Studio Art (B.F.A.) Two-Dimensional Studies Concentration

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Studio Art is the professional degree focused on a more intensive study of coursework in the field of art and design. The Studio Art B.F.A. has two available concentrations; Three-Dimensional Studies and Two-Dimensional Studies. These programs train professional artists to the highest level possible for undergraduate students and will be especially valuable for those who plan to pursue graduate studies in art and design. Admission to the B.F.A. in Studio Art degree requires a portfolio review; for more information, please consult the department website. B.F.A. students are required to go through the sophomore review successfully and to maintain at least a 3.0 in their major to remain in the program. Students must plan on spending their senior year on the Mechanicsburg campus to execute a body of work for their senior exhibition.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Studio Art BFA program can:

  1. Demonstrates and applies a basic knowledge of foundational design skills used for composing & evaluating visual arts.
  2. Demonstrates ability to identify, themes, historical time periods and cultural context of visual arts
  3. Demonstrates an ability to research, analyze, process and write about the visual arts.
  4. Demonstrates ability to critique work using appropriate terms and concepts.
  5. Applies emerging technologies to solving visual problems/projects.
  6. Displays mastery and depth in concentration area.
  7. Identify pathways to a professional outlet in their field.
  8. Demonstrates the ability to relate studio experience to professional activities that are well-suited to their skill set.
  9. Displays an ability to articulate the relationship between faith and creative work.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

ART 110Visual Thinking and Digital Tools

3

ART 121Form, Space, and Media

3

ART 171Drawing I

3

ART 182Color and Composition

3

ART 493Art Seminar

3

ART 494Senior Exhibit

3

ARTH 111Methods & Theories of Art History

3

ARTH 150Art History: Prehistory-1400

3

ARTH 151Art History: 1400-21st Century

3

ARTH 210Topics in Non-Western Art

3

PHIL 342Aesthetics

3

Sophomore Review

ART 493: Writing in the major requirement.

Three credits from the following:

ARTH 209History of Modern Art

3

ARTH 309Contemporary Art: 1945 - Present

3

Three credits from the following:

PHIL 101Problems in Philosophy

3

PHIL 102History of Philosophy

3

Two-Dimensional Concentration (24 credits)

ART 487Senior Studio: 2D

3

Twenty-one credits from the following:

ART 215Painting I

3

ART 226Relief Printmaking

3

ART 232Screen Printing

3

ART 251Darkroom Photography

3

ART 271Drawing II

3

ART 315Painting II

3

ART 330Intaglio Printmaking

3

ART 332Lithography

3

ART 339Illustration

3

ART 352Digital Photography

3

ART 360Topics in 2D Processes

1-3

ART 372Figure Drawing

3

ART 415Painting: Open Studio

3

ART 442Printmaking: Open Studio

3

ART 453Drawing: Open Studio

3

Cross-Concentration Studies (15 credits)

Three additional ART credits 200-level or higher.

Six credits of Graphic Design and Digital Art courses:

ART 217Digital Imaging

3

ART 236Design Thinking & Visual Culture

3

ART 237Typography

3

ART 336Interactive Design

3

ART 337Graphic Design and Professional Practice

3

ART 338Digital Illustration

3

ART 347Service Centered Design

3

ART ART 382Topics in Graphic Design

3

ART 420Designer as Author

3

ART 431Motion Design

3

Six credits from the following Three-Dimensional courses:

ART 205Hand Papermaking

3

ART 220Clay: Wheel Thrown Forms

3

ART 221Clay: Hand-Built Forms

3

ART 262Assemblage

3

ART 263Carving and Construction

3

ART 308Installation Art and Public Sculpture

3

ART 341Furniture Design

3

ART 364Casting

3

ART 379Topics in 3D Processes

3

Three additional ART credits 200 level or higher

 

QuEST Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement 0
QuEST requirements Credits
First Year Seminar 3
Oral Communication 3
Created and Called for Community (W) 3
Mathematical Sciences 3 or 4
Laboratory Science 3 or 4
Science, Technology & the World 3
Two of the following (6 credits total):
   Social Science, European History or United States History
6
Literature 3
Philosophy and Religion (PHIL 101 or PHIL 102) met/major
Arts (ARTH 150, 151) met/major
First Semester of Language 3
Second Semester of Language 3
Third Semester of Language or Cross Cultural 3
Non-Western Studies (ARTH 210) met/major
Bible 3
Christian Beliefs 3
Wellness course 1
Ethics, World Views or Pluralism 3
QuEST requirements 46-48
Major requirements (inclusive of concentration) 75
Free electives  2-0
Total credits 123