The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) major in visual art offers students a specialized program of visual art practice, critical theory, and art history within a dynamic university setting.
Courses become more interdisciplinary as students progress through the program. To inform students’ art production and facilitate critical thinking and discussion, BFA students are required to take a studio theory seminar each term, concentrating on issues related to contemporary art practice, critical writing, and theory.
The BFA provides an excellent foundation for students wishing to study or work in various fields involving the making and understanding of visual art and contemporary aesthetics.
Program Requirements
- 9 credits of VISA 110, VISA 180, and VISA 183 with a cumulative average of at least 72%
- VISA 101: BFA Studio Practice*
- 6 credits of 100- or 200-level ARTH. Normally completed across years one and two
- VISA 280: Contemporary Art: Ideas as Practice II
- 12 credits of 200-level VISA studios with a cumulative average of at least 72% (only one of VISA 240 or 241 may count toward the VISA major)
*Students joining the BFA Visual Art in year two or year three can take an alternative course, usually within the Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory, in consultation with the undergraduate advisor, to meet this requirement; students admitted to year one of the BFA Visual Art in 2023W can take an alternative course, usually within the Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory, in consultation with the undergraduate advisor, to meet this requirement.
- VISA: 380 Studio Theory
- 15 credits of 300-level VISA
- 6 credits of 300- or 400-level ARTH
- 12 credits of 400-level VISA studios
- 3 credits of 400-level VISA, which may be either studio or special topics
- 6 credits of VISA 480 and VISA 481, taken sequentially
Declare the Major
After you have completed VISA 110, VISA 180, and, VISA 183 with a cumulative average of 72% and at least 3 credits of ARTH, you can request to declare the major by emailing the undergraduate advisor.