Studio Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts

The information on this page pertains to requirements for students who matriculated in the current academic year. Students who matriculated in a prior year should view historical catalog information here.

Program Overview

 The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art at Drake is a professional degree designed for students seeking an immersive and professional studio art education that prepares them for entry into the field or graduate study. The curriculum emphasizes conceptual development, critical visual thinking, and technical fluency through a process-based approach that supports individual expression and aesthetic growth. Students explore a range of traditional and contemporary materials and methods while cultivating the ability to integrate form, content, and technique in support of their artistic vision.

As students’ progress through the program, they cultivate a personal artistic philosophy while developing the skills and knowledge necessary to create original work across a diverse range of materials, methods, and conceptual frameworks.

The curriculum balances intensive studio practice with supportive coursework in art history, theory, and the liberal arts. They have the opportunity to focus their studies in areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, or sculpture, while also gaining broad exposure to other studio disciplines through elective offerings. Advanced coursework encourages students to engage critically with the histories and conventions of their chosen media, while also merging ideas from across disciplines. Alternatively, the program's flexible structure supports interdisciplinary exploration and fosters an understanding of the relationships among fine arts fields, requiring students to demonstrate an exceptional commitment to their artistic practice. This program is ideal for those with a strong dedication to their craft and a desire to excel in the field of studio art. It is designed for those seeking preparation for careers in the visual arts or related creative industries, and it provides a strong foundation for graduate study in studio art.