Studio Art

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art at Stony Brook University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the creation, interpretation, and critical understanding of visual art. Designed to foster artistic development and technical proficiency, this program provides a dynamic environment where students can explore diverse media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, digital art, and mixed media. Through a combination of studio practice, art history, and humanities courses, students cultivate a well-rounded perspective on contemporary art issues and historical contexts, preparing them for professional careers in the arts or further graduate study.

The curriculum emphasizes both individual artistic expression and mastery of technical skills, encouraging students to experiment with materials and concepts while developing their unique voice. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art studios, workshops, and resources, along with mentorship from experienced faculty artists who are active professionals in their fields. The program also encourages participation in exhibitions, art shows, and internships, providing practical experience and exposure to the art world.

In addition to studio coursework, students engage with courses in art theory, criticism, and history, which support their understanding of the broader cultural and social implications of their work. The program emphasizes critical thinking, conceptual development, and technical proficiency, aiming to produce graduates who are versatile, innovative, and prepared for diverse careers in visual arts. Graduates often pursue careers as professional artists, educators, curators, gallery professionals, or continue their education through graduate programs.

Stony Brook’s vibrant arts community and proximity to New York City—one of the world’s major art capitals—offer students unparalleled opportunities for networking, internships, and exposure to a vibrant arts scene. The BFA in Studio Art at Stony Brook University is committed to fostering artistic excellence, creative exploration, and professional development, ensuring students are well-equipped to thrive in the competitive and evolving world of contemporary art.

A. Course Offerings
Courses are offered in painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, computer and electronic media, photography, ceramics, and ceramic sculpture. In addition, studio courses offered through other departments may satisfy area of concentration requirements, subject to approval by the studio art faculty and the Director of Graduate Studies.

B. Liberal Arts Requirement
Students are required to take three or four graduate liberal arts courses (in art history and criticism, literature, history, anthropology, philosophy, musicology, dramaturgy, cultural studies, among others).

C. Demonstrations of Studio Proficiency
All M.F.A. candidates should demonstrate proficiency through the development of a comprehensive body of work. Proficiency is determined by the faculty through periodic evaluation of the work, including mid-term and final critiques each semester, and thesis exhibition review by the student’s thesis committee in the third year.

D. Final Year and One-Person Exhibition
During the final year, in addition to regular coursework, the student will prepare a one-person thesis exhibition for the Graduate Library Gallery or some other suitable venue on campus. As part of the thesis requirement, the student will submit to the department appropriate visual documentation (color slides, photographs, digital images, videos) of the exhibition and a written commentary which conforms to the Graduate School’s requirements for master’s theses. The written thesis should complement the visual work as an articulation of the student’s thoughts and objectives within the broader context of arts and ideas. Third-year students will also participate in the University Art Gallery’s annual M.F.A. group exhibition.

E. Teaching Requirement
All graduate students are required to assist in teaching a minimum of one semester; this course offers three credits toward the M.F.A. degree under ARS 531. In addition, the Art department requires a preliminary semester of observing in the course to be taught under faculty supervision during the following semester. The semester of observation offers an optional three credits toward the degree. Beyond the three or six credits teaching practicum applied toward the degree, all other teaching by students with Teaching Assistantships is part of their obligation and is done without academic credit.

F. Course Requirements
The student will be required to complete successfully 60 credits of graduate work, as outlined in the list of courses below. No graduate studio course may be taken for more than three credits per semester.

1. ARS 550 In Process Critique (3 credits) to be taken during the first year. May be repeated and counted toward studio credits.
2. At least nine graduate studio courses (27 credits).
3. Two semesters of ARS 580 Visual Arts Seminar (6 credits). Additional Visual Arts Seminars are encouraged.
4. Three courses in graduate liberal arts, e.g., art history, languages, literature, philosophy, etc. (9 credits).
5. ARS 531 Graduate Teaching Practicum (see item E, above) (3-6 credits).
6. ARS 532 Thesis Project (up to 6 credits).

Admission for full-time study will be granted to begin in the Fall semester only. Admission into the M.F.A. program is at the discretion of the graduate faculty with final approval of the Graduate School. Admission to the program assumes a minimum of a B average in undergraduate work, meeting the standards of admission to the Graduate School .  The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 550 (paper), or 213 (computer), or 90 (internet-based test); OR an IELTS total score of 6.5. In order to teach, which is a requirement for the MFA, any graduate student whose native language is not English must score 55 or above on the TSE or SPEAK test OR obtain a score of 7.0 or better in the speaking component of the IELTS test. 

All candidates for the M.F.A. program must enter with a minimum of 40 semester hours of credit or the equivalent of undergraduate work in studio art in a B.A., B.S., B.F.A., or similar program. The candidate must submit with his or her graduate application 15 to 20  images of work  and/or  other appropriate materials on  DVD or CD . Applicants should also have a minimum of 15 semester hours of credit in art history, theory, or criticism. At the discretion of the graduate faculty, those without sufficient background may be advised to complete further undergraduate coursework prior to acceptance and admission to the program. Decisions by the graduate art faculty on these matters are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the general requirements of the Graduate School.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art at Stony Brook University offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Undergraduate students at Stony Brook University have access to federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and Federal Work-Study opportunities. To be eligible for these aids, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually, which assesses their financial need based on income, assets, family circumstances, and other factors. The university also participates in New York State financial aid programs such as the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which provides grants to eligible residents attending in-state institutions.

In addition to federal and state aid, students can explore institutional scholarships offered directly by Stony Brook University. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or designated for students within certain programs or demographics, including those pursuing degrees in visual arts. Prospective and current students are encouraged to apply early and complete all required documentation to maximize their financial support opportunities.

Furthermore, the university provides information about private scholarships and external funding sources, which students can apply for through various foundation or arts organizations dedicated to supporting emerging artists. Work options on campus, such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or part-time employment in university facilities, are also available to help offset educational expenses.

For students enrolled in the Studio Art program, the university offers specific grants and fellowships aimed at supporting studio and exhibition projects, which can not only enhance academic and professional development but also serve as financial support during their studies. Financing studies at Stony Brook University thus involves a comprehensive package of federal, state, institutional, and external aid programs, combined with work opportunities and scholarships, designed to make arts education accessible and affordable for diverse student populations.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in Studio Art at Stony Brook University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in contemporary art practices and studio techniques. The program emphasizes both technical skill development and conceptual understanding, encouraging students to explore a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, and new media arts. Students are provided with state-of-the-art facilities and access to experienced faculty members who are active professionals in the art world. The curriculum is designed to foster individual artistic growth while also promoting critical thinking and engagement with contemporary issues through art. Students have opportunities to participate in exhibitions, internships, and community projects that enhance their professional development and prepare them for careers in the arts. The program encourages experimentation, innovation, and interdisciplinary approaches, reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary art. Graduates of the program pursue careers as professional artists, art educators, curators, designers, and in other creative industries. The Department of Art at Stony Brook University is committed to sustaining a vibrant artistic community that supports the development of emerging artists. The program also offers exhibitions, portfolio reviews, and artist talks to help students build networks and gain exposure. Overall, the BFA in Studio Art integrates practical skills with critical analysis, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the evolving art landscape.