School of Arts & Humanities · Bachelor of Fine Arts
BFA in Studio Arts
Master your medium and build a body of work.
Ready to go deep in your art? MVU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts starts with a strong foundation in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and design, then helps you focus on one medium and finish with a senior thesis exhibition.
120
credit hours to graduate
70
credit hours in the major
On campus
in Marshall, Missouri
4 years
at a full-time pace
Why the BFA
Depth in the medium you choose
The BFA is a professional degree for artists who want to specialize.
A strong studio foundation
Build skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, fibers, photography, and 3D design.
Focus on one medium
Develop technical and conceptual mastery in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, or digital work.
Thesis exhibition
Create a coherent body of work with a written proposal and show it in your senior exhibition.
Is this program for me?
This program may be a great fit if you want to…
- Specialize in one medium and master it.
- Build a portfolio ready for the art world.
- Exhibit your work.
- Prepare for graduate study, such as an MFA.
What will I learn to do?
Skills you’ll practice and grow
- Apply the elements of art and principles of design.
- Work with technical skill in your chosen medium.
- Place your work in relation to art history and theory.
- Prepare for a professional art career.
- Explain how art works in social and political contexts.
- Create and explain a coherent body of work.
How the degree works
How your 120 credit hours add up
Here’s how the degree is built. Your advisor helps you choose courses each term.
01
General education core
At least 42 credit hours across writing, speaking, math, science, social science, and the humanities.
02
Art core
24 credit hours of drawing, design, 3D composition, ceramics, painting, art history, and digital media.
03
Studio and professional courses
Advanced drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers, photography, art history, professional practices, and 6 flex credits, ending with your senior exhibition.
04
Electives or a minor
Use the rest of your 120 hours for electives, a minor, or even a second major.
Good to know: The BFA requires an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and a GPA of at least 3.0 in the major. You can also earn stackable micro-credentials in Ceramics and Printmaking along the way.
Explore the curriculum
What you’ll study
Here are the courses in the major. Your advisor helps you plan the order.
Art core (24 credit hours)
- ART 100 Drawing I
- ART 115 Design Fundamentals
- ART 120 3D Composition
- ART 212 Drawing II
- ART 224 Ceramics I
- ART 301 Art History I
- ART 331 Painting I
- ART 204 or GRFX 101 Media and Design Fabrication, or Media & Design Innovation
Studio Arts BFA courses
- ART 125 Digital Photography
- ART 222 Common Review (1 credit)
- ART 242 Fibers
- ART 310 Art History II
- ART 312 Drawing III
- ART 316 Printmaking I: Relief and Intaglio
- ART 318 Printmaking II: Silkscreen / Monoprint
- ART 330 Figure Drawing
- ART 345 Painting II
- ART 355 Painting III
- ART 405 Art History III
- ART 490 Professional Practices
- ART 495 Senior Portfolio and Exhibition
Flex credits (6 credit hours)
- ART 333 Advanced Photography
- ART 455 Painting IV
- ART 349/449 Special Topics Studio
General education core (at least 42 credit hours)
- Social and behavioral science (9 hours) from at least two subjects, including one constitution course: HIST 104, HIST 105, or POLS 100
- Written communication (6 hours): ENGL 130 Rhetoric and Composition, plus ENGL 160 or HONR 190
- Oral communication (3 hours), such as COMM 100 Public Speaking & Introduction to Communication
- Natural science: 7 hours from at least two subjects, including a lab (BS); 3 hours (BA and BFA)
- Mathematics (3 hours)
- Humanities and fine arts: 9 hours (BS) or 12 hours (BA and BFA) from at least three subjects, covering the arts and creativity, ethics, and culture and society
- Additional general education from any area, to reach at least 42 hours
- Plus one Writing Intensive (WI) course and one Service Learning (SL) course, which can overlap with other requirements
Graduation requirements
- Complete at least 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Earn a major GPA of 2.0 or higher, with no grade below C and no pass/fail grades in the major.
- Complete at least 36 credit hours of upper-division (300- and 400-level) courses.
- Complete your last 30 credit hours, and at least 12 hours of your major, at MVU.
- Complete the major assessment requirement.
- Apply for graduation and pay the $100 graduation fee.
Getting started
Three steps to begin
Applying to MVU is free, and most students finish the application in a few minutes.
02
Send your transcripts
Send your high school transcript, plus official transcripts from any college or dual credit courses. Transferring? See the transfer steps.
03
Plan how you’ll pay
Explore scholarships, grants, and loans on Tuition & Financial Aid, or request information for current tuition.
What’s the difference between the BA/BS and the BFA?
The BA/BS in Studio Arts lets you explore a wider range of media. The BFA asks you to focus on one medium and ends with a senior thesis exhibition. The BFA also has higher GPA requirements.
Can I add a minor or a second major?
Yes. A minor is optional and appears on your transcript; it must be in a different subject than your major. You can also double major by completing all the requirements for both majors. You’ll receive one diploma.
What do I need to graduate?
- At least 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- A C or higher in every major course.
- At least 36 upper-division credit hours.
- Your last 30 credit hours at MVU.
- An application for graduation and the $100 graduation fee.
Talk with the Dean
Have questions about courses, your portfolio, or how to plan your degree? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your goals.
BFA in Studio Arts
