The Bachelor of Fine Art (B.F.A.) Major in Visual Art (VISA) offers students a focused program of visual art practice, critical theory and art history.
The B.F.A. in Visual Art normally consists of four years of study, and is designed for students seeking a liberal education through the practice and study of art within a dynamic university setting. It provides a solid foundation for students wishing to study or work in a variety of fields involving the making and understanding of visual art and contemporary aesthetics.
Admission
First-year students may be admitted to the B.F.A. Visual Art program directly from secondary school. Students may also apply to transfer to the program in years two or three. In all cases a supplementary application is required and admission depends upon Departmental approval. Please see Admission and Transfer.
B.F.A. Major in Visual Art Requirements
Lower Level
- 9 credits of VISA 110, VISA 180, VISA 183 with a cumulative average of at least 72%. In special circumstances VISA 110 may be taken as a co-requisite with select 200-level VISA courses
- VISA 101 BFA Studio Practice*
- 6 credits of 100- or 200-level ARTH. These credits are normally completed across years 1 and 2
- VISA 280 Contemporary Art: Ideas as Practice II
- 12 credits of 200-level VISA studios with a cumulative average of at least 72%
*VISA 101 is currently only available to students entering the BFA in Visual Art for 1st year. Students joining at the 2nd or 3rd year level can take an alternative course, usually within the Department of Art History, Visual Art, and Theory, in consultation with the department advisor, to meet this requirement.
Upper Level
- VISA 380 Studio Theory
- 15 credits 300-level VISA
- 6 credits of upper level (300- or 400-level) ARTH
- VISA 480 and 481 Advanced Seminars, must be taken sequentially
- 12 credits of 400-level VISA studios
- 3 credits of 400-level VISA, may be studio or Special Topics
B.F.A. Honours Program
The B.F.A. Honours in Visual Art uses the same strengths and range as the B.F.A., yet is designed for those students who are both outstanding in terms of overall achievement and want to further enhance their study with advanced work in visual art. Students are expected to maintain a minimum average of 80% for this program option. The Honours program includes additional course requirements:
- 6 credits of additional 400-level Art History coursework; and
- 6 credits of additional 400-level Visual Art coursework
Students who wish to enter the Honours program must obtain permission from the Undergraduate Visual Art Faculty Advisor.