Unleash Your Creative Potential
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) offers an intensive program designed to prepare you for a professional career in the arts or further graduate study.
"My favorite thing about UNO's BFA program is the community it builds. This community of students, faculty, and staff has had such an impact on me and my practice, and I know I'm a better artist because of them." — Clarissa Weitzel, BFA Studio Art
What is a BFA in Studio Art?
A professional degree, students interested in pursuing a graduate degree or a career as an artist should select this option. Admittance into the BFA program requires a faculty review. Through the production of a body of work students explore and develop the form and content of their personal artistic vision. The degree culminates in a thesis exhibition in the UNO Art Gallery.
Choose from six exciting concentrations to tailor your artistic journey:
- Two Dimensional Arts
- Three Dimensional Arts
- Graphic Design
- Media Arts
- Illustration
- Studio Arts K-12 Certification
BFA vs. BA in Studio Art
Program Requirements
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Complete key General Education requirements (English, Math, Oral Communication)
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Finish Art History Core, Studio Core I & II
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Complete three upper-division courses in their concentration
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Maintain a 3.0 GPA in the major
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Secure a full-time faculty member as BFA committee chair
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Students must then achieve candidacy in the BFA program, and complete the required coursework, totaling 78 credit hours Download the BFA Degree Worksheet
Candidacy Application
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BFA Application Form with student and advisor signatures and chosen concentration.
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Portfolio of work in the chosen area (e.g., 10 labeled digital images, video, or physical samples).
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Written Statement discussing influences, aesthetic concerns, motivation for the BFA, and contact info.
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Degree Works Audit printout
Two Dimensional Arts
The concentration in Two Dimensional Arts comprises the studio areas of drawing, painting, and printmaking.
DrawingBuild a strong foundation in drawing principles, understand drawing’s distinct artistic properties, enhance your observational skills, and explore personal expression through various techniques and materials.
PaintingDevelop your skills in various painting mediums, mastering the visual language and technique of each. Exploring traditional or alternative modes of painting, create a distinctive body of work with guidance from experienced faculty.
Printmaking
Find your personal voice and prepare for diverse professional opportunities while exploring traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques. Through interdisciplinary exploration apply your skills to fields like graphic design, book arts, and mixed media.
View the Four-Year Plan in the Catalog
Three Dimensional Arts
Book ArtsLearn about artist books, bookbinding techniques, letterpress printing, hand papermaking and the equipment associated with these. Develop an understanding of image and text relationships, contemporary book arts practice, and publishing techniques.
CeramicsGain experience hand-building and wheel throwing ceramic objects, and learning about glaze chemistry, decorative techniques, kiln firing, and studio maintenance. Through an exploration of historical and contemporary ceramics, create innovative works.
SculptureExplore the three-dimensional form in a variety of materials and techniques including carving, casting, installation, assemblage, and multi-media. Understanding sculpture’s visual and conceptual capabilities, develop your unique voice and create sophisticated and distinctive works.
View the Four-Year Plan in the Catalog
Graphic Design
Prepare for a career in various fields of print media, video, web, and mobile design. Start with foundational concepts and progress to complex design projects, integrating real-world client work through the AIGA UNO student group.
View the Four-Year Plan in the Catalog
Media Arts
The concentration in Media Arts comprises two studio options, Game Design and Intermedia and Digital Art. Media Arts students create innovative digital art using contemporary techniques with a focus on experimentation, image-making, story-telling, and play experiences within digital media.
Game DesignPrepare for a career in the gaming industry by focusing on the artistic and professional aspects of game development, including visual content creation, game mechanics, and game design theories.
Intermedia and Digital Art
Approach media making as a contemporary art practice, taking risks and developing a serious artistic practice.
View the Four-Year Plan in the Catalog
Illustration
Explore visual storytelling through traditional and digital media. Create comics, children's book illustrations, and more, while developing a professional portfolio and learning about the business side of illustration.
View the Four-Year Plan in the Catalog
Studio Art with K-12 Certification
Complete coursework, testing, and clinical practice to become certified to teach art in Nebraska. Learn to integrate art content knowledge with teaching practices, communicate with diverse populations, and engage in professional development.
Students who earn their PK-12 teaching certification can teach PK-12 art or pursue an M.A. or M.Ed. program in Art Education or a M.S. degree in Education.
The Studio Art degree with PK-12 Certification is currently accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and approved by the Nebraska State Department of Education.
Example B.A. in studio art with pk-12 art education certification four-year plan
The Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art PK-12 Certification degree allows UNO to recommend graduates for Nebraska licensure as PK-12 art teachers.
In addition, candidates must pass the Praxis II – Art Content Knowledge (5134) with a score of 158 or higher to meet state licensure requirements.
View results for candidates completing Praxis II
Why Choose the BFA at UNO?
- Diverse Concentrations: Tailor your degree to your interests with six unique concentrations.
- Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience in well-equipped studios.
- Professional Preparation: Develop a professional portfolio and gain real-world experience.
- Supportive Community: Learn from experienced faculty and collaborate with peers.