The Painting and Drawing BFA Program | Academic Requirements
Student Learning Outcomes | Courses | Faculty

The Painting and Drawing BFA Program: Student Learning Outcomes

(2006–07)

Major learning outcomes and assessment measures

Students graduating with a BFA in painting and drawing should have:

1. An understanding of basic principles of design and color, concepts, media and formats, and the ability to apply them to a specific aesthetic intent.
2. A functional knowledge of the traditions, conventions, and evolutions of the discipline as related to issues of representation, illusion, and meaning.
3. A knowledge and skills in the use of basic tools and techniques sufficient to work from concept to finished product. This includes mastery of the traditional technical and conceptual approaches to drawing and painting.
4. An ability to synthesize the use of drawing, painting, two-dimensional design, and color from basic studies to the development of advanced capabilities and a personal voice.
5. A functional knowledge of the history of drawing and painting.

A successful student should be prepared for graduate school and, in some cases, direct professional practice. The successful student will have an understanding of the artistic and creative process, applicable to any field of endeavor as well as a knowledge of art history and contemporary studio practice; a personal voice and artistic direction, and the tools to make a life in the arts.

Attainment of these competencies is demonstrated in senior projects and in the success of alumni/ae of the program after graduation. Many painting and drawing graduates work in the field as practicing professionals: artists, teachers, designers, and museum staff. The acceptance into graduate programs, the prestige of these programs, exhibition in commercial galleries and museums, and participation in the “art world” are measures used to assess the learning outcomes.

Also refer to the Foundation Program: Student Learning Outcomes.

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