Studio Art, BFA
Develop your artistic practice while preparing for a successful career in the arts. The University of Tennessee’s BFA in studio art allows students to work alongside world-renowned faculty mentors to craft their artistic voice, hone skills in their chosen concentration area, and develop a substantial portfolio of work.
Program Overview
The Studio Art, BFA teaches specialized knowledge in either 2-D, 3-D, or time-based arts, preparing students to develop a strong visual arts portfolio.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art is designed for students interested in careers or graduate study in the visual arts and related disciplines. Our expert area faculty provide instruction in traditional and contemporary methods of artistic expression, and students learn alongside mentors and peers.
Graduates of our program develop the creative vision and communication skills needed to be thriving professionals in the visual arts and other cultural and creative fields.
Concentrations
Whether you’re interested in painting and drawing; sculpture and spatial forms; or sound, movement, and digital media, the School of Art’s unique Studio Art concentrations allow you to pursue your artistic passions with purpose.
Our current available concentrations include:
- Two-Dimensional Arts (painting and drawing, printmaking, photography)
- Three-Dimensional Arts (sculpture, ceramics)
- Time-Based Arts (film and video art, animation, sound art, performance)
Minors
Our related and complementary minors include:
- Art History Minor
- Cinema Studies Minor
- Studio Art Minor
- Museum and Curatorial Studies Minor
Why Study Studio Art?
With state-of-the-art facilities, a uniquely distinct artist-in-residence program, and residence and workshop opportunities for students, you’ll be exposed to world-renowned faculty and expert artists ready to mentor, inspire, and help you develop your artistic identity.
If your goal is to pursue a career as a creative professional or go on to graduate school in the fine arts, the BFA is the degree for you. In this intensive studio-focused program, students work alongside world-renowned faculty mentors to develop their artistic voice, hone skills in their chosen concentration area, and develop a substantial portfolio of work.
What Sets Us Apart
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Most of the UT School of Art’s facilities are located within the Art + Architecture Building, a 180,540-square-foot, light-filled building designed especially for UT’s Art and Architecture students. Since 1981, the building has evolved into a vibrant center for creative experimentation and inter-disciplinary exchange. With cutting-edge facilities, expansive studios, and shared spaces designed to foster collaboration, it supports ambitious work across all areas of art.
Creative and Passionate Faculty
At the heart of the University of Tennessee’s Art program is a faculty of internationally recognized artists and scholars who are not only at the forefront of their respective fields but are deeply committed to the success of their students.
Residences and Workshops
Our art students also benefit from opportunities to attend residences and workshops at various art centers across the country and the world. Recent students have completed summer workshops in local Tennessee areas such as the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Penland School of Crafts, and the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville, giving them next-level experiences.
What Can You Do with a BFA in Studio Art After Graduation?
Whether you’re interested in pursuing graduate study, or you want to hit the ground running in a professional career, our BFA program has sent students to highly rated MFA programs and careers.
Some students with BFAs have gone on to top-ranked MFA programs after graduating from UT. Others have gone on to be successful filmmakers, award-winning cartoonists, illustrators, photographers, designers, printmakers and sculptors with their own thriving businesses, as well as art teachers, professors, museum and gallery workers.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art, you’ll have a range of career options to choose from that’ll prepare your for the professional world and beyond.
Featured Courses
ARTA 211 Drawing I
Introduction to various drawing materials and methods. Course may include figure drawing, experimental media, and historical and contemporary perspectives.
ARTB 221 Ceramic Sculpture
This course provides an introduction to sculptural formats with a focus on ideas and ceramic process. This course addresses clay preparation, clay finishing, and kiln firing.
ARTC 233 Animation I
In this course, students will learn the development of basic concepts and techniques for the creation of animated works, including stop-motion, 2D animation, and key-framing.
ART 455 Professional Practice Seminar
This course covers the tools and skills necessary for arts professionals to advocate for themselves in a range of arts related environments.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
BFA students can also enhance their studies by pursuing a minor in art history, cinema studies, or art education.
- Interdisciplinary Programs, BA – Visual and Interactive Storytelling
- Art Education minor
- Cinema Studies minor
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
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