Fine Art, B.F.A.

On-Campus w/Online Courses

Program Available

Bachelor's

Program Type

Total Credits

120

Affordability

Private School Education At State School Prices

Why Study Fine Art?

A fine arts degree provides students with a rich educational experience that develops technical skills, fosters artistic judgment, and cultivates a deep understanding of the visual arts within the liberal arts tradition. Students begin with foundational courses in studio practice and art history, then customize their studies by choosing a concentration such as drawing, painting, ceramics, fibers, or photography. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Art is ideal for those seeking a professional art career or planning to pursue graduate studies, with upper-level coursework focused on a chosen medium. Seniors have the opportunity to exhibit their work in Park University’s Campanella Gallery, gaining valuable real-world experience and exposure before graduation.

What You’ll Learn

  • The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree covers the foundational elements and principles of visual art by exploring drawing, design, painting, sculpture, and other media to develop perceptual skills, conceptual understanding, and technical abilities at a professional entry level. These skills will become increasingly advanced as you tackle complex creative challenges and refine your personal artistic voice.
  • The bachelor’s in fine arts degree covers both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art practices, exposing you to a wide range of techniques and materials, including clay, fiber, photography, and digital tools. You’ll gain functional knowledge of studio methods, technologies, and safe use of equipment across various disciplines.
  • BFA students build critical thinking and communication skills by evaluating and interpreting visual works and expressing their artistic ideas through writing, speaking, and studio production. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree equips you with the professional vocabulary to engage in thoughtful dialogue about your own work and the work of others.
  • Throughout your bachelor’s degree in fine arts, you’ll explore the global history of art, from ancient civilizations to contemporary movements, and understand how visual culture, symbolism, and historical context influence expression. Experiences such as gallery tours and museum visits will enhance your classroom learning.
  • The fine arts program prepares for a professional art career or graduate studies by developing a capstone project and participating in a public gallery exhibition of your work. You’ll also create a portfolio, write an artist resume, and explore practical topics like marketing, career planning, and art-related business practices.

Loading…
Andrea Lee

Dr. Andrea K. Lee


Associate Professor of Art & Design and Director of Campanella Gallery
alee@park.edu

Tuition & Fees

Park University offers a transparent and student-focused approach to tuition and financial aid. Our tuition structure is designed to be competitive and manageable, and our financial aid counselors are available to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding your cost breakdown to exploring funding options, we ensure that financial planning is clear, personalized, and aligned with your educational journey.

Explore Tuition

Admission Requirements

Ready to take the next step in your education? Park University welcomes applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent who meet our undergraduate admission standards. Bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours, including coursework tailored to your major and core academic skills. To graduate, you’ll need to maintain a 2.0 GPA in your major and complete at least 30 credit hours at Park to meet the residency requirements, 15 of which must be earned in the major core. Whether you’re starting fresh or transferring in, we’re here to help you build a strong foundation for your future.

Visit Admissions Policies and Procedures to learn more about admission requirements at Park University.

Apply Now

Mackay Hall on Park University campus

Fine Art Career & Future Opportunities

Professional Artist

Professional artists create original works of art to express ideas, emotions, or viewpoints, using mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, or mixed media. They often exhibit and sell their work, take commissions, or collaborate with galleries, clients, and institutions while managing the business aspects of their artistic career.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual content for print and digital media, including logo design, posters, brochures, websites, and social media graphics. They combine typography, imagery, and layout to communicate messages effectively and support branding and marketing goals.

Illustrator

Illustrators create visual images to communicate ideas, stories, or concepts in books, advertisements, magazines, and digital media. They often work closely with clients or art directors to develop artwork that enhances written content or conveys a specific message.

Animator

Animators create moving images by designing and sequencing a series of visuals that give the illusion of motion, often for films, television, video games, or digital media. They use both traditional drawing techniques and computer software to bring characters, stories, and concepts to life.

Creative Director

Creative directors oversee the visual and conceptual direction of projects in various fields, including advertising, design, film, and mass media. They lead creative teams, develop overarching themes or styles, and ensure the final product aligns with the client’s vision and brand identity.

1 /

*General salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education and opportunities for employment that are outside of Park University’s Control. The labor market and average salary range can be explored further at the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

FAQs: Fine Arts Degree, B.F.A.

A BFA, or Bachelor of Fine Arts, is a professional undergraduate degree focused on intensive training in the visual or performing arts. Park University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree emphasizes studio practice, creative development, and portfolio building, preparing students for careers in art, design, and other creative industries.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Fine Art offers a broader liberal arts education with the flexibility to explore electives outside the arts, making it ideal for students interested in interdisciplinary careers or double majors. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), by contrast, is a professionally focused degree that emphasizes intensive studio practice, media arts, and the theory of art designed for students pursuing careers as professional artists or preparing for educational advancement.

Yes. Park University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree allows students to concentrate in areas such as ceramics, painting, and photography. These tracks include advanced studio courses and mentorship from faculty artists, helping students develop a distinctive portfolio aligned with their creative goals and career aspirations.

Fine arts BFA graduates can pursue careers as professional artists, graphic designers, illustrators, animators, art educators, or creative directors. Park’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree online program also opens doors in fields like advertising, game design, museum work, and media production, where strong visual and creative skills are in high demand.

Related programs

Ready To Take The Next Step?

Class Start Dates: Term Dates

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Park University is a private, non-profit, institution of higher learning since 1875.