Studio art and design

U of I's art and design degree might be right for you if you:

• Have strong skills or a broad-based knowledge of art or design.
• Work well with technology and find innovative solutions.
• Are curious, expressive and driven to master your craft.
• Took high school classes in humanities, languages and social sciences.
• 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, history/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 also 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.

Review art and design degree requirements.

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)

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:

• American Institute of Architecture Students
• American Institute of Graphic Artists
• American Society of Interior Designers
• Freedom by Design
• Integrated Designers, Educators and Artists
• National Association of Educators of Art
• New World Design Build
• Student Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architecture
• Student Congress of Art & Architecture
• Tau Sigma Delta - Honor Society
• Virtual Design Society
• 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.

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

Begin your art and design journey with the pre-professional program, which focuses on foundational coursework during your first two years. 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

Apply to the professional B.F.A. in studio art and design program during your sophomore year. This includes a second year Bachelor of Fine Arts review, where you submit your portfolio for evaluation. Portfolio reviews occur mid-semester in the fall and spring. You’ll become a part of the professional program once you successfully complete your 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 300-400-level art courses. Students accepted into the professional program must complete 15 credits of 300-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 490 and ART 495.

Senior-entry admission

In order to take the Senior Experience Coursework — Art 490 BFA Art/Design Studio and Art 495 BFA Senior Thesis — you must submit your work for senior entry review during your junior year. 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.