The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Programme
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program at the University of Chicago offers a comprehensive curriculum structured to develop both practical skills and critical thinking in the visual arts. Here a detailed semester-wise breakdown of the typical BFA curriculum:
Year 1
Fall Semester
- Introduction to Studio Art (Drawing or Two-Dimensional Design)
- Introduction to Art History (Survey Course)
- Colour Theory
- Elective/General Education Requirement
Spring Semester
- Foundation Studio: Three-Dimensional Design
- Drawing (Advanced Level)
- Introduction to Photography
- Elective/General Education Requirement
Year 2
Fall Semester
- Intermediate Studio Course (Choose one: Painting, Sculpture, or Printmaking)
- Modern Art History
- Critical Studies in Visual Culture
- Elective/General Education Requirement
Spring Semester
- Intermediate Studio Course (Continue with chosen discipline or switch)
- Art Theory and Criticism
- Specialized Elective in Art History
- Elective/General Education Requirement
Year 3
Fall Semester
- Advanced Studio Course (Focus on chosen medium)
- Contemporary Art Practices
- Elective (Interdisciplinary course or related field)
- Elective/General Education Requirement
Spring Semester
- Advanced Studio Course (Continuation)
- Professional Practices in the Arts
- Elective (Art History or Critical Studies)
- Elective/General Education Requirement
Year 4
Fall Semester
- Capstone Studio Course (Preparation for thesis project)
- Art and Ethics/Art and Activism
- Elective (Focus on any area of interest)
- Elective/General Education Requirement
Spring Semester
- Capstone Exhibition/Thesis Project
- Final Critical Studies Course
- Elective (Final opportunities to explore interests)
- Elective/General Education Requirement
General Education Requirements
- Students must also complete courses in:
- - Humanities
- - Social Sciences
- - Natural Sciences
- - Quantitative Reasoning
Professional Development
- Throughout the program, students have opportunities for:
- - Internships and practical experience.
- - Workshops focused on portfolio development.
- - Engagement in community art projects.
