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Academics: BSVA Plan of Study

Click on course numbers for full descriptions.

The BSVA plan of study includes:  

  • The Foundation Year, a deep dive into a range of media, skills and concepts in art, craft, and design.    
    • Required foundation courses (15 credits):
      • ARS100 Drawing: Visual Thinking I (3)   
      • ARS101 Drawing: Visual Thinking II (3)   
      • ARS102 Design: Color (3)   
      • ARS103 Design: Form (3)  
      • ARS112 Art Seminar (3)

  • Studies in Art History to contextualize your emerging creative practice:  
    • ARH201 Art of the Western World I (3) 
    • ARH202 Art of the Western World II (3) 
    • An additional 6 upper division credits in ARH (300:499)

  • A combination of hands-on courses from our studio areas: Ceramics, Graphic Design, Painting & Drawing, Metal, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture. You may choose to concentrate in one or a combination of these areas.    
    • 9 Credits in basic studio courses - ARS 200:299 or DDF 200:299
    • 15 Credits in upper division studio - ARS 300:499 or DDF 300:499

  • 6 credits in upper division Seminar Courses
    • ARS364 Work in Progress Review I (5) Taken 2nd semester Junior Year (75-90 Credits) Prerequisite for
    • ARS365 Work in Progress Review II (5) Taken 1st semester Senior Year (90-105 Credits) Prerequisite for
    • ARS491 Creative Art Projects (3) Taken final semester.

Switching between the BFA, BSVA and BA   

If a student is accepted into a BFA Program from the BSVA, they must follow the plan of study for that specific program.  

If a student switches or otherwise leaves a BFA program, they must follow the plan of study for that program. For example, if a BFA student switches back to the BSVA, said student is still responsible to complete all requirements of the BSVA (including the requirement for a Minor).  

The difference between the three degrees offered by the Art Department as defined in terms of the required minimum number of credits completed in liberal arts courses:  

  • 90 LA credits for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree 
  • 60 LA credits for the Bachelor of Science (BSVA) degree 
  • 30 LA credits for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree  

For more information on the BS and BA in Visual Arts plans of study, please visit the Undergraduate Catalog.