B.F.A. of Studio Art- Emphasis in Photography
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art is a one hundred-twenty-five to one hundred-thirty-seven (125-137) credit hour limited access program that provides an intensive background in theoretical knowledge and professional skills. BFA students will develop a personal vision, a high level of competence in technique, and will harness the ability to make sound artistic decisions. The BFA in Studio Art is a proficiency-based program, characterized by continuous assessment. Graduating BFA seniors exhibit their work at the Texas A&M University-Commerce University Gallery in
their last semester.
To receive a degree in BFA Studio Art, students must successfully complete a minimum of one hundred-twenty five (125) credit hours. Students must also remain in the program for a minimum of three long semesters. Students must apply for admission into the “Practicum” course, culminating in an advancement review and graduation exhibition. The Practicum course is offered each spring with reviews scheduled each fall.
Students admitted to the BFA program are exempt from any foreign language requirement. Students in the BFA major are not required to select a minor. The BFA Advisor can provide additional guidance with regard to entrance and degree requirements.
Program Information
Students are required to have a C or above in all foundation requirements to maintain good standing in the program.
Students will present a portfolio for review at the end of their sophomore year or when they have met at least 80% of
the art foundation requirements. Faculty will assess the portfolio and make recommendations to the student.
Academic Performance and Retention
The Department of Art reserves the right to discontinue enrollment of art major students at any time if satisfactory academic progress is not being made. Students who have accumulated three unsatisfactory grades (U, F or D,) in studio art or design courses taken for college credit at Texas A&M University Commerce or elsewhere will not be permitted to continue, be readmitted, or graduate with a major in studio art or design. Courses in which a grade below the minimum is received may only be repeated once.
University Studies Courses (43 sh)
See the University Studies Requirements http://catalog.tamu-commerce.acalog.com/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=415
Foundations Art Courses Required (25 sh)
- ART 110 - Drawing I Hours: 3
- ART 111 - Two-Dimensional Design and Color Theory Hours: 3
- ART 112 - Drawing II Hours: 3
- ART 140 - Three-Dimensional Design and Color Theory Hours: 3
- ART 141 - Intro to Shop Safety Hours: 1
- ART 1303 - History of Art I Hours: 3 *Also counts as University Studies-Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
- ART 1304 - History of Art II Hours: 3
- ART 213 - Figure Drawing Hours: 3
- PHO 111 - Introduction to Digital Media Hours: 3
Required Support Courses (18 sh)
- ART 316 - Advanced Drawing Hours: 3
- ART 380 - Experimental Concepts Hours: 3
- ART 403 - Practicum in Art Hours: 3
- ART 404 - Contemporary Issues Hours: 3
- ART 405 - History of Modern Art Hours: 3
- PHO 379 - Survey of Photographic History Hours: 3-4 (3 hours required)
Sophomore Studio Courses (6 sh)
6 Semester hours from:
- ART 211 - Introduction to Visual Communication Hours: 3
- ART 227 - Sophomore Studio: Introduction to Painting Hours: 3
- ART 240 - Sophomore Studio: Introduction to Sculpture Hours: 3
- ART 250 - Sophomore Studio: Introduction to Ceramics Hours: 3
Emphasis Area Courses (33 sh)
Photography Emphasis
- PHO 209 - Basic Photography II Hours: 3
- PHO 210 - Introduction to Studio Lighting Hours: 3
- PHO 350 - Advanced Digital Photography Hours: 3
- PHO 359 - Junior Photography Seminar Hours: 3
- PHO 495 - Photography Internship Hours: 3
12 sh from:
- PHO 339 - Environmental Portraiture Hours: 3
- PHO 341 - Advertising and Commercial Photography Hours: 3
- PHO 349 - Nature and Wildlife Photography Hours: 3
- PHO 351 - Introduction to Photojournalism Hours: 4
- PHO 352 - Advanced Photojournalism Hours: 4
- PHO 353 - Sports Photography Hours: 4
- PHO 357 - Documentary Photography Hours: 3
- PHO 359 - Junior Photography Seminar Hours: 3
- PHO 369 - Alternative Print Making Hours: 3
- PHO 403 - Business Practices in Photography Hours: 3-4
- PHO 360 - B & W Darkroom Technique Hours: 3
- PHO 397 - Special Topics Hours: 1-4
- PHO 497 - Special Topics Hours: 1-4
Advanced Art of Photography Electives
- 6 semester hours in advanced (300 or 400-level) ART.
