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Advanced Study in the Visual Arts |
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MKHS Home |
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College Advisement Home |
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Arts Home |
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Students can choose between a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree which is the professional degree for artists, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, which are liberal arts degrees. |
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| What's on this page |
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| * Choose a degree: B.F.A., B.A. or B.S. |
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Enrolling in a B.F.A. degree program typically means that 65-70 per cent of your course work will be focused in art and design, and 30-35 percent will be focused in liberal arts. A B.F.A. program allows you not only to major in art but often offers specialization in a field of interest, such as painting or graphic design. The B.F.A. is offered by four-year independent art colleges such as Pratt, The California College of Arts and Crafts, and the Maryland Art Institute, as well as by universities like Syracuse and Carnegie-Mellon. |
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| * Student Evaluation |
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| * Program Evaluation |
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| * Admissions |
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| * Creating a Portfolio |
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The B.A. or B.S. degree places greater emphasis on liberal arts and is usually offered by comprehensive colleges and universities. Your art major will be more generalized and will comprise about 30-45 per cent of your studies; 55-70 per cent of your course work will be in liberal arts courses. |
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| * Presentation - It Does Matter! |
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| * National Portfolio Day |
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How does a B.F.A. program at an independent, small art college differ from that at a university? The number of liberal arts classes required are basically the same amount whether in a large university or a small private art college. The major difference between these two programs can be found in the overall educational environment provided by the art college or university. |
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At an independent art college, all the resources of the institution's faculty, facilities, student services and educational programs' focus on the needs of the developing professional artist. The size of arts colleges tends to be comparatively small, providing an intimate and supportive atmosphere. There is a strong sense of community, shared by both students and faculty members, that grow out of common commitment and mutual respect. The creation and study of art is central to the educational experience. It is clearly understood that students have selected this environment because they want to become a practicing artist. Therefore, art colleges usually offer extensive and in-depth course work in art and design as well as areas of specification. |
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There is also emphasis on career counseling and development specific to the visual arts. |
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The liberal arts programs at professional art colleges are usually designed to integrate the study of studio art and liberal arts. For example, a physics course might focus on light and color the content might then be integrated with concepts that are addressed in a studio course. Students majoring in graphic design might be encouraged to take psychology because this field involves marketing and management. Frequently, the liberal arts programs at art colleges emphasize courses related to creative expression visual, verbal, and written as well as art history, criticism and other areas of the humanities. |
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A university, on the other hand offers other benefits. Students who wish to merge their ability in art with other interests and to interact with students engaged in the of study of many different disciplines might choose a university. The university offers liberal arts in a wide range of electives from many different disciplines, including business, biology, languages, and literature. Art students have the option of minors or dual majors. The university F.B.A. program in the visual arts will be rigorous and professional, offering a broad range of courses and electives. They will vary, though, as to whether or not areas for specialization are available. |
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What kinds of students should look at a university B.A. or B.S. programs? |
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Because B.A. and B.S. degrees are liberal arts degrees, students who are interested in art but want to focus on academic course work should choose one of these programs. This is also a good choice for students who are unsure whether they want to major in art, who have had less artistic training, or who are less prepared for the competitive atmosphere of B.F.A. |
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Is it important for a student looking at an art college to have chosen a specialization? |
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Only insofar as art is the central specialization. Most colleges that offer a B.F.A. have a foundation year, a first year program, that all students take before they choose a major. Usually, this curriculum is designed to expose students to new concepts and media while helping them build on existing skills, so they can then decide on an area of specialization. |
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What options are there for artists who don't plan to be studio artists? |
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The diversity of career choices for artists has never been greater. For one thing, media and technology have opened many doors for creative expression. Many students consider careers in the film industry, doing animation or special effects or even screen writing, because of its visual language. In television, there's production and video graphics. Newspapers and magazines need artists to create information graphics and do electronic imaging. The game industry has become a big employer of artists to design computer and board games. |
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An artist might become an art consultant and connect artist with people who want art in their homes and corporations. There are art designers, gallery owners, event planners, and model makers for industrial products. There are many types of work in museums, from assisting conservators to designing traveling exhibits to archaeological illustrations. |
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If you follow your B.F.A. with a master's degree, there's art therapy, which combines art and psychology, and medical illustration, which combines art and biology. You can go into arts administration and work for a college or a nonprofit or government organization. They there are art history and art criticism. |
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What about Art Education? |
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Art education is offered at many universities and independent art colleges. In general, to teach at the elementary or secondary school levels you need a bachelor's degree and teaching certification. To teach at the college level you need a M.F.A. or Ph.D. A new degree being offered my many colleges is a five-year dual degrees that allows students to earn a B.F.A. in art as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. For students who have a B.F.A. but not certification, there are growing opportunities to develop art programs for special populations in alternative educational settings. |
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The diversity of career choices for artists has never been greater, media and technology have opened many doors for creative expression. |
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STUDENT EVALUATION |
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Questions to ask yourself before applying to a Visual Arts Program |
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1. How seriously am I committed to pursing a career in art? Most students have known for many years that they want to be artists.
2. If I choose a B.F.A. program, do I want the very focused professional training an arts college would give me, or do I want to study art within a broader liberal arts context at a university?
3. Do I want to go to an arts college with a group of peers who share a strong sense of community and support or to a university where I can get more of a diverse college experience; with students interested in other subjects besides art?
4. What are my strengths and weaknesses? It is strongly recommended that students have their portfolios reviewed, usually in their junior year of high school, either by an art college or university they're interested in or at a National Portfolio Day.
5. What size school do I want? Will I be most comfortable in a smaller, more intimate setting, or do I want the anonymity of a larger school?
6. In what geographic area do I want to be? major urban cultural center? near a specific artist, gallery or museum with which I would like to work? |
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PROGRAM EVALUATION |
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Questions to ask about a Visual Arts Program to determine if it's the Right one for you! |
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1. What department of study is available in my area of interest?
2. How large is the art college or university school of art?
3. From where do the students in the program come?
4. Does the school's location suit my needs and preferences?
5. What kinds of facilities are available to me to practice my craft?
6. What level of professional exposure is available?
7. Does the program feature visiting artists or critics so I can meet practicing professionals and learn the latest theories and techniques?
8. Does the program arrange job internships?
9. What kind of networking opportunities are available with faculty, visiting artists, and alumni?
10. What kind of career development help does the school offer? |
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What to look for in art schools or university programs: |
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#1: A Good Foundations Program!
* Is the program a B.F.A.? B.A.? Does it suit my needs?
* Does the school's location/environment suit my needs?
* What are themost recent alumni doing with their art?
* What networking and job internships are available?
* Does the school offer career development opportunities?
* Who is on the faculty? What is their approach? media specialty? etc.
* What are the facilities like? |
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In choosing an Art College the most important thing to remember in choosing an education in the visual arts is that art-making is a very special kind of learning experience. In addition to considering academic standards, extra-curricular activities, housing, costs, and financial aid, there are other things to think about. Of particular concern to art students should be the faculty, facilities and equipment, proximity to museums, galleries, and other cultural resources. Read all the information about colleges that interest you and try to visit the schools to check out all the degree offerings and majors. |
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ADMISSIONS |
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It is important to note that there is a difference between art colleges and universities in terms of the timing and the steps you must take. Most universities have hard applications deadlines. You must send all you materials: transcripts, essays, teacher recommendations, and SAT/ACT scores by the deadline. B.F.A. programs require a portfolio of artwork, but the B.A./B.S. programs probably won't. |
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Art colleges are more inclined to have rolling admissions, partly because the portfolio plays such an important part in their evaluation and they want to give students the time and opportunity to build the best portfolio. Some art colleges send faculty or admissions staff member to high schools to do presentations and evaluate portfolios. More often, students send their portfolio usually on slides or video with the rest of their admission materials. Many art colleges and universities encourage students to visit for a personal interview and portfolio review, but few require it. |
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What admission criteria do art programs use? For the most part the portfolio will weigh heaviest in the admission decision for art colleges, followed by the academic record. Most generally, universities evaluate test scores and grades first, then portfolios or at least place equal weight on art and academics. |
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What are portfolio evaluators looking for? The most selective art colleges and universities are looking for more than raw talent. They're looking for a particular level of competence and technical skill as well as conceptual ability. The emphasis placed on concept versus skill will vary from college to college because each has a different philosophy of education and programmatic thrust and will look for students who are a good match for that institution. Every college is looking for students who demonstrate through their artwork that they are creative, intellectually curious, seriously invested and committed - even compelled to make art. |
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National Portfolio Days: Call 612-874-3760 These are great opportunities for students to have their portfolios reviewed by representatives from a number of colleges, and they give advice on how to build on existing strengths. Attending summer programs in arts is also recommended. It's looked upon very favorably by admission committees as demonstrating an additional level of commitment to art and can be invaluable in developing a portfolio. |
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The prevalence of computers is really changing the way many artists work. Even portfolios are often stored in multimedia format on CD ROM. The inter net is a valuable resource where portfolio stored and easily reviewed globally. As in any field, the job market for art changes constantly, so it's important to get the best education possible and be adaptable to the world's changing conditions. A good career planning office at an art college or university can help you assess your talents and help you explore job possibilities you had not considered. |
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Follow your dream! |
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The Visual Art Portfolio |
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A good portfolio should include: |
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1. Drawings from observation
2. A figure drawing greatly enhances the observation work
3. A self-portrait
4. A series of work which reflects the artist's personality and focus
Works that round out the portfolio, e.g., |
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* different media exposures and utilization
* method diversity
* 3-d work (a great asset to a portfolio) |
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The portfolio evaluators are looking for technical skill, competency and conceptual abilities. Inclusion of conceptual work can make a major difference in your portfolio. They want to see your dedication, curiosity, intelligence and commitment. However, they are also looking for a statement of yourself in your art. What does your work state about the artist behind the technique? |
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Attendance at both National Portfolio Days is critical, for admissions and merit scholarships: they are usually held the first weekend in November. (The Saturday date also always conflicts with the November SAT TEST DATE! Make sure you have scheduled an earlier test date!) |
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Presentation - Presentation - Presentation |
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It does matter! |
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OF YOURSELF |
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Dress maturely, neatly and cleanly. It is not recommended to;dress like an artist.. Your manner of dress indicates the level of serious thought, pursuit and pride in yourself. Your dress reflects on both you and your art.
So tell me about yourself. Be prepared to talk to the portfolio reviewer about yourself, your art and your dreams. |
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OF YOUR SLIDES |
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It is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on professional slides for college applications! Use outdoor 35mm film on a moderately sunny day. Take your work outdoors and shoot it.
Make sure that artwork takes up the entire frame of the slide. Shoot duplicates when you shoot the originals rather than have them made in the photo lab.
Label each slide with |
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� a red dot in the upper right corner to indicate proper up/down position |
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� your name on each slide |
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� Media and size on each slide |
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Place slides in order top to bottom, left to right, in a plastic protector sheet include a slide sheet with the package slides, containing name of piece, size, media, and brief background if necessary. Make sure your name and social security number is on the sheet.
If you expect the slides to be returned, include a self-addressed stamped envelope, pre-weighed to cover the postage.
Keep a master set of you slides safe at home! |
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What is National Portfolio Day? |
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National Portfolio Days serve a variety of purposes. Most importantly, they help further the artistic development of young artists by bringing together experienced college representatives to review your work and offer critique. You will hear many different opinions about your work. Do not hesitate to explain how you develop your ideas, and where you want to go with them. |
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It is understood that some people make certain kinds of art more successfully than others. Do not be discouraged if you see work "better" than yours. A National Portfolio Day may be the first time you have seen so many people in one place who all share a powerful commitment to the arts. This experience is a small taste of what attending a professional art program can be like. It will be an intense experience. |
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National Portfolio Days are also about the exchange of information: information about your work, yourself, your college plans, your concerns. They are not an examination or a competition. The colleges represented are pleased to discuss their programs with you. Of course they can be most helpful when discussing your work. Your portfolio should include the best work your are making now; but it can also include work in progress, sketch-books and tear sheets. Do not spend an inordinate amount of time matting or framing your work, or worrying about the presentation. The work itself is what is of interest. |
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No admissions decisions or scholarship awards will be offered to you at a National Portfolio Day. Some colleges represented may accept the portfolio you present as the visual portion of your application. Other colleges have review structures which prohibit them from making definitive admission decision at the time of your reviews. All expect your art to progress in the coming months. Speak to as many representatives as time permits. |
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For more information about National Portfolio Days please visit the website at: www.npda.org |
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