Studio Art B.F.A.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

An art student in the studio

PUSH YOUR CREATIVITY FURTHER IN OUR STUDIO ART B.F.A. PROGRAM

The B.F.A. in Studio Art degree at UW is an accredited professional program of study designed to prepare students for graduate school, careers in the visual arts, and professional activity beyond the undergraduate level.  The degree gives B.F.A candidates a strong professional foundation along with theoretical and historical context.

Apply to Program

An art student in the studio

This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

What is Studio Art?

UW’s B.F.A. in Studio Art program requires an application after the successful completion of foundational classes and portfolio review. Students pursuing the degree achieve great knowledge in upper-division studio and art history courses. The degree culminates with two senior year capstone classes leading to a group BFA exhibition of student work.

 

This is a professional program of study designed to prepare students for graduate school and careers in visual arts. Within the program, you'll be able to focus on a discipline within studio art including ceramics, digital media, drawing, metalsmithing, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture, so you can build your portfolio to create a success future in the arts.

 

Students graduating with a B.F.A. in Studio Art can pursue many jobs and often go on to work in museums, galleries, publications and arts organizations. Others start arts-related businesses, and many join local creative communities to continue their studio practice.

A student paints outside
Book A Tour

Want to become involved with our department? Consider getting a tour of the UW Visual Arts facilities to learn more about our spaces and programs.

 

Home to multiple talented artists and teachers, the Department of Visual Arts boasts faculty members who are experts in their craft. Professor Doug Russell focuses on drawing and coordinates the Drawing Program. His work is in several permanent museum collections, including The Museum for Architectural Drawing in Berlin and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

Meet UW's art faculty

A drawing of a structure in Croatia

Photo Credit: "Travel Drawing 1, Split Croatia," Drawing Professor Doug Russell, 2024

 

B.F.A. in Studio Art Program Highlights

Trips & Conferences

Students are encouraged to participate in discipline-specific conferences, some past conferences include the following: Western Cast Iron Conference, Mid-America Print Council and National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts.

 

Involvement in student groups presents opportunities for research, networking and travel. Some recognized organizations include the Student Art League and the Wyoming Sculpture Society. 

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Students majoring in studio art at UW benefit from resources and chances for connection during their academic career and beyond. Our Visual Arts Building houses state-of-the-art facilities including studios for ceramics, digital art, design, drawing, life drawing, metalsmithing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and more!

Photo Credit: BFA student work

Tour Our Space

Studio art students are encouraged to apply for study abroad opportunities and internships. Students can gain direct, hands-on experience with studio classes and community-based activities, such as the annual Iron Pour. Students can also participate in discipline-specific conferences such as MAPC, SGCI, NCECA and SPE.

Photo Credit: BFA Senior Show, Main Gallery, Visual Arts Building, Spring 2022

Student Organizations

Visual Arts graduating seniors have an opportunity to apply for a year-long assistantship after completing their bachelor's degree to gain real-world experience.

Photo Credit: BFA student work displayed in 2023

Post Undergrad Assistantship (PUA)

 

What Can You Do with a B.F.A. in Studio Art?

Students graduating with a B.F.A. in studio art can pursue many jobs and often go on to work in museums, galleries, publications and arts organizations. Others start arts-related businesses, and many join local creative communities to continue their studio practice.

An art student draws

  • Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Interior Designer
  • Teacher
  • Commercial and Industrial Designer
  • Fashion Designer

Here are a few places our University of Wyoming alumni are getting creative!

  • Vermont College of Fine Arts
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre
  • Kumiko Art Studio
  • 3 Square Art Gallery
  • Chautauqua Institute
  • University of Wyoming Art Museum

A B.F.A. in Studio Art stands for Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art. It's a professional degree designed for students who want to fully immerse themselves in the creative process and build a career as a working artist. You'll spend most of your time in the studio, exploring techniques like painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, and more. With its strong focus on hands-on practice and portfolio development, the B.F.A. is perfect for those serious about pursuing art professionally or continuing on to an M.F.A. program.

The main difference between a B.A. and B.F.A. in Studio Art is the focus and intensity of the coursework. A B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) has a heavier emphasis on studio art and hands-on practice. It’s ideal for students who want to become working artists or pursue an M.F.A. A B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in Studio Art, on the other hand, offers more flexibility and a broader liberal arts education, making it an excellent option for students who want to combine their art studies with other interests or career paths.