The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Literacy Requirement:

See Mathematics and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must complete the GE Written Communication (A2) requirement before you may register for a WP course.

Laptop Requirement

To complete this program, the student must have the use of a laptop computer. Please consult with the department for current hardware and software requirements. Students qualify to receive special education discounts on computers and software sold through the Associated Students Bookstore (an Apple authorized campus store). For some programs, in an effort to lower student expenses, bundles consisting of a specially priced Apple laptop computer with the program's required software will be made available at the beginning of each academic year through the Associated Students Bookstore. This laptop computer package is expected to serve the student for the entire length of the program.

Course Requirements for the Major: 72 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Additional required courses, depending upon the selected Option (Art Studio or Interior Architecture) are outlined within the requirements below.

Courses common to the BFA Option in Art Studio and the Option in Interior Architecture are; ARTS 122, ARTS 123, ARTS 125, and ARTS 250; and one course selected from ARTH 110, ARTH 140, or ARTH 150.

Major Option Course Requirements: 72 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.  Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.

• The Option in Art Studio
• The Option in Interior Architecture

The Option in Art Studio: 72 units

Prerequisites for Admission to the BFA Option in Art Studio

Students who declare themselves an Art Major in the Department of Art and Art History are placed in the BA program. After completion of the Lower-Division Option requirements below, students may apply for admission into the BFA, and in most instances, they will be able to apply their lower division ARTS and ARTH coursework towards the BFA requirements. Advisors will clarify receiving credits toward the BFA. It is advisable to have taken upper division art studio courses in the area of your emphasis before applying to the BFA in Art Studio Option. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is needed to apply to the program. Admission to the program is determined by a portfolio review. Students in the BFA Art Studio Option must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in order to remain in the program.

Lower-Division Requirements: 27-30 units

The Digital Intermedia emphasis requires 27 units of lower-division coursework.  All other emphases require 30 units.  The 3 unit difference is made up in the upper-division coursework.

5 courses required:

1 course selected from:

1 course selected from:

3 courses selected from:

Students interested in the Digital Intermedia emphasis select two courses from the list below. Students interested in the Photography emphasis are required to take ARTS 240 and ARTS 241 as two of the three courses listed below.

Upper-Division Requirements: 42-45 units

The Digital Intermedia Emphasis below requires 45 units of upper-division coursework. All other emphasis require 42 units.

Art Studio Courses: 21-24 units

Students must select a single emphasis from one of the following studio course groups to fulfill this requirement. Select 21-24 units from the emphasis group. Most studio courses at the 300 level may be taken two times for credit, and 400-level courses four times for credit. A minimum of 12 units must be taken at the 400 level. Painting and drawing courses may be combined for a single emphasis for the BFA degree.

Ceramics Group

24 units selected from:

Digital Intermedia Group

The emphasis in Digital Intermedia is for the fine art student who chooses to integrate digital media with any combination of traditional media, and/or new media. It is an interdisciplinary degree for thinkers and makers exploring new technologies or hybrid forms. The emphasis allows students to customize their course choices to best meet their creative needs. This customization must be made in consultation with the BFA faculty mentor.

21 units selected from:

Drawing Group

24 units selected from:

Glass Design Group

24 units selected from:

Students with a glass emphasis, where the course selections allow for only 18 units, may fulfill their additional 9 units by taking ARTS 399, ARTS 489, ARTS 499, or by splitting their emphasis between two disciplines (such as glass and sculpture).

Painting Group

24 units selected from:

Photography Group

24 units selected from:

A maximum of 6 units may be selected from CDES 396, CDES 496, JOUR 353, and JOUR 453.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
ARTS 340	Intermediate Fine Art Photography		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Introductory photography course on the college level, or faculty permission. Concentration on expressive and aesthetic aspects of photography in fine arts. Emphasis on ability to manipulate and compose with light as a most crucial element in the organization of plastic space. 6 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (000786)
ARTS 343	Fine Art Non-Silver Photography		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: ARTS 340 or permission of instructor. This course provides an introduction to contemporary techniques and aesthetics of non-silver photography. Both historical and non-traditional photographic processes and their application to fine art photography are covered in this course. 6 hours activity. (000789)
ARTS 440	Advanced Fine Art Photography		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: ARTS 340, CDES 396, JOUR 453, or faculty permission. This course provides instruction in the design, construction, and presentation of photographically produced artworks. During the semester, students are required to produce a portfolio quality body of artwork. Theoretical and historical relationships to the student artwork are discussed. 6 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 12.0 units. (000872)
ARTS 443	Advanced Fine Art Non-Silver Photography		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: ARTS 343. Advanced exploration of contemporary techniques and aesthetics of non-silver photography. This course provides instruction in the design, construction, and presentation of non-silver and/or non-traditional photographic artworks. Students produce a portfolio quality body of artwork. 6 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (015013)
CDES 396	Intermediate Photography and Digital Imaging		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 206 (with a grade of C or higher). This course addresses photographic perception, creative process, and a more thorough investigation of narrative editing practices and techniques related to digital photography. Technical concepts include advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging processing for high-quality digital output. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001737)
CDES 496	Applied Photography and Digital Imaging		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 396 with a grade of C or higher or faculty permission. This course addresses the development and execution of a single photography project culminating in a final portfolio. Individual research on historic and contemporary photo-practices is expected. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001794)
JOUR 353	Photojournalism		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: JOUR 260 for majors, no prerequisite for non-majors. Theory and practice of news photography, including picture-taking for college publications, as well as special photographic projects. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (002011)
JOUR 453	Advanced Photojournalism		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: ARTS 240 or APCG 112 or CDES 206 or JOUR 353. This course deals with the advanced skills, theory, history, and ethics of newspaper and magazine photojournalism. It builds on basics from the prerequisite course to develop the photography skills of students who seek to become professional photojournalists. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020492)

Printmaking Group

24 units selected from:

Sculpture Group

24 units selected from:

Or the following group of courses may be selected:

Students may fulfill the required 24 units in this emphasis with Internship credits (ARTS 489) or Special Problems (ARTS 399, ARTS 499), to be arranged with the area faculty.

Art Studio Electives: 6-12 units

6 units selected from:

Any upper-division studio ARTS courses outside the student's emphasis selected from the group above.

Digital Intermedia students take 12 units that may be focus related courses outside of ARTS. Electives to be selected with and at the discretion of the BFA faculty mentor. Examples of subjects outside of ARTS are APCG, CDES, CSCI, and MUSC.

Art History Courses: 6 units

1 course required:

1 course selected from:

Professional Preparation: 6 units

2 courses required:

The Option in Interior Architecture: 72 units

Laptop Requirement

To complete this program, the student must have the use of a laptop computer. Please consult with the department for current hardware and software requirements. Students qualify to receive special education discounts on computers and software sold through the Associated Students Bookstore (an Apple authorized campus store). For some programs, in an effort to lower student expenses, bundles consisting of a specially priced Apple laptop computer with the program's required software will be made available at the beginning of each academic year through the Associated Students Bookstore. This laptop computer package is expected to serve the student for the entire length of the program.

Grading Requirement

1. All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.
2. A grade of C- or higher is needed to pass all Interior Architecture Lower Division Option Requirements.
3. A total grade point average of at least 2.5 for all coursework is required.

Advising Requirement

Advising by IDES faculty is mandatory for all majors in this degree program.

Lower-Division Requirements: 36 units

9 courses required:

1 course selected from:

6 units selected from:

Students may take courses outside of the Art and Art History department, for example in BADM, CDES, CMGT, THEA and, upon advisor recommendation, to fulfill some requirements in this area.

Upper-Division Requirements: 36 units

7 courses required:

ARTS 489 must be taken for at least 3 units.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
IDES 333	Graphics III: CAD for Interior Design		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: IDES 231. This course introduces the use of the microcomputer as a tool for interior design illustration, drafting, and design development. A fundamental computer graphics course for interior design students, this course builds skills and technical knowledge in image processing, two-dimensional drawing and three-dimensional modeling of building interiors. 6 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (000766)
IDES 372	Interior Materials and Finishes		3.0	FA
Prerequisite: IDES 231. This course focuses on the materials available to the interior designer and their characteristics, sources, and applications. Properties and appropriate uses for interior construction and finish materials are explored. Through lectures, presentations, and the preparation of construction details, students become familiar with the application of a wide variety of interior materials and finishes. Green design and sustainability are examined. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (000734)
IDES 373	Interior Lighting and Color		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: ARTS 122, IDES 231, IDES 251. This course focuses on lighting design based upon critical awareness of the luminous environment. Lighting fundamentals and applications for various types of interior environments are emphasized. Energy conservation and efficiency are also examined. This course addresses the relationship of interior lighting and color. Students explore the application of color theory to interior design. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (000768)
IDES 434	Graphics IV: Construction Documentation for Interior Design		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: IDES 231. This course emphasizes the overview of interior design construction and creating a set of documentation. The course covers advanced problems in design and detailing of interior finish systems such as interior architecture and cabinetry. Exploration and production of interior mechanical and millwork drawings and construction documents. Integration of building codes and life safety issues. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020727)
IDES 474	Building Systems and Environmental Technologies		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: IDES 231, IDES 251, IDES 372 or faculty permission. This course focuses on interior building systems in relation to human sensory reactions, psychological factors, health, safety, and comfort. Building codes relating to building systems are addressed. The vocabulary and concepts of environmental technologies related to interior design are examined. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020730)
IDES 485	Professional Practice and Portfolio		3.0	FS	GW
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; 6 units of upper division IDES-studio electives. This course familiarizes students with the everyday business, legal, financial, and ethical considerations of the practicing designer. A case study is used to explain the formation of a design business, its operations and designer/client and designer/vendor relationships; project scope analysis and contract analysis for residential and contract projects; insurance, fees and compensation; public relations; and dispute resolution. This course provides an introduction to various formats and processes used in creating a portfolio. Organization and graphic solutions are emphasized for portfolio development. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (000866)

3 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
IDES 452	Residential Design		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: IDES 231, IDES 232, IDES 251. Conceptual process, design theory, and programmatic concerns involved in residential interior design with an emphasis on professional applications. Building codes related to residential spaces are addressed. Green design and sustainability are examined. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (000817)
IDES 453	Corporate and Institutional Design		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: IDES 231, IDES 232, IDES 251. Students design corporate offices and institutional spaces such as day-care centers and libraries. Practical issues such as compliance with building codes, sustainability, and use of modular furniture systems are addressed in relation to building types. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (000820)
IDES 454	Hospitality Design		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: IDES 231, IDES 232, IDES 251. This course emphasizes the elements used by the designer in the development of hospitality interior spaces such as restaurants, clubs, coffee shops, and hotels. Both conceptual and practical issues are explored relative to site analysis, programming, space planning, green design, circulation, volume, furnishings, color, and texture in the design of interior space. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (000863)
IDES 455	Retail and Exhibition Design		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: IDES 231, IDES 232, IDES 251. This course introduces students to design branded environments, showroom, tradeshow exhibit, retail store, and museum. Students learn about design concept, development, space utilization, fixtures, and display as well as the role the interior designer plays in branding and the selling of a product. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020728)
IDES 456	Furniture Design and Fabrication		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: IDES 231, IDES 232, IDES 251. This design studio focuses on the aesthetic and functional issues related to the creation of custom freestanding furniture. Design and production of both hard and soft goods are covered. Special attention is given to anthropometric and ergonomic considerations, as well as the fabrication materials and construction methods. Students produce full scale furniture of their own design. 6 hours activity. (020729)

Art History Requirements: 3 units

1 course required:

Interior Architecture Capstone Studio: 3 units

1 course required:

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.