Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major
Description of the Major
Studio art is a major offered by the School of Art, Design and Art History, within the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Within the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, the studio art major is intended for students interested in pursuing a program of art study that promotes lifelong learning with an emphasis on the humanities. The B.A. in studio art is designed for students who seek a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts and who have an interest or background in the humanities.
Within the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree, the studio art major is intended for those students whose goal is the professional production of visual art. Only those students serious about preparing for a studio career in the visual arts and willing to commit the time and energy necessary to achieve professional competence in their chosen area of studio concentration should choose the B.F.A. degree option.
Within the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree the studio art major is designed for students who seek a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts and who have a preferred interest or stronger background preparation in math, the natural sciences or the social sciences. Within this degree, students can major in studio art or studio art with an emphasis in industrial design.
Teaching licensure in art is available as part of all degree programs. As a student enrolled in art education coursework, you will be exposed to both theoretical and practical issues related to comprehensive art education delivery. In addition to intensive art education methods coursework, you will participate in three practicum experiences designed for elementary, middle and high school levels.
A minimum of 120 credits is required for all degrees. If you are interested, you should contact the School of Art, Design and Art History for more information.
Within the B.F.A. degree, areas of emphasis are painting and drawing, sculpture, ceramics, fiber and weaving, metals and jewelry, printmaking and photography. Teacher licensure, PK–12, is offered in conjunction with all studio art areas.
You may also declare a minor in studio art, which involves a minimum of 18 credit hours in art, graphic design, industrial or interior design courses. The student's minor program is subject to approval by the school director.
For further information, visit the School of Art, Design and Art History website.
Degrees Offered
B.A.
B.F.A
B.S.
Concentrations
B.F.A. only: General Fine Arts
Industrial Design
Minors
Studio Art
Declaring the Major
New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Entering Freshmen
A portfolio review is not required, but highly recommended, for prospective freshmen. The school hosts on-campus Portfolio Review Days in November and January. Faculty members also attend National Portfolio Review Days held off-campus (locations determined each fall). Incoming freshmen are able to freely declare studio art as their major through their first semester.
Other Students
Prospective transfer students and students who are currently enrolled in JMU under another major and wish to declare a Studio Art major must submit a portfolio for review to the transfer/change of major portfolio review committee. Transfer and change of major portfolios will be reviewed once each fall and spring semester. Transfer and change of major students who are not recommended for admission to the studio art major may reapply the following year. Portfolio reviews for transfer and change of major students are held prior to advanced registration.
The portfolio review schedule can be found on the School of Art, Design and Art History website.
Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Progressing in the Major
Remain in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
