Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Governors State University Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Governors State University Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Art, B.F.A.


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The College of Arts and Sciences  offers an undergraduate major in Fine Arts that offers an inter-disciplinary global approach that reflects contemporary art practices.

Courses in ceramics, drawing, digital imaging, graphic design, film, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture enable students to become mature artists in command of diverse materials and capable of expressing an individual view. Capacity for heightened perception and imagination is combined with an awareness of visual elements, principles of design, artistic statement, and criticism.

Classes in art history not only examine works of art through form, style and content but also through the cultural, social and political context that informed their making. Topics include those from Western and Non-Western societies ranging from antiquity through contemporary.

Individualized instruction and advisement are offered by dedicated faculty who view themselves not only as teachers, but as practicing artists and publishing scholars. The major prepares students to pursue careers as professional artists, provides transferable skills valued by employers and furthers an engaged citizenry.

Before graduating, each student will produce and document a final B.F.A. thesis exhibition or presentation.

Special Admissions Requirements

All students are admitted conditionally. The art faculty members monitor and evaluate student progress continuously. All art students will have a mandatory portfolio evaluation after 1 year of enrollment. The portfolio evaluation will include a review of the student’s art work by the faculty of the program. The portfolio evaluation will include a review of the student’s creative work by the faculty of the program. The portfolio should include work that best demonstrates artistic development and potential to succeed in the art program. Contact the Undergraduate Art Academic Advisor or an Art Faculty Member for details about process and formatting for the portfolio review.

Degree Requirements


Students must meet all university and program requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

General Education Requirements (37 Hours)


Core Art Requirements: (36 Hours)


Application Courses (18 Hours)


Junior Requirements (18 Hours)


For Studio Art - Selectives must be taken at the 3XXX level or above.

For Film Art - Selectives must be taken at the 3XXX level or above in FILM, IFDI, ART, or MCOM.

Senior Requirements: (13 Hours)


ART - 4980 Senior Project (3)  (co-register for 1 credit per 3 faculty members).

ART - 4981 Senior Project Workshop (1)  

For Studio Arts - Select 9 hours of Studio Art Selectives at the 4XXX level;

For Film Arts - Select 9 hours of courses at the 4XXX level in FILM, IFDI, ART, or MCOM.

  • Independent Studies must be selected through consultation with the program advisor and they must be a different topic if used multiple times to meet degree requirements;
  • Students wishing to emphasize in a Studio/Art History hybrid may substitute 3XXX and 4XXX Studio Requirements with 3XXX and 4XXX Art History courses, with advisor approval;
  • Art courses up to 75 hours may be transferred based on portfolio review only;
  • A second portfolio review must be performed successfully before enrollment in the Art Program capstone course ART - 4980 Senior Project (3) .

Electives (1 Hour)


Total - 120 Hours


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