Fine Arts Program (BFA)

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Visual Arts and Art History Department information

The Fine Arts Program (Bachelor of Fine Arts) endeavors to prepare students for innovative roles in the contemporary world of art, including careers as professional artists, advanced study at the graduate level, and other career options created by a liberal arts education. The program begins with a series of foundation courses stressing the development of technical, problem-solving and conceptual skills. Each student’s growth and development are achieved through exposure to multiple media, concluding with the production of a professional portfolio in an area of specialization.

Requirements

Completion of 124 credits, distributed as follows:

A. Foundations (18 credits)

B. Program Review (7 credits)

ART 240 - Creativity and Portfolio Development (3).
ART 495 - Senior Exhibition (1).
ART 498 - Career Strategies for Professional Artists (3) (capstone)

C. Art History and Theory (18 credits)

Survey Courses (6 credits)

Advanced Study in Art History (12 credits)

ARH 401 - Theory, History and Criticism of Ways of Seeing (3).
ARH 411 - History of Contemporary Art (3)
Additional ARH courses at the 300 level or above excluding:
ARH 313 - Physical Properties and Material Limits of Design for Art and Artifacts, (3).
ARH 332 - Art and Art History in the Community (3-6).
ARH 395 - Internship in Art History (1).
ARH 397 - Independent Study in Art History (1-3).
ARH 497 - Senior Thesis in Art History (2-6).
Photography students (only) are required and allowed to take:
ARH 215 - Introduction to the History of Photography (3)

Note

Fine Arts majors are encouraged to complete a minor in art history, which requires only 3 additional credits in art history.

D. Studio Methods and Materials (15 credits)

ART 116 - Introduction to Black & White Photography (3)
ART 122 - Introduction to Printmaking (3)
ART 263 - Introduction to Painting Processes (3).
ART 269 - Introduction to Sculpture (3).
ART 281 - Introduction to Ceramics (3).

E. Area of Emphasis (18 credits)

One of the following areas of emphasis:

E. Electives

At least 6 credits in additional ART, ARH courses at the 300 level or above.
Additional courses in any subject, at the 200 level or above, to complete a total of 124 credits

F. Program Completion

Presentation and review of a portfolio reflecting the chosen area of emphasis, with pass or failure grades included in:
ART 240 - Creativity and Portfolio Development (3).
Successful completion of a solo show and participation in a senior show. Passing grade on oral exam in:
ART 495 - Senior Exhibition (1).
ART 498 - Career Strategies for Professional Artists (3)

G. Additional Requirements

Grades of at least C (2.0) or better in all ART and ARH required courses and program electives.
At least 36 credits of ART and/or ARH courses taken at the University of Michigan-Flint.
Completion of at least 124 credits, including at least 33 at the 300 level or above, with a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 or higher.
All College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) General Education requirements and University of Michigan-Flint graduation requirements .

Minimum Credits for the Degree: 124 credits