Honors Program and involved in undergraduate research, which includes presenting their research projects at university events and professional conferences.

Degree Requirements: 124 Credit Hours

See Core Curriculum for required courses in Area A1 through Area E.

General Requirements (Core Areas A - E): 42 Credit Hours

Additional Requirements: 4 Credit Hours

Area F - Courses Appropriate to Major: 18 Credit Hours

Select three (3) credit hours from the following:

Major Requirements: 3 Credit Hours

ARTH 3100 - Art Theory and Criticism (3 Credit Hours)

Area of Concentration: 57 Credit Hours

See below for concentration requirements.

Total Credit Hours: 124

Areas of Concentration

Studio Art Concentration: 57 Credit Hours

Required Courses: 12-18 Credit Hours

Select twelve to eighteen (12-18) credit hours from the following courses.

Concentration Electives: 24-30 Credit hours

Select eighteen to twenty-four (18-24) credit hours at the 3000 level or above (ART, ARTS Prefix)
Select six (6) credit hours at the 3000 level or above (ARTH Prefix)

Capstone Requirements: 12 Credit Hours

ART 2900 - Sophomore Seminar (3 Credit Hours)
ART 4987 - Artist in Studio (3 Credit Hours) (will be taken twice for a total of six (6) credit hours)
ART 4988 - Senior Practicum (3 Credit Hours)

General Electives: 3 Credit Hours

Select three (3) credit hours at the 3000 level or above.

Art Education Concentration: 57 Credit Hours

Required Courses: 48 Credit Hours

Art Education (33-34 Credit Hours)

Must be admitted into teacher education to enroll in these courses.

Studio (12 Credit Hours)

Select twelve (12) credit hours from the following:

Art History (3 Credit Hours)

Select three (3) credit hours from the following:

Concentration Electives: 9 Credit Hours

Studio (6 Credit Hours)

Select six (6) credit hours at the 3000 level or above (ART, ARTS Prefix)

Art History (3 Credit Hours)

Select three (3) credit hours from the following.

Other Program Requirements

All ART/ARTH/ARTS courses required in the program of study must be completed with a grade of C or better. To fulfill the prerequisites for any ARTS/ART/ARTH course. Students must obtain a grade of C or better in each prerequisite course.
Admission to Candidacy; evidence of professional tort liability insurance valid for a period of less than three (3) years from the date of Admission to Candidacy or exemption; GACE content area examination passed; admission to Internship II; Georgia Professional Standards Commission Pre-Service Certificate; content pedagogy assessment; senior exhibition; gallery-talk.
Must meet all requirements for admission to and retention in the Teacher Education Program, including GPA, field experiences, and GACE tests. See College of Education Student Success Center to ensure that all certification requirements are met.

Advisement

Undergraduate Academic Advisement at Georgia Southern is provided to all degree-seeking undergraduate students by professional advisors. Academic Advisors are located on all three Georgia Southern University campuses. Students are required to meet with their assigned Academic Advisor at least once a semester. For more information visit the Academic Advisement catalog page.