Art and Design (B.F.A.)

Art and Design (B.F.A.)
Students in the art studio
Work in the Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design offers three options that students can choose from within the major: an Art Option, an Art Education Option, and a Graphic Design Option.


BFA in Art and Design

The BFA in Art and Design offers three options that students can choose from within the major: a Graphic Design Option, an Art Option, or an Art Education option. 

Learning Outcomes:  

  • Prepare students for professional careers relating to Art and Design and beyond incorporating problem solving, creative thinking, and peer discussion and review.
  • Learn foundational Art and Design skills.
  • Develop an historical framework of fields in Art through contemporary Art and Design History knowledge.
  • Learn to work in multiple medias and become visual communicators.
  • Approach projects through the integration of conceptual and practical aspects of Art and Design process with critical thinking and creative innovation.
  • Cumulative Capstone experience allowing students to discuss contemporary issues, ideas, in a peer review environment.
  • Develop Professional Development Skills (integrate social media, web design, and marketing to promote a vision). 
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Curriculum & Requirements

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
AR 1045Art Foundations 2D: Composition and Content4
AR 1065Art Foundations 3D: Design and Meaning4
AR 1075Art Foundations Drawing: Line and Language4
AH 1150Art History Foundations: Prehistory to 1400 (GACO)4
AH 1160Art History Foundations: 1400-19404
AG 2100Design Software Basics (TECO)4
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
MAMathematics Foundations3-4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 14-8
DICODiversity Connection3-4
WECOWellness Connection3-4
Option Requirements
Complete one from the following required options:61-65
Graphic Design
Art
Art Education
Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 16 credits because CTDI is waived for BFA.

The BFA in Art and Design offers three options that students can choose from within the major: Graphic Design Option, Art Education Option, or an Art Option. 

Graphic Design Option of BFA

The Graphic Design Option includes a core of Foundation courses, Art History courses, Upper-Level Graphic Design Courses (Focus Area), an Integrated Projects course, and a cumulative Art and Design capstone course.  The intent and focus of the Graphic Design option is to graduate students who demonstrate expertise as visual communicators. This option prepares students with a solid visual/educational experience by developing their capacity for critical thinking toward problem-solving, stimulating their creativity and imagination, and preparing them for a wide variety of jobs in graphic design.   

Course Title Credits
Option Requirements
AG 2300Typography4
AG 3200Imagery4
AG 3700PSU Student Design Company4
AG 3450History of Graphic Design (WRCO)4
AG 4200UX/UI: Digital Identity4
AG 4400Brand Design4
AG 3800Publication Design (QRCO)4
AG 3750Digital Animation and Video4
AR 4900Art and Design Capstone4
PT 3200Photography: Darkroom4
3000/4000 level Art course4
Free Elective Credits21-23
Total Credits65-67

Art Education Option of BFA

The BFA in Art and Design: Art Education option incudes a core of Foundation courses, Art History courses, Art Education courses, and Studio courses designed to help the Art Education candidate to develop a broad range of skills for their future classrooms. Additionally, multiple classroom observation opportunities will occur formally throughout each year and will culminate in a full semester teaching internship in a K-12 school (split into two opportunities, K- 8 and then 9-12.)

Course Title Credits
AE 2550Foundations of Art Education4
AE 2660Planning and Pedagogy for a Diverse World (DICO)4
AE 3550Methods and Materials4
AE 3770Curriculum and Assessment4
AE 4880Seminar in Art Education1
AE 4990Art Education Internship in Teaching: K-1212
AH 3000Contemporary Art Since 1940 (GACO,WRCO)4
AR 3015Painting4
AR 3295Printmaking: Cut, Carve, Etch4
AR 3060Multi-Media: Design for the Body (QRCO)4
or AR 3160 Multi-Media: Objects and Design (QRCO)
AR 3220Multi-Media: Ceramic Concepts4
or AR 3230 Multi-Media: Ceramic Design
AR 3940Advanced Studio4
ED 2400Child and Youth Development in Context (WECO)4
ED 2800Inclusive Education and Technology (TECO)4
or SE 3090 Introduction to Special Education: Middle and Secondary
Free Elective Credits3-5
Total Credits64-66

Art Option of BFA

The Art Option has two tracks: Art Focus and Pre-Art Therapy Focus.  Both focus areas include a core of Foundation courses, Art History courses, Upper-Level Art Courses, and a cumulative Art and Design capstone course.  Within the Art Focus students can select from a variety of Art courses in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art History, and Art Education to build their own degree based on student interest to prepare them for a variety of careers within the Arts, such as education, design, professional artist, and museum work. Within the Pre-Art Therapy Focus students take courses from the Art Focus plus Psychology courses to prepare students for entrance requirements in a master’s degree art therapy graduate school program; certification at the Master's level is required to practice Art Therapy.

Course Title Credits
Option Requirements
AH 3000Contemporary Art Since 1940 (GACO,WRCO)4
AR 3940Advanced Studio4
AR 4900Art and Design Capstone4
Focus Area - Create your own focus by selecting from any of the courses listed below or follow the Pre-Art Therapy Focus; one QRCO course required:27
Art Focus
AR 3015
Painting
AR 3125
Painting: Process Exploration
AR 3060
Multi-Media: Design for the Body (QRCO)
AR 3160
Multi-Media: Objects and Design (QRCO)
AR 3220
Multi-Media: Ceramic Concepts
AR 3230
Multi-Media: Ceramic Design
AR 3295
Printmaking: Cut, Carve, Etch
AR 3325
Printmaking: Silkscreen and Alternative Processes
AR 3905
Practicum
AR 3575
Art and Sustainability
AR 4700
Special Topics in Studio Art:
AR 4910
Independent Study in Studio Art
AG 2300
Typography
AG 3200
Imagery
AG 3450
History of Graphic Design (WRCO)
AG 3700
PSU Student Design Company
AG 3750
Digital Animation and Video
AG 3800
Publication Design (QRCO)
AG 4200
UX/UI: Digital Identity
AE 2550
Foundations of Art Education
PT 3200
Photography: Darkroom
PT 3400
Photography: Digital
AE 2660
Planning and Pedagogy for a Diverse World (DICO)
AE 3550
Methods and Materials
AE 3770
Curriculum and Assessment
AH 3735
Gender, Representation, and the Visual Arts (DICO)
TH 2500
Stagecraft Fundamentals (QRCO)
TH 2600
Fundamentals of Costume Construction
Pre-Art Therapy Focus
Select 4 course from the following: Ceramics, Printmaking, Painting, Multi-Media, AE Methods and Materials (courses listed above). In addition, take the following Psychology courses:
PS 2015
Introduction to General Psychology
PS 2055
Life-Span Developmental Psychology
PS 3325
Abnormal Psychology
PS 3115
Research Methods and Statistics I (QRCO,TECO)
Free Elective Credits15-24
Option Total Credits62-65

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Required Option in this Major:

Graphic Design

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
MAMathematics Foundations 3-4
AR 1045 Art Foundations 2D: Composition and Content 4
AR 1065 Art Foundations 3D: Design and Meaning 4
AR 1075 Art Foundations Drawing: Line and Language 4
AG 2100 Design Software Basics (TECO) 4
AH 1150 Art History Foundations: Prehistory to 1400 (GACO) 4
 Credits31-32
Year Two
AH 1160 Art History Foundations: 1400-1940 4
AG 2300 Typography 4
AG 3200 Imagery 4
AG 3450 History of Graphic Design (WRCO) 4
AG 3700 PSU Student Design Company 4
WECOWellness Connection 3-4
DICODiversity Connection 3-4
 Credits26-28
Year Three
AG 3800 Publication Design (QRCO) 4
AG 4200 UX/UI: Digital Identity 4
AG 3750 Digital Animation and Video 4
Directions (choose from PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 16
 Credits28
Year Four
AG 4400 Brand Design 4
AR 4900 Art and Design Capstone 4
AR/PT Upper Level Art or Photography I 3-4
INCPIntegrated Capstone 3-4
Electives 16-18
 Credits30-34
 Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 16 credits because CTDI is waived for BFA Art & Design.

Art

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
MAMathematics Foundations 3-4
AR 1045 Art Foundations 2D: Composition and Content 4
AR 1065 Art Foundations 3D: Design and Meaning 4
AR 1075 Art Foundations Drawing: Line and Language 4
AH 1160 Art History Foundations: 1400-1940 4
AH 1150 Art History Foundations: Prehistory to 1400 (GACO) 4
 Credits31-32
Year Two
Focus Area Course Selection 16
AG 2100 Design Software Basics (TECO) 4
Complete one QRCO: 4
AR 3060
Multi-Media: Design for the Body (QRCO)
AR 3160
Multi-Media: Objects and Design (QRCO)
AG 3800
Publication Design (QRCO)
WECOWellness Connection 3-4
DICODiversity Connection 3-4
 Credits30-32
Year Three
Focus Area Course Selection 9-12
AH 3000 Contemporary Art Since 1940 (GACO,WRCO) 4
Directions (choose from PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 16
 Credits29-32
Year Four
Focus Area Course Selection 4-6
AR 4900 Art and Design Capstone 4
INCPIntegrated Capstone 3-4
Electives 15
 Credits26-29
 Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 16 credits because CTDI is waived for BFA Art & Design. 

Art Education  

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
MAMathematics Foundations 3-4
AR 1045 Art Foundations 2D: Composition and Content 4
AR 1065 Art Foundations 3D: Design and Meaning 4
AR 1075 Art Foundations Drawing: Line and Language 4
AH 1150 Art History Foundations: Prehistory to 1400 (GACO) 4
AE 2550 Foundations of Art Education 4
 Credits31-32
Year Two
AE 2660 Planning and Pedagogy for a Diverse World (DICO) 4
AG 2100 Design Software Basics (TECO) 4
Choose at least two: Ceramics/Sculpture/Print/Paint/QRCO 8-16
ED 2400 Child and Youth Development in Context (WECO) 4
AH 1160 Art History Foundations: 1400-1940 4
 Credits24-32
Year Three
AE 3550 Methods and Materials 4
AE 3770 Curriculum and Assessment 4
AH 3000 Contemporary Art Since 1940 (GACO,WRCO) 4
Directions (choose from PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 1 16
ED 2800
or SE 3090
Inclusive Education and Technology (TECO)
or Introduction to Special Education: Middle and Secondary
4
 Credits32
Year Four
INCPIntegrated Capstone 3-4
AE 4990 Art Education Internship in Teaching: K-12 12
AE 4880 Seminar in Art Education 1
AR 3940 Advanced Studio 4
Electives 3-5
 Credits23-26
 Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 16 because CDTI is waived for BFA Art & Design.

Learning Outcomes for the BFA in Art and Design, Graphic Design Option:  

  • Learn foundational art and design skills. 
  • Students are able to demonstrate expertise as visual communicators.
  • Students are able to approach design problems through the integration of conceptual and practical aspects of the design process with critical acumen and creative innovation.
  • Students develop projects through a combination and balance of both: a) skills developed toward conceptual analyzation, and b) skills in technical proficiency with digital software media.
  • Students are able to engage in sustained research necessary to develop comprehensive corporate identity projects involving logo applications, packaging design, promotional and sales displays, publications, market analysis, client need analysis, comparison of competitors in the market, and target audience analysis.

Learning Outcomes for the BFA in Art and Design, Art Option:  

  • Prepare students for professional careers relating to Art and Design and beyond incorporating problem solving, creative thinking, and peer discussion and review
  • Learn foundational art skills
  • Develop an historical framework of fields in Art through contemporary Art History knowledge
  • Learn to work in multiple medias with potential to choose focus area
  • Cumulative Capstone that brings together students to discuss contemporary issues, ideas, in a peer review environment
  • Develop Professional Development Skills (Integrate social media, web design, and marketing to promote a vision) 
Art Education (K-12) Certification:
  1. Provide arts, pedagogical, curriculum, and assessment leadership and implement best practices in teaching, planning, and pedagogy in contemporary art education settings in a comprehensive art curriculum.
  2. Analyze the developmental learning needs of students and class communities and address these needs in planning and pedagogical practice.
  3. Participate in the school community, build on constructive criticism and self-reflection, advocate for arts education, develop team and community relationships, and work with curriculum and assessment at the program, school, district, and national levels.
  4. Develop confidence, a distinct teaching voice, professional identity as an artist-educator and the active engagement in lifelong learning and ongoing professional development in the arts and education.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge and ability in foundational to advanced studio processes, new media, tools, materials and safety, western and non-western art history, aesthetic theory, art criticism, the role of the arts in society and the development of a portfolio of personal artwork and recognition of exhibition/presentation opportunities.

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IDEA Ambassador Spotlight

Daniela Duque ’26

Daniela Duque, an art-psychology major, has been with the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Center since her first days on campus. “I fell in love with the center’s mission and vision from the moment I walked into that building for the first time!” she says. “What compelled me the most about the idea of working at the center was the opportunity to learn from, help out, and connect with different marginalized communities on campus.”

As a queer person of color, diversity to Daniela means the acknowledgment and acceptance of people's different backgrounds, physical/mental/emotional well-being, and lifestyles. Some of Daniela’s favorite things to do within her free time is to listen to music, read and write, make art, and hang out with friends.

Daniela claims the best part of being an IDEA Ambassador is helping create outreach programs, events, and meaningful relationships with people, both on and outside of the campus community.

If you ever were to find her in a movie, you’d find Daniela in Moonrise Kingdom.

Our IDEA Ambassadors work hard to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and access across our campus and beyond.

Social Justice Leader Daniela Duque
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