To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
University Honors Program | Optional |
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The BFA degree encompasses knowledge, skills, and dispositions that upon graduation lead to highly qualified studio artists. Students are expected to exhibit strong evidence of achieving a level of proficiency necessary for graduation and to participate effectively in a competitive visual arts market. In this program, students learn about creating successful and original artworks, problem solving and critical thinking, creative and innovative planning strategies, art history and criticism, business practices for artists, industrial and non-industrial applications of studio processes, and how to choose a graduate program.
Painting
The BFA Painting emphasis teaches a technical approach to painting that promotes individual creativity, and prepare students for the challenges of transitioning into the art world. One of the most demanding aspects of painting is problem-solving. Students are taught to apply critical thinking and analysis, as well as technical painting processes towards the production of art while building an open mind to criticism respect for public opinion. Visual art is also an avenue for social change. Our studio arts program encourages students to open the door for expressing themselves on a diversity of local, national, and global issues.
Sculpture:
The BFA Sculpture emphasis prepares graduates for future demands faced by the visual artist. Our graduates learn skills for both logical thought and effective expression, strive for more creative uses of sculptural processes, develop insights needed to appreciate the value and quality of sculpture, and build their historical and cultural knowledge by studying the works of other times and diverse peoples. Our students appreciate the global contexts of art, as well as the social, civic, and environmental responsibilities that come with a liberal arts education. Our graduates have attained the high-level of technical and critical skills needed to compete in graduate and professional schools and to succeed in the world at large. Sculpture students are prepared to become productive and responsible members of the communities in which they live.
Ceramics
The BFA Ceramics emphasis prepares graduates for the future demands of a career in visual art and/or success at the graduate MFA level. Students learn through a detailed curriculum all of the making and firing processes in ceramics, to know and understand sound craftsmanship and to think critically in design decisions. Our curriculum also provides a sound education in the technical aspects of ceramics, like an understanding of ceramic materials through glaze calculation and the practical knowledge of kiln design and construction. We also cultivate discussion of historical, contemporary and social issues so that students are well prepared for the next step in their careers and that they can be knowledgeable members of the visual arts community
Printmaking
The BFA Printmaking emphasis prepares graduates for future demands faced by the visual artist. Our graduates learn skills for both logical thought and effective expression, strive for more creative uses of printmaking processes, develop insights needed to appreciate the value and quality of printmaking, and build their historical and cultural knowledge by studying the works of other times and diverse peoples. Our students appreciate the global contexts of art, as well as the social, civic, and environmental responsibilities that come with a liberal arts education. Our graduates have attained the high-level of technical and critical skills needed to compete in graduate and professional schools and to succeed in the world at large. Printmaking students are prepared to become productive and responsible members of the communities in which they live.
Student Learning Outcomes
Degree Program Student Learning Outcomes for the Bachelor of Fine Arts: (BFA) encompass knowledge, skills, and dispositions that upon graduation lead to highly qualified studio artists. Students are expected to exhibit strong evidence of achieving a level of proficiency necessary for graduation and to participate effectively in a competitive visual arts market.
Studio Arts Core Learning Outcomes
Take the following 54 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
The two elective tracks selected above must differ from your emphasis.
Emphasis Requirements
Select an emphasis that differs from either of the elective tracks chosen above. Take the following 30 units with a grade of C or better in each course.
Ceramics Emphasis (30 units)
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
You must have completed all of the coursework used to fulfill these requirements within the last 10 years.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.