Studio Art and the Expanded Field
BFA

Innovation, exploration, and knowledge are the cornerstones of CVPA's art & design: studio art and the expanded field program. Our forward-thinking and comprehensive curriculum enables students to master their skills while exploring emerging genres in the pursuit of their individual paths. Studio art and the expanded field students benefit from studying within the context of a major research university where they can diversify their studies and expand their career opportunities.

Students will acquire fundamental skills while being exposed to contemporary practices in painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, fibers, metals, art and technology, and collaborative work in the context of three areas of study: painting, drawing, and 2D; sculpture and 3D; integrated studio arts. Students of any major can minor in these disciplines. We value experimentation and curiosity and challenge students to hone their critical thinking in a nurturing and supportive environment. Collaboration and community engagement are woven throughout the curriculum.

Studio art and the expanded field students have opportunities for grant-supported work, internships, faculty-led field trips to relevant exhibitions in metropolitan destinations, exposure to a robust roster of visiting artists and critics, and encouragement for interdisciplinary study. They exhibit their work in a variety of venues and can develop student-directed exhibitions.

The BFA program in studio art and the expanded field culminates in each student’s BFA capstone exhibition in a professional gallery or museum setting. A graduating BFA student from our program has the experience and confidence to boldly enter a career in the visual arts and build a creative life amid the limitless possibilities available to the artist today.

For the BFA in art + design: studio arts and the expanded field, you'll complete 78 credits in courses related to your major, and 120 credits overall.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

The successful completion of the Foundations program is required of all candidates for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

BFA foundations program and art history courses (27 credits)

FOU 101 - Visual Arts Seminar (3 credits)
FOU 110 - Foundation Drawing (3 credits)
FOU 120 - 2D Form and Surface (3 credits)
FOU 130 - 3D Form and Space (3 credits)
FOU 140 - Digital Essentials (3 credits)
ARH 102 - Introduction to the History of Art (3 credits)
ARH 200 - Theory & Criticism of Art & Design (3 credits)
ARH - 300/400-level Art History Elective (6 credits)

University studies / distribution (27 credits)

ENL Literature 200-level elective (3 credits)
MTH Mathematics elective (3 credits)
Science electives: 3 credits from each area (The Natural World and The Engaged Community) (6 credits)
The Social World: 3 credits from three areas (Human Questions and Contexts, The Nature of US Society, The Nature of the Global Society) (9 credits)
ENL 101 - Critical Writing and Reading I  (3 credits)
ENL 102 - Critical Writing and Reading II  (3 credits)

Studio art track requirements (27 credits)

200-level AXD Intro Studio Track (3 credits)
200-level AXD Intro Studio Track (3 credits)
200-level AXD Intro Studio Track (3 credits)
300-level AXD Intermediate Studio Track (9 credits)
400-level AXD Advanced Studio Track (9 credits)

Studio art professional practice and community engagement: 6 credits

AXD 316 - Art Careers and Practice (3 credits)
AXD 407 - Studio Art Capstone + Professional Practice (3 credits)

Studio electives: 18 credits

AXD 200-level drawing (3 credits)
AXD Digital Technology course (3 credits)
AXD 300/400-level studio elective (3 credits)
AXD Studio electives (9 credits)

Five free electives: 15 credits

Total credits: 120

Studio Art and the Expanded Field student work

Dollar Bill Collaborative Drawing Installation about Consumerism and the Environmental Crisis | AXD 325 Drawing Time Space and Meaning | Conversations Between CVPA Faculty and Students Exhibition

AXD-325 Collaborative Drawing Installation Deafening Silence Drawing

Student success

Connor Chan '24

Chan's work explores the anatomy of friendship in his work for the 2024 Senior Exhibition.

Internships

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum
New Bedford Art Museum (NBAM)
AHA! New Bedford

Graduate Schools

Cal Arts
Cranbrook
Maine College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
Rhode Island School of Design
University of Georgia
University of Washington School of Art, Art History & Design
Virginia Commonwealth University

Career Placements

Amaral Fabricators
New Bedford Beautiful
Desco Industries Inc.
Entrepreneurship for All
Mid City Studios
National Geographic
School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Trustees - Southeast Gardens
University of Connecticut
University of Illinois
Whaling City Iron
WHDH-TV

College of Visual & Performing Arts undergraduate median starting salary:
$55,000

NACE Data Collection of Class of 2023 Undergraduate Alumni

UMassD advantages

Internships: enhance your studies while gaining first-hand experience in creative fields
Studio facilities: our studios feature state-of-the-art equipment and ample work areas
Campus gallery: exhibit your own work and gain exposure to the work of contemporary artists

Expand your opportunities

Master of Fine Arts: Develop your personal voice and advance your creative skills with a master's degree. You can specialize in drawing, painting, printmaking, or sculpture.

Master of Art Education: With an emphasis on how the arts are integrated into daily life, the MAE program leads to a single-level professional certification in Massachusetts as an art teacher in grades Pre-K-8 or 5-12.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Fine Arts: Designed for artists who have earned BFA or BA degrees and would benefit from immersion in an academic/studio environment. Applicants may wish to develop their artwork for application to graduate school, professional residency or to launch a professional career.