Program Description
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program allows the student to map a highly individualized curriculum with the goal of evolving a mature artistic practice at the earliest possible stage.
Policies
B.F.A. students are expected to satisfy all B.F.A. degree requirements and comply with the following B.F.A. policies. Any deviation must be petitioned prior to the act. Petition forms can be found online on the AAP Academic Forms page. Failure to comply with any department policies or petitions decisions may result in review by the College Academic Review Committee (ARC).
Studio Enrollment
B.F.A. students in the first three semesters are required to enroll in a minimum of two studios each semester to be in good standing, and complete a minimum of four 2000-level studios by the 4th semester. B.F.A. students in their remaining semesters are required to enroll in a minimum of one and a maximum of three art studios. Students are expected to be present during regular class hours for instruction and critiques.
Grading
All required classes must be taken for a letter-grade. A maximum of nine elective credits may be taken for an S/U grade. In addition, all college and university grading policies apply to B.F.A. students.
Course Numbering
- All ART courses numbered 1100–1999 count as elective credit only.
Additional information regarding the ART course numbering scheme can be found under Art Course and Fee Information.
Advanced Placement Credit
For B.F.A. students, advanced placement credit is applied as elective credit only, with the exception of up to one First-Year Writing Seminar. B.F.A. students may apply a maximum of nine advanced placement credits toward their degree requirements. In addition, all college and university advanced placement credit policies apply to B.F.A. students. Please refer to the Advanced Placement section of this catalog for additional university guidelines regarding AP credit.
Independent Study
Independent study classes in the Department of Art are offered on the Ithaca campus in the Fall and Spring semesters only, and are open to students in the 3rd-year or higher. Students enroll for variable credit, for up to a maximum of 2 credits. Students can choose Independent Studio, Directed Reading, or Directed Research with a Cornell full-time faculty member. Independent studio classes are applied as elective credit for the B.F.A. degree. Enrollment in an independent study requires an approved Independent Study Form, which is found online on the AAP Academic Forms page.
Eligibility requirements for enrolling in an independent study (independent studio, directed readings, directed research):
- Third-year (junior) standing or higher;
- Successful completion of the 2000-level and one 3000-level ART studio in the studio practice area;
- A cumulative GPA of 2.700 or better; and
- Enrollment in Ithaca during the Fall or Spring semester
The above information must be verified by the Department of Art on an Independent Study Form the semester prior to enrollment. The Independent Study Form is found online on the AAP Academic Forms page. The deadline to submit the Art Independent Study enrollment form is the end of the pre-enrollment period prior to the start of the term. Standard University drop deadlines apply. Any exception to the above eligibility requirements or add/drop deadlines must be approved by petition. The petition form is found online on the AAP Academic Forms page.
Residency Requirement
- The B.F.A. program is an eight-semester program.
- Students who transfer into the B.F.A. program must complete a minimum of four semesters in residence (Ithaca/Cornell in Rome).
- B.F.A. students are required to spend the last three semesters of candidacy in residence in Ithaca.
Transfer Credit
The general college transfer credit policies apply to B.F.A. students. In addition, the following B.F.A. requirements cannot be satisfied with transfer credit and must be successfully completed at Cornell:
Further, the modern/contemporary art history and global/underrepresented art history/visual studies requirements cannot be fulfilled with transfer survey of art history courses. Such courses will be applied toward the elective plan requirement.
Additional Information for Transfer Students
To ensure a timely transfer of credit, incoming transfer students are required to submit course equivalency requests immediately upon acceptance. Students should also meet with the Student Services staff as soon as possible but no later than orientation to review how their credits are applied toward the Cornell degree and for course enrollment planning.
Students who transfer into the B.F.A. program must successfully complete:
- A minimum of four semesters in residence
- A minimum of 60 academic credits at Cornell
- A minimum of 30 of the 60 credits in the Department of Art
Program Information
- Instruction Mode: In Person
- Location: Ithaca, NY
- Minimum Credits for Degree: 120
Program Requirements
Students matriculating in Fall 2025 must complete the following degree requirements:
BFA Degree Requirements Requirement Area | Number of Classes | Specific Classes (If Applicable) | Minimum Number of Academic Credits |
Studio Practice: 2000-level studios | 4 | ART 2501 (first fall semester) plus any additional three art studios at the 2000- level | 16 |
Studio Practice: 3000-level studios | 4 | Any four art studios at the 3000-level (excluding ART 3006 ) | 16 |
Studio Practice: Elective Studios | 2 | Any two additional art studios at the 2000- or 3000-level | 8 |
Studio Practice: Advanced Practice | 1 | ART 3006 (Spring only) | 4 |
Studio Practice: Thesis Year | 2 | ART 4003 and ART 4004 | 8 |
Theory and Criticism | 3 | ART 2103 (first spring semester), ART 4100 (thesis fall semester), and one additional theory and criticism elective | 11-12 |
Art History/Visual Studies | 3 | One modern/contemporary, one global/underrepresented, and one additional art history elective | 9-12 |
Diversity & Inclusion | 1 | AAP 1100 (first fall semester) | 3 |
Writing | 2 | Any two writing classes from the following: First-Year Writing Seminars (FWS), ENGL 2880 | 6 |
Elective Plan | varies | Any academic class at Cornell planned out in consultation with faculty advisor | 34-38 |
Physical Education | 2 | Any PE class at Cornell | 01 |
Swim Test | 0 | N/A | 0 |
Total
120
B.F.A. Requirement Areas
Studio Practice Requirement
13 classes; 52 credits
Introductory 2000-Level Studios: 4 Classes; 16 Credits
B.F.A. students are required to complete ART 2501 (first fall semester) and three additional 2000-level ART studios by the end of the third semester. Art studios must be taken for four credits and a letter grade.
Advanced 3000-Level Studios: 4 Classes; 16 Credits
B.F.A. students are required to successfully complete four 3000-level studios in addition to ART 3006. Students may enroll in a 3000-level studio if they have successfully completed any stated prerequisites. Art studios must be taken for four credits and a letter grade. Successful completion of all four 3000-level studios is a prerequisite for ART 4004 Thesis II.
Elective Studios: 2 Classes; 8 Credits
B.F.A. students are required to successfully complete two additional ART studios at the 2000- and/or 3000-level. Students may enroll in a 3000-level studio if they have successfully completed any stated prerequisites. Art studios must be taken for four credits and a letter grade.
Advanced Practice: 1 Class; 4 Credits
B.F.A. students are required to complete ART 3006 in the Spring of the third year. ART 3006 is a pre-requisite for ART 4003.
Thesis: 2 Classes; 8 Credits
In the final year of study, B.F.A. students enroll in ART 4003 and ART 4004. ART 3006 must be completed before ART 4003, and all other studio requirements must be completed before ART 4004.
Theory and Criticism Requirement: 3 Classes; Minimum of 11 Credits
B.F.A. students are required to successfully complete the following three classes for a minimum of 11 credits in the area of theory and criticism:
- ART 2103 First-Year Studio Research Workshop (4 credits)
- ART 3102 Contemporary Rome Seminar (Cornell in Rome) or an approved theory and criticism elective (3-4 credits)1
- ART 4100 Senior Seminar (4 credits)
In the first Spring semester of study, B.F.A. students enroll in ART 2103. The ART 2103 requirement cannot be fulfilled with transfer credit.
After ART 2103 has been completed, B.F.A. students must successfully complete a theory and criticism elective. Students may satisfy this requirement with ART 3102 (Cornell in Rome) or another approved theory and criticism elective.
In the final Fall semester, B.F.A. students enroll in ART 4100. The ART 4100 requirement cannot be fulfilled with transfer credit.
Art History/Visual Studies Requirement: 3 Classes; Minimum of 9 Credits
B.F.A. students are required to successfully complete three classes for a minimum of 9 credits in the area of art history:
- One modern/contemporary art history: ART 3803 (Cornell in Rome) or an approved modern/contemporary elective1 (3-4 credits)
- One global/underrepresented art history1 (3-4 credits)
- One additional art history elective: ART 3803 (Cornell in Rome) or an approved art history/visual studies elective1 (3-4 credits)
Diversity and Inclusion Requirement: 1 Class; 3 Credits
B.F.A. students are required to successfully complete AAP 1100 in the first Fall semester of study.
Writing Requirement: 2 Classes; 6 Credits
B.F.A. students are required to successfully complete two approved writing classes totaling 6 credits by the end of the second year and before participating in off-campus study. Approved writing courses include all First-Year Writing Seminars (FWS) and ENGL 2880 Expository Writing. B.F.A. students can apply advanced placement credit toward a maximum of one writing class. Only the Knight Institute can approve substitutions for the writing requirement.
Elective Curricular Plan: 34-37 Credits
In close collaboration with the faculty advisor, B.F.A. students will develop an Elective Curricular Plan comprised of a cross-disciplinary cluster of electives. Students work closely with their faculty advisor and other departmental faculty to integrate these classes into their developing art practice that is critically, intellectually, and materially advanced. When enrolling in elective classes, up to nine credits of electives may be taken under the S/U grading-basis.
Total Academic Credits: 120
Off-Campus Study
B.F.A. students may take advantage of off-campus study opportunities at Cornell in Rome. The Cornell in Rome semester draws upon the extensive contemporary and cultural resources of Italy and greater Europe. Each student has access to studio space where they are encouraged to develop work according to their independent practices. The semester provides an experience unparalleled for artistic, intellectual, and personal growth where students may develop their studio practice in any medium. Students should consult with their advisor to plan how their B.F.A. curriculum will coordinate with off-campus study. Learn more about Cornell in Rome.
Eligibility Requirements
B.F.A. students in good standing with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.000 or better and who are on track with the B.F.A. degree requirements are eligible to apply to study at Cornell in Rome. Students apply to the Cornell in Rome semester through a competitive application process determined by the department. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the off-campus option, and off-campus study is contingent on the student's continued good academic standing, adequate program enrollment, and other factors.
Schedule Requirements
Students enroll in ART 3001 Rome Studio and ART 3102 Contemporary Rome Seminar. Students may enroll in additional electives, choosing from Italian and art and architectural history offerings.
Theory and Criticism and Art History/Visual Studies Course Lists
Approved Theory and Criticism Electives
The following courses have been approved to satisfy the theory and criticism elective requirement1:
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
AMST 2000 | Introduction to Visual Studies (crosslisted) | 4 |
AMST 2160 | Television (crosslisted) | 3 |
ANTHR 3420 | Myth, Ritual, and Symbol (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARCH 3397 | Special Investigations in the Theory of Architecture I | 1-3 |
ARCH 3308 | Special Topics in the Theory of Architecture I | 3 |
ARCH 5402 | Architecture, Culture, and Society | 3 |
ART 3102 | Contemporary Rome Seminar | 4 |
ARTH 2000 | Introduction to Visual Studies (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 3600 | Contemporary Art: 1960-Present (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 4151 | Topics in Media Arts (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 4310 | Methods in Medieval (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 4695 | | 4 |
ARTH 4852 | Shadowplay: Asian Art and Performance (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 5993 | Supervised Study | 1-4 |
ARTH 5994 | Supervised Study | 1-4 |
ASIAN 4442 | Shadowplay: Asian Art and Performance (crosslisted) | 3 |
COML 2000 | Introduction to Visual Studies (crosslisted) | 4 |
ENGL 2000 | | 3-4 |
ENGL 2160 | Television (crosslisted) | 3 |
FGSS 2010 | Introduction to Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
FGSS 2160 | Television (crosslisted) | 3 |
FGSS 4835 | Performance Studies: Theories and Methods (crosslisted) | 4 |
JWST 4310 | Methods in Medieval (crosslisted) | 3 |
MEDVL 4310 | Methods in Medieval (crosslisted) | 3 |
NES 4700 | Methods in Medieval (crosslisted) | 3 |
PMA 2540 | How to Watch Movies: Introduction to Film Analysis (crosslisted) | 4 |
PMA 2660 | Television (crosslisted) | 3 |
PMA 3550 | Global Cinema and Media (crosslisted) | 4 |
PMA 4835 | Performance Studies: Theories and Methods (crosslisted) | 4 |
RELST 3420 | Myth, Ritual, and Symbol (crosslisted) | 3 |
RELST 4310 | Methods in Medieval (crosslisted) | 3 |
SPAN 4570 | Methods in Medieval (crosslisted) | 3 |
STS 4511 | Topics in Media Arts (crosslisted) | 3 |
VISST 2000 | Introduction to Visual Studies (crosslisted) | 4 |
VISST 2160 | Television (crosslisted) | 3 |
VISST 2174 | How to Watch Movies: Introduction to Film Analysis (crosslisted) | 4 |
VISST 3175 | Global Cinema and Media (crosslisted) | 4 |
VISST 3600 | Contemporary Art: 1960-Present (crosslisted) | 3 |
VISST 4151 | Topics in Media Arts (crosslisted) | 3 |
VISST 4835 | Performance Studies: Theories and Methods (crosslisted) | 4 |
VISST 4852 | Shadowplay: Asian Art and Performance (crosslisted) | 3 |
Modern/Contemporary Art History Courses
Modern art comprises a number of art movements from the 1860's to the 1970's. Many artists during this time period produced works of art that rearticulated or rejected the traditional historical styles preceding it to embrace experimentation practically or technically.
Contemporary art is art that has produced during the latter part of the twentieth century, after 1970 though the twenty-first century. Much of the work embraces culturally global ideas, materials, methods, or conceptual underpinnings.
The following courses1 have been approved to satisfy the B.F.A. Modern/Contemporary Art History requirement:
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
AMST 2000 | Introduction to Visual Studies (crosslisted) | 4 |
AMST 2760 | American Cinema (crosslisted) | 4 |
ART 3803 | Art History: Italian Cinema | 4 |
ARTH 1100 | Art Histories: An Introduction (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 2000 | Introduction to Visual Studies (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 2600 | Introduction to Modern Western Art: Materials, Media, and the End of Masterpieces | 4 |
ARTH 3505 | (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 3600 | Contemporary Art: 1960-Present (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 3650 | History and Theory of Digital Art (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 3651 | Women in New Media Art (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 3830 | (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 4151 | Topics in Media Arts (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 4153 | Topics in Feminist Media Arts (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 4545 | The Photobook | 3 |
ARTH 4695 | | 4 |
ARTH 4816 | Modern Chinese Art (crosslisted) | 3 |
ASIAN 4473 | Modern Chinese Art (crosslisted) | 3 |
COML 2000 | Introduction to Visual Studies (crosslisted) | 4 |
ENGL 2761 | American Cinema (crosslisted) | 4 |
INFO 3660 | History and Theory of Digital Art (crosslisted) | 3 |
PMA 2560 | American Cinema (crosslisted) | 4 |
PMA 3550 | Global Cinema and Media (crosslisted) | 4 |
SHUM 4916 | Modern Chinese Art (crosslisted) | 3 |
VISST 3600 | Contemporary Art: 1960-Present | 3 |
VISST 3650 | History and Theory of Digital Art (crosslisted) | 3 |
VISST 4151 | Topics in Media Arts (crosslisted) | 3 |
VISST 2300 | American Cinema (crosslisted) | 4 |
Global/Underrepresented Art History Courses
The following courses have been approved to satisfy the B.F.A. Global/Underrepresented Art History requirement1:
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
ARKEO 2800 | Introduction to the Arts of China (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARKEO 3566 | Art and Architecture of the Pre-Columbian Americas | 3 |
ART 3804 | Black Sound and Visual Culture (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 2255 | Ecocriticism and Visual Culture | 4 |
ARTH 2550 | Introduction to Latin American Art (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 2800 | Introduction to the Arts of China (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 2805 | Introduction to Asian Art: Material Worlds (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 3505 | (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 3565 | Art and Architecture of Colonial Latin America (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 3566 | Art and Architecture of the Pre-Columbian Americas | 3 |
ARTH 3651 | Women in New Media Art (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 3820 | Introduction to the Arts of Japan (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 3830 | (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 3850 | The Arts of Southeast Asia (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 4153 | Topics in Feminist Media Arts (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 4155 | Topics in Latin American Art (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 4695 | | 4 |
ARTH 4816 | Modern Chinese Art (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 4820 | (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 4852 | Shadowplay: Asian Art and Performance (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 4855 | Threads of Consequence: Textiles in South and Southeast Asia (crosslisted) | 3 |
ASIAN 2285 | Introduction to Asian Art: Material Worlds (crosslisted) | 4 |
ASIAN 2288 | Introduction to the Arts of China (crosslisted) | 4 |
ASIAN 3350 | The Arts of Southeast Asia (crosslisted) | 3 |
ASIAN 3381 | Introduction to the Arts of Japan (crosslisted) | 4 |
ASIAN 4442 | Shadowplay: Asian Art and Performance (crosslisted) | 3 |
ASIAN 4487 | Threads of Consequence: Textiles in South and Southeast Asia (crosslisted) | 3 |
LATA 3566 | Art and Architecture of the Pre-Columbian Americas | 3 |
PMA 3550 | Global Cinema and Media (crosslisted) | 4 |
PMA 3750 | Global Theatre and Performance | 4 |
VISST 2805 | Introduction to Asian Art: Material Worlds (crosslisted) | 4 |
VISST 3566 | Art and Architecture of the Pre-Columbian Americas | 3 |
VISST 3696 | The Arts of Southeast Asia | 3 |
VISST 4852 | Shadowplay: Asian Art and Performance (crosslisted) | 3 |
VISST 4855 | Threads of Consequence: Textiles in South and Southeast Asia (crosslisted) | 3 |
Approved Art History/Visual Studies Electives
The following courses have been approved to satisfy the art history elective requirement1:
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| |
AMST 2000 | Introduction to Visual Studies (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARCH 3819 | Special Topics in the History of Architecture and Urbanism | 3 |
ARCH 3820 | The Topography and Urban History of Rome in Antiquity and the Middle Ages | 3 |
ARCH 3823 | Urban Design, Architecture, and Art in Renaissance and Baroque Rome | 3 |
ARKEO 2700 | Introduction to the Classical World in 24 Objects (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 2000 | Introduction to Visual Studies (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 2200 | Introduction to the Classical World in 24 Objects (crosslisted) | 3 |
ARTH 2355 | Introduction to Medieval Art and Culture (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 2400 | Introduction to Early Modern Art: Cosmopolitanism and Empire (crosslisted) | 4 |
ARTH 2500 | Introduction to the History of Photography (crosslisted) | 4 |
COML 2000 | Introduction to Visual Studies (crosslisted) | 4 |
VISST 2645 | Introduction to Early Modern Art: Cosmopolitanism and Empire (crosslisted) | 4 |
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Additional Requirements for Undergraduate Students
The University has two requirements for graduation that must be fulfilled by all undergraduate students: the swim requirement, and completion of two physical education courses. For additional information about fulfilling University Graduation Requirements, see the Physical Education website.
Physical Education
All incoming undergraduate students are required to take two credits (two courses) of Physical Education prior to graduation. It is recommended they complete the two courses during their first year at Cornell. Credit in Physical Education may be earned by participating in courses offered by the Department of Athletics and Physical Education and Cornell Outdoor Education, by being a registered participant on a varsity athletic team, or performing in the marching band.
Students with medical concerns should contact the Office of Student Disability Services.
Swim Requirement
The Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education has established a basic swimming and water safety competency requirement for all undergraduate students. Normally, the requirement is taken during the Fall Orientation process at Helen Newman Hall or Teagle Hall pools. The requirement consists of the following: jump or step feet-first into the deep end of the pool, float or tread for one minute, turn around in a full circle, swim 25 yards using any stroke(s) of choice without touching the bottom or holding on to the sides (there is no time limit) and exit from the water. Students who do not complete the swim requirement during their first year, during a PE swim class or during orientation subsequent years, will have to pay a $100 fee. Any student who cannot meet this requirement must register for PE 1100 Beginning Swimming as their physical education course before electives can be chosen.
If a student does not pass the swim requirement in their first Beginning Swimming PE class, then the student must take a second Beginning Swimming PE class (PE 1100 or PE 1101). Successful completion of two Beginning Swimming classes (based on attendance requirements) with the instructor's recommendation will fulfill the University's swim requirement.
Students unable to meet the swim requirement because of medical reasons should contact the Office of Student Disability Services. When a waiver is granted by the Faculty Committee on Physical Education, an alternate requirement is imposed. The alternate requirement substitute is set by the Director of Physical Education.
College of Architecture, Art and Planning Graduation Requirements
Students are responsible for knowing and fulfilling the requirements for graduation and for alerting the college to any problems with their records. Detailed information and graduation requirements for each undergraduate degree, professional master's, and delegated graduate degree can be found on the respective program pages in this catalog.
All AAP students are obligated to satisfy university and degree-specific graduation requirements and are all held to college policies and procedures. AAP undergraduate students are required to complete AAP 1100 in addition to the university and degree-specified graduation requirements.
Learning Outcomes
Through successful fulfillment of the bachelor of fine arts course of study, graduates will:
Knowledge
- Develop knowledge of the history and specificity of diverse disciplinary methods and media practices
- Comprehend how individual modes of artistic practice are used for creative thought and sociocultural expression
- Understand the ways that contemporary art practice creatively and critically works between or across established disciplines
- Display familiarity with the diversity of traditions, languages, and societies in the contemporary global context, and with art in its multicultural dimensions
- Be able to interpret and engage with existing visual culture and media as a form of creative intelligence
Practice
- Develop a discerning voice and confidence in one's own artistic authorship, based on material, conceptual, and critical sensibility
- Create and sustain a body of work through self-directed research, experimentation, risk-taking, and reflective analysis
- Advance practices that can thrive either as an individual practice or within collaborative environments
Professionalism
- Effectively communicate the intention of one's work through its full formal realization
- Be publicly articulate in the evaluation of the work of peers as well as more established artists
- Successfully represent oneself to arts organizations, curators, publications, and graduate programs for the purpose of advancing professional and artistic goals