Undergraduate Overview

With courses on architectural design, representation skills, and architectural history and theory, the Architecture Pathway focuses on architecture and its impacts on public life while allowing students to experiment in areas such as technology and building performance, urbanism and social practice, and the visualization and communication of information.

The Architecture Pathway is an excellent preparation for graduate study in Architecture.

BFA in Fine Arts Studio_Architecture Pathway [PDF]

The Interior Architecture pathway focuses on the experimental design of interior spaces at various scales. Students work across disciplinary boundaries in developing design ideas that are future oriented and addresses the role and impact of interior spaces in the 21st century. The Interior Architecture courses equip students with a progressively broad range of knowledge and skills to become spatial innovators in an exciting field that bridges architecture, object and service design. The pathway is also an excellent preparation for graduate study.

Students who complete the Interior Architecture pathway meet criteria for the NCIDQ examination given by the Council for Interior Design Qualification. For the most up-to-date criteria, go to the CIDQ website.

BFA in Fine Arts Studio_Interior Architecture Pathways [PDF]

Borrowing critically from product design, systems design, furniture design, and interaction design, the Designed Objects Pathway focuses on the critical and creative rethinking of the systems, tools, furnishings, and products that we use or interact with in our everyday lives.

Investigations into how objects extend human potential and inspire imagination are balanced with studies in the responsible and imaginative use of new technologies, materials, and production processes. A concern for sustainability provides an opportunity to explore alternative visions of how we live, work, communicate, and play.

BFA in Fine Arts Studio_Designed Objects Pathway [PDF]

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree provides you a broad education that balances thinking and making, academic rigor, and experimental play. The BFA curriculum integrates academic and studio education--the classroom and the studio inform and enhance each other.

* BFA students must complete at least 6 credit hours in a class designated as "off campus study." These credits can also fulfill any of the requirements listed above and be from any of the divisions (Art History, Studio, Liberal Arts, or General Electives).

BFA With Distinction—SAIC Scholars Program: The SAIC Scholars program is a learning community of BFA students pursuing rigorous study in both their academic coursework and their studio pathways. There are two opportunities for interested students to apply to the SAIC Scholars Program: at the time of admission to the school, and after they have completed 30 credits of study at SAIC. Students pursuing the latter option are required to formally submit an application to the Undergraduate Division. Once admitted to the SAIC Scholars Program, students are required to successfully complete a minimum of six designated scholars courses. Students who complete the program will graduate with distinction.

BFA with Liberal Arts Thesis Program Curriculum: BFA requirements including 9 credits of specific Liberal Arts electives as follows:

• SOCSCI or HUMANITY 3900 Academic Research and Writing (3)
• LIBARTS 4800 Undergraduate Thesis: Research/Writing I (3)
• CAPSTONE 4900 Liberal Arts Undergraduate Thesis: Research/Writing II (3)
• Participation in Undergraduate Thesis Symposium in Senior Year
• Completion of thesis, approved by both Thesis II instructor and Chair of Liberal Arts