Academic Resources
Advising | Declaring Majors | BFA Certification
Independent Studies | Internships | Undergraduate Studios
Critiques with Visiting Artists | Study Abroad
Advising
Please contact the Fine Arts office for scheduling advising appointments. New and Returning Student Advising takes place the first week of classes and a week before registration each semester.
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Declaring Majors in Fine Arts
The Department of Fine Arts offers two bachelor's degrees. The Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts degree (BA-FA), is the more general degree. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA) is more specialized, with a focus in a specific studio area, usually in preparation for post-graduate study leading to the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.
The minimum course work you must have before you declare your major is the successful completion of three of the following courses (all FA):
FA102
FA103
FA110
FA111
FA320
FA350
FA201 or FA202
You may be enrolled in two of the above courses during the semester that you declare the major. The only other requirement for acceptance to the BA program is a 2.0 cumulative grade point in Fine Arts courses, and you may apply any time at the FA office (Rm 5072). You should declare the BA-FA major, whether or not you plan to graduate with the BFA degree.
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BFA Certification
To enter the BFA program, you must submit your work for judgement by the faculty in a process called certification. A certification day for the BFA program will take place each semester, and classes in the FA curriculum will be canceled to allow the department's full attention during the process. To apply, you must have finished the above course work, or already be a declared BA candidate. Application forms are available in the FA office (Rm 5072). Dates and deadlines will be announced well in advance in your FA classes, and will be posted on the undergrad bulletin board, located on the right-hand side of the staircase in the main foyer of the Fine Arts Center.
It is recommended that you discuss your intention to apply for the BFA with a faculty member, as soon as possible during your time in the program. You can not certify during your final semester.
In addition to the course work required for the BA-FA, you must have completed or be enrolled in at least six credit hours of classes in your intended major area (Ceramics, Drawing, Digital Media, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture) when you certify. Required courses for certification are:
FA102
FA103
FA110
FA111
FA320
FA350
FA201 or FA202
6 Credit Hours in Major Emphasis
You will be assigned a time and room for certification day, where you will set up your work and meet with faculty members who may question you about your interest in the BFA program. This process requires scheduling, so submission deadlines must be met.
Sixteen original works are required for review:
4 (minimum) of drawing
8 indicating an intended major (i.e. - painting, sculpture, ceramics, etc.)
4 of your choice of medium
A slide portfolio is also required in the form of:
A properly loaded carousel projector tray in a box clearly labeled with your name and ID number. Ask your advisor about proper loading of slides if you are in doubt (if they're upside-down, we will not fix them). A maximum of 16 slides should include 4 (minimum) of drawing, and 12 of your best work, preferably from your studio classes, but work done outside of class is acceptable. Digital media may be substituted for the slide portfolio if your advisor consents. This portfolio will be collected during your presentation for use by the faculty when they meet to decide certification.
BFA candidates will be required to enroll in FA493 during their final semester in the program, and must complete a senior project in the form of a solo exhibition. There are additional requirements for candidates enrolled in the honors program.
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Independent Studies
Independent Study must be arranged with an instructor. Please contact them directly and download the appropriate fa499 forms to the right.
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Internships
Internships (FA495) are available in Digital Media and other areas when applicable. These must be arranged by the student and an advisor selected from the Fine Arts faculty.
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Undergraduate Studios
Housed in the Fine Arts Center are the undergraduate studios. These are personal studio spaces awarded to art majors who show exceptional motivation and talent. The spaces are allocated by the faculty after reviewing portfolio applications and are open to all of our certified majors. Applications are due at the beginning of each semester. Please contact the fine arts office for more information.
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Critiques with Visiting Artists
BA and BFA students may sign up for critiques with visiting artists when available. A sign-up sheet will be posted outside the BFA studios on the 4th floor.
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Study Abroad
The Department of Fine Arts has a tuition-free exchange for four students with the School of Fine Arts at Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan. All art majors at WSU are eligible for this one-year study in Japan. Selection is made in the winter. Other opportunities for undergraduate study abroad in Europe, Australia, and the Far East are available from the Office of International Students and Scholars. Exchanges are also available with Hongik University in Seoul, South Korea, one of the top art schools in Asia. For more information contact Kevin Haas (5-7202) or International Programs.
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