Bachelor of Fine arts

Five portraits of people.
Self-portrait study from Professor Dehart’s photography class.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is well-suited for students who wish to pursue a professional career in the arts or are preparing for specialized graduate study.

Art courses required

70 credit hours of ART courses are required. Students must also complete the UCORE requirements.

  • 2D Art & Design (ART 102)
  • 3D Art & Design (ART 103)
    Drawing (ART 110) One course from 2D area (ART 111, 312, 320 or 370)
  • One course from 3D area (ART 340 or 350
  • One course from media arts areas (ART 332, 333 or 381)
  • 6 additional credits in your area of emphasis
  • 46 elective credit hours of upper division ART courses (300 or 400 level)
    Thesis Exhibition of original art in the spring of your final year.

In-depth study and hands-on practice in one of eight specialty areas is paired with faculty mentoring and opportunities to engage with visiting artists. Each semester, you’ll meet with WSU faculty to discuss your work, coalesce ideas, and receive constructive feedback and critical directions.

Photo of students and teacher in front of building with mural.
Professor Hedges and his painting class created a mural for the city of Pullman with artist Tori Shao. The finished mural is behind the students and the professor. They are enjoying the successes of their first large outdoor painting.
Person sitting in art studio with paintings in background.
BFA student Collin Scott in his studio with his paintings.
Two students painting ceramics in studio.
Students from Professor Palmer’s class are glazing their work in the glaze room.

The capstone project for the BFA degree is a solo thesis exhibition at the end of your final semester. You’ll work with two faculty advisors to develop a showcase of the work you have completed during your studies. The thesis exhibition is also an opportunity for you to create more ambitious projects and document your work for graduate school applications.

Group of students smiling and laughing in gallery.
BFA Students are having a joyful moment in their thesis exhibition openings.

Admission to the major

You can apply for admission to either degree through your academic advisor.

Have a question or want to learn more?
Contact us!

Alma Rocha
alma_rocha@wsu.edu
509-335-8686