BFA in Studio

Be sure to review all undergraduate curriculum requirements.

BFA students may complete a research-based academic thesis as part of their studies within the 120 credits for the BFA in Studio degree. BFA with Thesis course sequences are offered through the departments of Art History, Theory, and Criticism; Liberal Arts; or Visual and Critical Studies. Students who are interested in one of the thesis options should follow the steps outlined below.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BFA: STUDIO ART WITH ART HISTORY THESIS

Students interested in pursuing this option may contact the Art History, Theory, and Criticism department to be connected to the undergraduate coordinator. Contact the department prior to the spring semester of the sophomore year for individualized planning assistance.

STEP 1: Students should enroll in SOPHSEM 2901 Writing Art History during the spring of their sophomore year. This course is open to any interested students and will satisfy the Sophomore Seminar requirement regardless of whether a student continues in the thesis track.

STEP 2: After completing SOPHSEM 2901 Writing Art History, students who wish to complete the full Art History thesis sequence should notify the Art History undergraduate coordinator. With the undergraduate coordinator’s approval, students will be given authorization to enroll in the second course of the sequence, PROFPRAC 3901 Art History Junior Proseminar.

STEP 3: During their junior year, thesis-track participants should also complete at least one academic course that will inform the topic, context, or approach of their senior thesis project. The selected course should be discussed with the undergraduate coordinator, who will then authorize students to enroll in the senior-level thesis courses (4899 and 4901).

STEP 4: Completion of thesis must be approved by the CAPSTONE 4901 instructor. Students must make a formal presentation and participate in the Bachelor of Arts in Art History symposium in the senior year.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BFA: STUDIO ART WITH LIBERAL ARTS THESIS

Students pursuing a thesis in Liberal Arts take a three-course sequence alongside students pursuing a thesis in Visual and Critical Studies. Students who are interested in the BFA: Studio Art with Liberal Arts Thesis should complete the steps outlined below by October 31 of the fall semester of their junior year.

STEP 1: Student confirms with an academic advisor that they have at least six credits of liberal arts and / or general electives remaining to use for the thesis sequence.

STEP 2: Student meets with the Liberal Arts thesis coordinator.

STEP 3: Student applies to the BFA Liberal Arts Thesis Program by submitting the following to the Liberal Arts thesis coordinator: 1) their SAIC transcript showing at least six credits of liberal arts and / or general electives remaining; 2) a writing sample that shows the student’s research, writing, and citation ability; and 3) a brief one-page description of the student’s proposed thesis topic.

STEP 4: Upon acceptance into the program, student enrolls in:

STEP 5: Completion of thesis must be approved by the Undergraduate Thesis Seminar II instructor. Students are required to make a formal presentation and participate in the Undergraduate Thesis Symposium during their senior year.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BFA: STUDIO ART WITH VISUAL AND CRITICAL STUDIES (VCS) THESIS

Students who are interested in the BFA: Studio Art with Visual and Critical Studies (VCS) Thesis should complete the steps outlined below by October 31 of the fall semester of their junior year:

STEP 1: Student confirms with an academic advisor that they have at least six credits of liberal arts and / or general electives remaining to use for the thesis sequence.

STEP 2: Student meets with the VCS undergraduate program director.

STEP 3: Student applies to the BFA VCS Thesis Program by submitting the following to the VCS undergraduate program director: 1) their SAIC transcript showing at least six credits of liberal arts and / or general electives remaining; 2) a writing sample that shows the student’s research, writing, and citation ability; and 3) a brief one-page description of the student’s proposed thesis topic.

STEP 4: Upon acceptance into the program, student enrolls in:

STEP 5: Completion of thesis must be approved by both the VCS Undergraduate Thesis Seminar II instructor and the VCS undergraduate coordinator. Students are required to make a formal presentation and participate in the VCS Undergraduate Thesis Symposium during their senior year.