Art (Fine Arts)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art at Slippery Rock University offers students an immersive and comprehensive education in the visual arts, preparing them for professional careers in creative fields or further academic pursuits. This program emphasizes developing technical skills, conceptual understanding, and critical thinking through a rigorous curriculum that balances studio practice, art history, and emerging digital technologies. Students will engage in a variety of studio courses such as drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and multimedia, enabling them to explore diverse art forms and develop their unique artistic voice. The program fosters a collaborative environment where students can critically analyze their work and that of their peers, participate in exhibitions, and receive mentorship from experienced faculty members dedicated to fostering individual artistic growth.

Throughout the program, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities equipped with modern studios, digital labs, and exhibition spaces that support experimentation and innovation. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating contemporary themes and technological advancements to prepare students for a dynamic art world. In addition to technical mastery, students gain an understanding of art history, theory, and criticism, which enriches their practice and contextualizes their work within broader cultural and societal frameworks. The BFA program also offers opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and participation in regional, national, and international art exhibitions, promoting professional development and networking skills.

Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue various career paths, including fine artist, illustrator, graphic designer, art educator, curator, or work in digital media and animation industries. The program’s dedicated faculty, coupled with experiential learning opportunities, ensures that students are well-prepared for successful careers in the arts or advanced study in graduate programs. Slippery Rock University’s Art program emphasizes creativity, innovation, and critical engagement, making it an ideal choice for aspiring artists who wish to develop their craft and make meaningful contributions to the contemporary art world.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

Required Art Courses - 18 credits

• ART 100 - 2-D Design Credits: 3
• ART 101 - 3-D Design Credits: 3
• ART 105 - Basic Studio Drawing Credits: 3
• ART 225 - Overview of Western Art Credits: 3
• ART 226 - Overview of World Art Credits: 3
• ART 300 - Art Seminar Credits: 3

Electives - 6 credits:

Choose two of the following:

• ART 325 - North American Art History Credits: 3-6
• ART 335 - The Renaissance Tradition Credits: 3-6
• ART 345 - Foundations of Modern Art Credits: 3-6
• ART 355 - Early Modern Art Credits: 3-6
• ART 365 - Art Since 1945 Credits: 3-6
• ART 420 - Art History Seminar Credits: 3-6

Electives - Credits: 9

Choose three from the following. No class may be repeated.

• ART 106 - Basic Studio Painting Credits: 3
• ART 107 - Basic Studio Photography Credits: 3
• ART 108 - Basic Studio Printmaking Credits: 3
• ART 109 - Basic Studio Metalsmithing Credits: 3
• ART 110 - Basic Studio Sculpture Credits: 3
• ART 111 - Basic Studio Fibers Credits: 3
• ART 112 - Basic Studio Ceramics Credits: 3
• ART 114 - Basic Studio Digital Media Credits: 3

Electives - Credits: 12

Choose twelve credits from the following. Pre-requisite is any 100 level studio. Can repeat any class twice.

• ART 205 - Art Synthesis Drawing Credits: 3
• ART 206 - Art Synthesis Painting Credits: 3
• ART 207 - Art Synthesis Photography Credits: 3
• ART 208 - Art Synthesis Printmaking Credits: 3
• ART 209 - Art Synthesis Metalsmithing Credits: 3
• ART 210 - Art Synthesis Sculpture Credits: 3
• ART 211 - Art Synthesis Fibers Credits: 3
• ART 212 - Art Synthesis Ceramics Credits: 3
• ART 213 - Art Synthesis Design Credits: 3
• ART 214 - Art Synthesis Digital Media Credits: 3

Electives - Credits: 12

Choose 12 credits from the following. Pre-requisite is from any 200 level studio. Can repeat any class three times.

• ART 305 - Advanced Studio Drawing Credits: 3
• ART 306 - Advanced Studio Painting Credits: 3
• ART 307 - Advanced Studio Photography Credits: 3
• ART 308 - Advanced Studio Printmaking Credits: 3
• ART 309 - Advanced Studio Metalsmithing Credits: 3
• ART 310 - Advanced Studio Sculpture Credits: 3
• ART 311 - Advanced Studio Fibers Credits: 3
• ART 312 - Advanced Studio Ceramics Credits: 3
• ART 313 - Advanced Studio Design Credits: 3
• ART 314 - Advanced Studio Digital Media Credits: 3

Electives - Credits: 9

Choose 9 credits from the following. Pre-requisite is 6 credits from any 300 level studio; can repeat any class twice.

• ART 405 - Senior Studio Drawing Credits: 3
• ART 406 - Senior Studio Painting Credits: 3
• ART 407 - Senior Studio Photography Credits: 3
• ART 408 - Senior Studio Printmaking Credits: 3
• ART 409 - Senior Studio Metalsmithing Credits: 3
• ART 410 - Senior Studio Sculpture Credits: 3
• ART 411 - Senior Studio Fibers Credits: 3
• ART 412 - Senior Studio Ceramics Credits: 3
• ART 413 - Senior Studio Design Credits: 3
• ART 414 - Senior Studio Digital Media Credits: 3

Senior Project - Credits: 3

Senior Project pre-requisite: any 400 level studio.; by permission of instructor.

Choose one of the following:

• ART 425 - Senior Project Drawing Credits: 3
• ART 426 - Senior Project Painting Credits: 3
• ART 427 - Senior Project Photography Credits: 3
• ART 428 - Senior Project Printmaking Credits: 3
• ART 429 - Senior Project Metalsmithing Credits: 3
• ART 430 - Senior Project Sculpture Credits: 3
• ART 431 - Senior Project Fibers Credits: 3
• ART 432 - Senior Project Ceramics Credits: 3
• ART 433 - Senior Project Design Credits: 3
• ART 434 - Senior Project Digital Media Credits: 3

Electives - Credits: 9

Choose 9 credits from any Art course selections at the 300/400 level

Requirements

Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and we thoroughly research the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. We use this information to establish admission guidelines for first year students (new freshmen). We are seeking students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. We will accept either test and use the best scores available. Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as August following their junior year in high school. High school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts upon high school graduation.

In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:

• Official High School Transcripts, including a 12th Grade class schedule if applicable
• SAT or ACT Scores
• $30.00 application fee

WAIT LIST: Applicants who do not meet the admission guidelines are still encouraged to apply for admission if they are close to our admission guidelines. Such applicants may be placed on a wait list for admission consideration. Students who are placed on a wait list need to understand it is not the same as being denied admission. Wait list status simply means that an applicant's credentials may require a closer review beyond just the quantitative numbers. Offers of admission will be made to wait listed applicants on regular intervals.

Wait listed applicants should strive to improve their grades and/or test scores and re-submit them to the Office of Admissions as soon as is practical after the next marking period or re-test. Periodic review of the wait list will likely begin in November and offers of admission made on a rolling basis. Our goal is to have most of the wait list offers of admission made in March or April. A final round of wait list offers may be made in mid-May on a space available basis. We encourage students to submit additional information if it improves the academic record.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Slippery Rock University.

Funding

Contact the Office of Financial Aid for detailed information on various financial aid programs and scholarship materials. You can submit your questions regarding financial assistance directly to the Financial Aid Office at financial.aid@sru.edu. Students are encouraged to apply for admission early.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art at Slippery Rock University is a comprehensive program designed to cultivate students' artistic talents and prepare them for successful careers in the visual arts. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines technical training, creative exploration, and critical thinking skills, enabling students to develop a well-rounded artistic practice. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized studios for painting, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, and digital media, fostering an environment conducive to innovative experimentation and personal growth.

Throughout their studies, students engage with experienced faculty members who are active practitioners and scholars in their respective fields, providing mentorship and professional guidance. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in art history, theory, and critique, alongside studio practice, to ensure that graduates understand the broader cultural and historical contexts of their work. In addition to technical skills, students are encouraged to develop a unique artistic voice and a professional portfolio, essential for pursuing careers in fine arts, teaching, or graduate study.

The program also offers opportunities for internships, exhibitions, and collaborations with local art organizations and galleries, facilitating real-world experience and networking within the art community. Students may participate in annual exhibitions, portfolio reviews, and artist talks, enhancing their visibility and professional development. The BFA in Art at Slippery Rock University prepares graduates for diverse careers in areas such as studio art, design, illustration, art education, and community arts programs. The university’s supportive environment and access to resources help students transform their passion for art into meaningful careers and contributions to the cultural landscape.