Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Art Studio and Design (B.F.A.)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: College of Visual and Performing Arts

The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at https://www.niu.edu/effectiveness/assessment/student-learning-outcomes/art-studio-and-design-bfa.shtml.

A portfolio review is required for admission into the major in art studio and design (B.F.A) after completion of designated courses in the chosen field of study.

Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

Emphasis 1. Design and Media Arts


 

Art History Electives


300/400-level Art History electives (6)

One of the following areas of study (57)


ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (21)


Special requirements


After completion of ARTD 273, students must successfully complete a portfolio review in order to be retained in the Time Arts area of study.

ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (18)


Special requirements


Students must present an entrance portfolio to the Photography faculty before completion of their second course in Photography after completing ARTD 313 and one of the following ARTD 419 or ARTD 413 and pass the portfolio review for admission into the Photography area of study.

ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (12)


Special requirements


Students must successfully complete a review of their senior project during ARTD 406.

Students must present an entrance portfolio, be interviewed by the Visual Communication faculty, and pass the portfolio review for admission into the Visual Communication area of study before registering for ARTD 201, a course offered only in fall semester. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the following courses to continue in the Visual Communication program:

Total Hours for Emphasis 1, Design and Media Arts: 78


Emphasis 2. Art Studio


Special Requirements: To enter the art studio emphasis of the major in art studio and design (B.F.A.), students must successfully complete 12 semester hours of basic requirements, 6 semester hours of a choice of ARTH 282, ARTH 292, or ARTH 294, at least 6 of the 12 required semester hours of ARTS 200/300-level Core Art Studio requirements, and pass a portfolio review. These special requirements must be met no later than the semester in which the entrance portfolio is submitted. All four courses (12 semester hours) listed in the Core Art Studio Requirements must be completed in conjunction with the art studio emphasis B.F.A. degree.

Requirements in School (78)


Art History Requirements (12)


Pick Two of the following:

Art History Electives

 

300/400-level Art History electives (6)

Core Art Studio Requirements (12)


2-D Studio (6)

The courses below cannot double-count in the sub-plan. Students should select courses that are not included in their sub-plan.

3-D Studio (6)

The courses below cannot double-count in the sub-plan. Students should select courses that are not included in their sub-plan.

B.F.A. Art Studio Area Requirements (42)


Students must successfully complete the sub-plan requirements in one of the following fields: ceramics, drawing, fiber, illustration, metals, painting, printmaking, or sculpture. Check individual area sub-plans for specific requirements. Exceptions to any individual area sub-plan will require faculty approval.

ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (18)

Additional studio electives required beyond 12 credits listed in Core Art Studio and Sub-Plan) requirements. May be from any studio or design area.

ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (9)

Additional studio electives required beyond 12 credits listed in Core Art Studio and Sub-Plan) requirements. May be from any or design studio area.

Painting Area Sub-plan (42)

ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (15)

Additional studio electives required beyond 12 credits listed in Core Art Studio and Sub-Plan) requirements. May be from any studio or design area.

ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (18)

Additional studio electives required beyond 12 credits listed in Core Art Studio and Sub-Plan) requirements. May be from any studio or design area.

Ceramics Area Sub-plan (42)

ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (12)

Additional studio electives required beyond 12 credits listed in Core Art Studio and Sub-Plan) requirements. May be from any studio or design area.

ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (18)

(Additional studio electives required beyond 12 credits listed in Core Art Studio and Sub-Plan requirements.) May be from any studio or design area.

ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (18)

Additional studio electives required beyond 12 credits listed in Core Art Studio and Sub-Plan) requirements. May be from any studio or design area.

Sculpture Area Sub-plan (42)

ARTS/ARTD 300/400-level electives (18)

Additional studio electives required beyond 12 credits listed in Core Art Studio and Sub-Plan) requirements. May be from any studio or design area.

Total Hours for Emphasis 2, Art Studio: 78


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: College of Visual and Performing Arts