Art Major, BFA

A Bachelor of Fine Arts at Arcadia University will expose you to a range of techniques, processes, formats, and tools needed to think creatively and make the most of your career path. Arcadia fosters an environment that encourages you to become an artist with a creative spirit, aesthetic awareness, historical consciousness, critical analysis, technical excellence, and an appreciation for the role of art in a comprehensive education. A degree in art will prepare you for advanced graduate studies or future possibilities for a career as an exhibiting artist and opens doors to careers in business and industry, government and social agencies, and many more.

A liberal arts education with professional preparation for careers in art or design will develop your creative potential. Through courses in the humanities and sciences, you will gain an understanding of the nature of art, humankind and society. You’ll have the chance to try out new media and experiment across disciplines. From our accomplished faculty, you’ll learn skills and techniques that will help you work more creatively, efficiently and consistently. With your peers, you’ll practice the art of critique. In your art history classes, you’ll learn from new and old great masters.

With an internationally-known exhibitions program and close proximity to Philadelphia, you will have opportunities for real-world art exploration. This includes hands-on internships and apprenticeships that will support your artistic and professional goals. In addition, you have the opportunity to explore the world for a semester or more with our study abroad programs. There are options at the world’s most prestigious art programs in the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

During your first and sophomore years, all BFA students take a common set of courses in the basic art disciplines, including Art History. In your junior and senior years, you may select one of the studio concentrations listed below, with the permission of your adviser. Additionally, internships and apprenticeships are strongly recommended and are required for some concentrations.

The Department of Art and Design requires a portfolio review as part of the admissions process. Your portfolio of work must be submitted before acceptance into the program is granted. Portfolio reviews will be conducted during virtual National Portfolio Days and through our online submission platform, Slideroom.