Fine Arts Major (B.F.A.)
https://cola.unh.edu/art-art-history/program/bfa/fine-arts
Incoming first-year and transfer applicants wishing to enter the bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree program must first apply for, and be admitted to, the bachelor of arts (B.A.) in the Arts: Studio Art option. Students may submit a B.F.A. portfolio after they begin their studies at UNH, as early as the spring semester of their first year. A full faculty review is held each spring semester.
The B.F.A. curriculum provides advanced training for students who plan to enter professional graduate school or pursue careers as professional artists.
Degree Requirements
All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.
Major Requirements
Students selecting to work toward a B.F.A. degree must complete a minimum of 17 courses and 72 credits, with a minimum grade of C in each course. Transfer of 3-credit courses from other institutions will require additional course(s) to fulfill the major requirement of 72 credits. Transfer courses can fulfill only 8 requirements. The following courses are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Foundation (3 courses) | 12 | |
| Principles of Design | ||
| Introductory Drawing | ||
| Introductory Sculpture | ||
| Core Supplemental (3 courses) | 12 | |
One additional 500/600 level 2D: | ||
| Introduction Printmaking: Intaglio | ||
| Painting Design I: Perceptual Painting and Color Theory | ||
| Intermediate Drawing | ||
| Life Drawing | ||
One additional 500-level 3D: | ||
| Introductory Ceramics | ||
| Introductory Woodworking | ||
One photography course: | ||
| Introduction to Darkroom Photography | ||
| Introductory Digital Photography | ||
| Core Seminars | 12 | |
| An Artist's Life | ||
| Seminar/Senior Thesis (two-semester course) | ||
| 5 Studio courses in a concentration (see concentration courses below) | 20 | |
| One Studio Elective (Jterm and summer courses allowed) | 4 | |
| Core Art History (3 courses) | 12 | |
| Introduction to Art History | ||
or ARTH 474 | Introduction to Architectural History | |
| Total Credits | 72 | |
Concentration Courses (5 courses)
Minimum of four 600-700 level studio courses and no more than one of the following: ARTS 600 Internship in Studio Art (with approval), a 600-700 level art history (see selection of courses in art history requirement above), or a 500-level studio course (select from ARTS 501, ARTS 525, ARTS 536, ARTS 546, ARTS 551, ARTS 552, ARTS 596). Jterm and summer courses cannot be used.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramics Workshop (may be repeated) | ||
| Principles of Typography | ||
| Animation and Motion Design | ||
| Interaction & Game Design | ||
| Design and Place | ||
| Design and People | ||
| Wood/Furniture Design Workshop (may be repeated) | ||
| Intermediate Drawing | ||
| Life Drawing | ||
| Printmaking Workshop (may be repeated) | ||
| Painting Design II: Perceptual Painting and the Individual Artist's Vision (may be repeated, must be taken twice before advancing to 746) | ||
| Photography Workshop (may be repeated) | ||
| Sculpture Workshop (may be repeated) | ||
| Advanced Drawing (may be repeated) | ||
| Painting Design III: Perceptual Painting and Narrative Themes (may be repeated) | ||
| Independent Study: Studio Art (K: Wood Design, may be repeated) |
The possible areas of concentration within the department are painting, sculpture, ceramics, design, drawing, printmaking, photography, and furniture design. Proposals for individualized programs are accepted only by permission of the departmental chairperson, the major adviser, and the departmental bachelor of fine arts committee. Candidates applying for the bachelor of fine arts program are required to submit a portfolio to the B.F.A. committee, which meets each spring semester.
The Discovery Program capstone requirement may be fulfilled by completing ARTS 798 Seminar/Senior Thesis.
The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 2.0.
Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program.
Fine arts majors may use two major-required courses to satisfy two Discovery category requirements.
Introductory (500) Level:
- Basic skillset in a particular arts discipline
- Working knowledge of the tools and materials used in a particular arts discipline
- Basic understanding of analytical thinking when making and talking about art
- Demonstrate development of artistry
Intermediate (500/600) Level:
- Demonstrate development of artistry and skill set in a range of artistic disciplines
- Demonstrate knowledge of tools and materials beyond the basics
- Deeper ability to discuss and analyze works of art
- Ability to verbalize intent in a particular work of art
- Ability to research particular artists
- Ability to declare an area of concentration for advanced in a particular arts discipline
Advanced (600/700) Level:
- Demonstrate a high level of artistry
- Ability to work independently
- Develop and Demonstrate an individual sensibility
- Ability to understand and verbalize intent in a work of art
- Ability to construct a professional capstone portfolio or thesis
- Demonstrate in-depth familiarity with a range of artistic movements both historical and contemporary