Your path: BFA in Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program is intended for the person who wants professional training in the fine arts.
Of the 180 quarter credits required, 120 are in art. The curriculum is built on foundation coursework in design, drawing, art history and photography. Advanced coursework includes art theory and criticism as well as studio work in your area of interest.
You will examine issues, ethics, ideas and basic business practices that influence the working artist. The art thesis project in your final year leads you through the process of producing a cohesive body of finished artwork, which is shown in the Spring thesis exhibition in The Art Gym.
Practical Opportunities
Professional Connections
Our objective is to help you understand art as a profession. You will visit exhibitions, discuss current literature and tour galleries and museums. You will learn how business is done as you become acquainted with the issues and personalities in the art community.
Professional Practices
Our faculty are active in the art community – exhibiting their work, installing commissioned pieces, serving on committees, working with professional organizations. You will learn from their experiences through informal studio conversation. Two classes, Orientation to the Visual Art Community and Professional Practices, provide a formal introduction to and knowledge of the art community.
Internships
In actual art business environments, you will receive hands-on experience with gallery management, arts organizations, or the art studio business.
Exhibitions
The Art Gym at Marylhurst University has one of the foremost art exhibition programs in the Pacific Northwest. For more than 25 years, the gallery has brought high quality, challenging exhibitions to our students and the greater community. Artists whose work is shown in The Art Gym are frequent guest lecturers, as are other members of the art community. You will interact with these professionals, learning how ideas are developed and careers are made.
Career Paths
Graduates are prepared to produce artworks based on the concepts, concerns and techniques of the contemporary artist. They may pursue gallery representation or public commissions, become teachers, art consultants or museum employees. Students who choose specialized training in photography or computer applications may find employment in fields such as studio photography, photography labs, advertising or computer-aided design.
Graduates are also prepared to apply to master's degree programs in the visual arts, design, architecture, art education or art therapy.