Visual Art, 2D Studio

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in 2D Studio is a professional undergraduate degree which prepares students for a career in studio art or graduate school.

• Standard Undergraduate Degree. This is the standard art degree in visual art in the US and Canada.

• Professional Degree.  The focus of the degree is studio, so there is a larger number of studio classes in relation to general education and liberal art elective requirements
• Concentration.  BFA students declare an area of interest (2D or 3D), so that they have maximum opportunity to work with materials and techniques specific to this studio direction.  Students will create a body of work and have a BFA exhibition. 

BFA students may pursue a 2D studio concentration which will allow them to focus their studies in Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and/or Mixed Media.  

After Foundations and Core studio classes (first level of painting, photography, graphic design, ceramics, and sculpture), students focus on 2D studio classes in painting, photography and printmaking and/or mixed media.  This includes special topics and independent study opportunities.  (36 hours of upper level studio classes after foundation and core classes.)

Students graduating from Lander University with a degree in Fine Art will demonstrate a competency in an area of specialization and demonstrate the potential for continued growth as an art/design professional. Specific standards, outlined by the National Association of School of Art and Design, include:

1. Functional competence with principles of visual organization, including the ability to work with visual elements in two and three dimensions; color theory and its applications; and drawing.
2. Presentation of original artwork that demonstrates advanced conceptual understanding, and technical facility.
3. Familiarity with the historical achievements, current major issues, processes, and directions in an emphasis area.
4. Experience to prepare and exhibit a cohesive body of original artwork and to participate in critiques of one’s own artwork and the work of others.

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

¹ For approved courses see the General Education section

• Students must earn a “C” or better in 100-level art courses before proceeding to the sophomore studio courses.
• Students will complete a BFA Candidacy Review at the end of the sophomore year and a BFA Review at the end of their final semester.
• Students must earn a “C” or better in all program requirement courses.
• Students may not take more than 3 studio courses per semester without permission from department chair.
• Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
• See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses