The Department of Art offers its students an education in the visual arts as an integral part of a comprehensive educational experience. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art programs offer intense, professional education in the aesthetics and theories of the visual arts. Additionally, students will be trained in the skill and intellectual awareness that are the basis for a future of creative and professional achievement in the visual arts.
At UNLV the BFA is an additional year of study during which time students have an opportunity to focus more intensively on developing their skills and creativity. Admission to the BFA program is by portfolio review.
Please see the UNLV College of Fine Arts, Department of Art web page for information about department programs, faculty and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available on the UNLV Degrees Directory.
Available Options
Concentration in Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking
The Painting, Drawing & Printmaking concentration at UNLV focuses on the exploration of two-?dimensional areas. Students have the opportunity to encounter a variety of processes including intaglio, lithography, the drawing techniques and media of watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. Communication skills are developed through periodical critiques. Historical and contemporary examples are presented and discussed in class, resulting in a thorough investigation within the concentration. Students leave the program with a portfolio of work that can lead to the beginning of a career as a studio artist, to admission to an advanced degree in studio art, or to opportunities for employment in the art world.
Concentration in Photography
The Photography Area of Concentration provides students with a solid foundation in technical, aesthetic, conceptual, critical and practical skills necessary to thrive in the challenging and diverse world of photography. Students in this area work in traditional and non-traditional mediums with a pluralistic approach to picture making, learning both film-based and digital technology with emphasis placed on photography as a Fine Art. Students define their individual photographic style in terms of both content and approach, and once technical and conceptual skills are solidified, students develop a portfolio that shows their unique personal view of image making. After being accepted into the BFA Program students produce an advanced-level thesis project, demonstrating mastery and synthesis of the skills taught in the program, utilizing visual, oral and written presentations.
Concentration in Sculptural Practices
Students in the BFA degree program at UNLV, who concentrate on sculptural practices, advance their understanding of materials, process and content, leading to the creation of a sustainable studio practice. Studio experimentation and risk taking are encouraged while an awareness of the professional field and how he or she fits into the historical and contemporary trends in sculpture is considered and defined. Students leave the program with an advanced portfolio and practice that can help them develop an art career after college, employment or potential graduate study.
Learning Objectives
- Create a body of work as a portfolio including artist statement and resume to submit to graduate schools and to similar creative venues.
- Continue developing the creative research activities, gain knowledge in current and historical issues in art practice and theory.
- Develop proficiency in multi level range of processes within one’s area of discipline.
- To be able to articulate ideas/objects within context of art in practice a theory
- Exhibit their creative work nationally/internationally and to continue and maintain clarity about their research.
- To sustain themselves personally, economically and professionally.
Career Possibilities
Concentration in Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking
Students are prepared for a variety of careers in the visual arts from practicing studio artist to gallery and museum work, illustration. The BA in Art with a concentration in painting, drawing and printmaking also prepares students for graduate study on the MA or MFA level.
Concentration in Photography
The options for employment in the field of photography are many and varied. Students who want to work in the field discover that there are a wide variety of options; here are just a few of the job titles that are available in the field of photography today.
- Fine Art Photographer
- Photographer’s Assistant
- Studio Photographer
- Wedding Photographer
- Photographic Stylist
- Freelance Photographer
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- Digital Image Specialist
- Portrait Photographer
- Lab Technician
- Editorial Photographer
- Industrial/Corporate Photographer
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- Product Photographer
- Fashion Photographer
- Photojournalist
- Studio Owner/Manager
- Photographic Sales
- Stock Photographer
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Concentration in Sculptural Practices
BFA degree at UNLV Department of Art prepares students for careers in the arts and the workplace. If they concentrate is Sculptural practices their conceptual and practical skills provide them opportunities in careers such as but not limited to; gallery, museum and commission based artist, museum or gallery exhibit preparator, custom fabricator, art fabricator, wood or metal shop employee, artist’s studio assistant, the fields of carpentry, welding and more. In addition, the BFA degree also prepares students with a portfolio to apply to Masters and MFA programs, leading to more career options in academics and professional practice.