Studio art and design
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bring your creative vision to life
U of I's Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in studio art and design degree program is for aspiring artists and designers. You’ll strengthen your creative voice, refine your technical abilities and develop versatile, marketable skills through hands-on studio courses, real-world projects and networking with industry professionals. These experiences prepare you for a variety of careers in the arts. Graduate with a portfolio that showcases your abilities, accomplishments and growth as an artist or designer.
Why become an art and design major at U of I?
Discover what makes our B.F.A. in studio art and design unique:
- Four-year professional degree: Graduate with a studio art and design degree that provides the foundation required for careers in art and design.
- Personalized instruction: Experience close mentorship from expert faculty who are dedicated to your growth as a creative professional.
- Real-world experience: Interact with clients, participate in service-learning projects, and work and collaborate with artists and designers. and designers through internships and networking opportunities.
- Art specializations: Personalize your degree by focusing on one area of emphasis, such as painting, graphic design, sculpture, printmaking, interaction design, experience design or ceramics.
- Senior Studio: Complete a year-long Senior Studio that ends in showcasing your personal work.
View the sample four-year plan for this degree.
Overview
From canvas to career
Degree fit
U of I's art and design B.F.A. degree might be right for you if you:
- Have strong skills or a broad-based knowledge of art or design.
- Work well with technology to find innovative solutions.
- Are curious, expressive, and driven to master your craft.
- Enjoy the challenges and rewards of hand-making in a variety of media.
- Value collaboration and thrive in a supportive, creative environment.
Curriculum and courses
To graduate with a B.F.A. in studio art and design, you’ll complete 120 required credits composed of U of I’s general requirements, studio courses, art history and theory courses, critical writing and professional practices. Studio coursework emphasizes technical skills, creative thinking and professional preparation. The non-studio coursework rounds out the studio experiences and develops critical thinking that supports art and design practice.
The four-year art and design degree program offers opportunities to customize your education with electives across art and design areas. Similar to lab work in STEM majors, you’ll spend time completing hands-on work in art and design studios, especially during your year-long Senior Studio.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,031 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Postsecondary Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers • Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers
$82,694 - Art Directors
$92,518 - Art Therapists
$72,284 - Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
$85,793 - Photographers
$44,876
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that student can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Professional fees
CAA’s Professional Fee directly supports essential resources such as design studios, specialized equipment, student groups and more. Fee costs are:
- All full-time students (10-20 credits) - $716.00 per semester
- Part-time undergraduate students (1-9 credits) - $72.00 per credit
- Part-time graduate students - $80.00 per credit (does not exceed $716.00)
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Involvement opportunities
Explore your passion for art and design while collaborating with your classmates, building new skills and gaining experience that you can put on your resume. Find a student group in the College of Art and Architecture where you belong:
- AIGA – The Professional Association for Design
- Student Congress of Art & Architecture
- Vandal Printmakers Guild
- Visual Arts Community
Internships in studio art and design
CAA can connect you with internship opportunities with art non-profits, galleries, museums, private firms and more. Whether you’re curating exhibits, creating visual campaigns or contributing to public art initiatives, these internships allow you to apply your skills and build a strong professional portfolio.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.
Program specific admission requirements
First-year admission
The art and design journey begins with the pre-professional program, which is two years of foundational coursework. Portfolio reviews are not required for admission into the pre-professional program, but you must meet U of I’s general admission requirements.
Second-year admission
Students apply to the professional B.F.A. in Studio Art and design program during their sophomore year. This includes a second year Bachelor of Fine Arts review, where students submit their portfolio for evaluation. Portfolio reviews occur mid-semester in the fall and spring. Students become part of the professional program once they successfully complete their second year review.
Note: Students may reapply for entry twice. Students accepted must maintain a minimum institutional GPA of 2.75 and receive a grade of C or better in all 3000-4000-level art courses. Students accepted into the professional program must complete 15 credits of 3000-level studio courses with at least 6 of the 15 credits in one sequential studio area and 6 credits of art history before registration in ART 4900 and ART 4950.
Senior-entry admission
Students submit their work for senior entry review during their junior year. Once approved, students are able to enroll in Senior Experience courses, Art 4900 B.F.A. Art/Design Studio and Art 4950 B.F.A. Senior Thesis. Portfolio reviews occur mid-semester in the fall and spring.
Note: If an application is unsuccessful, students may reapply for entry during the following semester review.