School of Art

Andy Beane, Interim Director

bsu.edu/art

The School of Art inspires and educates artists, designers, scholars and teachers. The School of Art offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with concentrations in animation, ceramics, drawing, glass, metals, painting, photography and intermedia art, printmaking, sculpture, and visual communication/graphic design, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with licensure in Art Education. Students may also pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in graphic communications management or in art with a concentration in either art history or studio art. Minors in art history, art studio and graphic communications management also are available.

All concentration areas in the School of Art have fully dedicated studios and labs, including the state-of-the-art Marilyn Glick Center for Glass. The curriculum is complemented by a rich calendar of visiting artists, designers and scholars, as well as a full schedule of professional and student exhibitions in our Atrium Gallery. School of Art students and faculty also enjoy a close collaboration with the David Owsley Museum of Art on campus. Art majors have exceptional opportunities for internships, practicums, immersive learning, field trips and study abroad. 

A portfolio is required for admittance to the BFA degree programs and for scholarship consideration. BA or BS degree students are not required to submit portfolios unless applying for art scholarships. All students in the school complete a common first-year art foundations program of study comprised of required courses in drawing, 2d, 3d, 4d and art history.

• First-time freshmen submit both the university application and art program application indicating the degree and program of interest. Before final acceptance into any art program, applicants must first be admitted to the university.

• The School of Art Admission and Scholarship Committee carefully screens all BFA degree applicants and decides which students to admit into the program based upon a review of academic records and portfolio of original artwork.

• Currently enrolled studio art majors (BA degree) and students enrolled in other majors across campus who want to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in art must successfully complete the first year foundation studio courses (ADS 101, ADS 102, ADS 103; AFA 101) with a grade of C or higher.

Transfer students from other universities are required to submit portfolios to the School of Art as well as transcripts for evaluation and admittance to the BFA degree program. BA or BS degree students are only required to submit portfolios for course credit evaluation. Applications and portfolios for BFA degree program consideration can be submitted to meet the deadline for first-time freshmen.

• Transfer students specializing in any program must complete the first-year foundation core courses (ADS 101, ADS 102, ADS 103; AFA 101) before being admitted to areas of concentrations in the second year of study. For BFA students wishing to pursue a concentration in animation or visual communication & graphic design, it is unusual for students to be admitted at any point other than at the beginning of the three-year sequence of courses.

• Course Evaluation for Transfer Students. Additionally, transfer students from other universities are required to submit a portfolio of artwork and course syllabi to determine art program credit. We recommend transfer students keep course syllabi, project descriptions, and sketchbooks; preserve artwork or projects from each course (actual work or digital images); bring all materials for any review process; and to follow through with any part of the course evaluation process that was not completed at the first meeting.

Students specializing in any art program must receive grades of C or higher in all first-year foundation core courses (ADS 101, ADS 102, ADS 103; AFA 101) before enrolling in advanced level courses. Students must repeat courses in which they receive grades of C- or below. Students that meet the grade requirement will then select an area of concentration for the second through fourth years of study. Concentrations involve a three-year sequence of courses beyond the first-year foundation core.

• Animation (BFA degree) – Successful completion of a second portfolio review is required for admission into the Animation concentration. The artwork for this review must come from college level art courses. Review guidelines are revised periodically and made available through the School of Art.

• Visual Communication/Graphic Design (BFA degree) – Successful completion of a second portfolio review is required for admission into the Visual Communication/Graphic Design concentration. The artwork for this review must come from college level art courses. Review guidelines are revised periodically and made available through the School of Art.

• Visual Arts Education (BA/BS degree) – Students wanting to pursue a teaching major must meet all teacher certification and GPA requirements. An art portfolio is not required unless applying for art scholarships. Students are encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor.

All students in the school undergo periodic reviews of their portfolios throughout their undergraduate education. The school reserves the right to retain digital copies of student work for exhibition and accreditation. All concentrations require a senior thesis and/or an exit portfolio evaluation, presentation or exhibition.

Students are strongly advised to pursue required course sequences during the regular academic year. Summer school courses are limited and are subject to last minute changes or cancellations.

All students may enroll in art history courses based on the completion of the prerequisites. Minors are not required to submit an art application but must receive approval from the School of Art. Minors may begin art courses in the spring or summer term. 

Most studio art courses (ACR, ADS, AFA, ART) are open only to art majors and minors except by permission of the director of the school.

Ball State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

For more information, visit the School of Art website or call 765-285-5838.