COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art at Kent State University is a pre-professional program that emphasizes conceptual development, technical skill, and independent problem-solving to prepare students for careers or advanced study in the visual arts. Students engage in rigorous studio practice, critique, and study of contemporary and historical art and design concepts. The program culminates in a senior thesis exhibition where students present a cohesive body of work for evaluation by faculty, demonstrating mastery of both creative practice and professional standards.The major requires foundational courses in 2D and 3D composition, digital media, drawing, art history, and professional practices, as well as upper-division studio electives. Students complete a concentration, choosing from Ceramics, Drawing, Glass, Jewelry, Metals and Enameling, Painting, Print Media and Photography, Sculpture and Expanded Media, or Textiles. Each concentration includes a combination of required courses and electives designed to develop both technical proficiency and conceptual understanding in the chosen medium. For example, Ceramics students progress from introductory courses to advanced clay techniques, while Drawing students explore structure, experimentation, and advanced interdisciplinary approaches. Glass students study blowing, kiln-forming, and sculptural techniques, and Jewelry, Metals, and Enameling students integrate fabrication, smithing, and contemporary methods. Painting students refine observational and conceptual skills, and Print Media and Photography students combine traditional and experimental techniques. Sculpture students gain experience in modeling, installation, and time-based practices, and Textiles students explore weaving, digital methods, dyeing, and design within conceptual and historical contexts.Additional requirements include core curriculum courses in composition, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, and basic sciences, along with general electives to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours. Students engage in formative reviews, professional practices, and independent research projects to ensure both breadth and depth of artistic expertise. The program prepares graduates to produce professional-quality work, think critically about art and culture, and pursue specialized careers or advanced study in the arts.