BFA in Art

Transfer students:
Email artdept@umn.edu to meet with our advisor for approval of transfer credits. More
information for transfer students here.

The bachelor of fine arts (BFA) is a highly selective degree program intended for students who plan to either pursue a professional career in art or prepare for specialized graduate study. Our program provides in-depth instruction in the visual arts through a high concentration of coursework in the Department of Art.

Use our Art BFA Degree Planning worksheet to plan and track your progress.

Application Process

BFA applications are reviewed twice a year by a faculty committee representing all media areas. Acceptance to the BFA degree program is based on the quality of artwork submitted. BFA candidacy is subject to review and dismissal.

Fall application period: October 15-October 31.
Spring application period: April 1-April 15.

  • BFA Application
    The call for applicants goes out every semester, and only current art BA students are eligible to apply. Check out these tips for photographing your artwork at home.
  • BFA Application Checklist
    This checklist provides a summary of the materials required for the BFA application, and it also provides a rubric the committee will review to evaluate portfolios.
  • BFA Faculty Recommendation Form (Faculty access this via the Art Intranet.)

NOTE: Students can apply for the BFA Program twice. A third application will not be considered. Also, students should plan to spend 2 years in the program. Ideally, candidates seek admission to the BFA major by the end of their sophomore year. Transfer students should apply to the BFA in their first or second semester at the U of M. Any student not admitted to the BFA can complete the BA degree requirements, which require 4 semesters of a second language.

Full Requirements