B.F.A. Studio Art

Develop a deeper dialogue with the world through visual representation and expression.
Degree Type Bachelor of Fine Arts
Careers & Salaries Annual Employment Report
Delivery On Campus

Art School Excellence on a Public Campus.

Located just an hour from the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, UW-Stout’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Studio Art prepares students to become successful studio artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the visual arts industry. Taught by renowned faculty, our students participate in applied learning in the studio, in traditional classrooms, and in professional and gallery settings that rival the nation's leading art academies.

B.F.A Studio Art is NASAD accredited.

The B.F.A Studio Art program provides a specialized education and is accredited by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design.

As you specialize in the art form of your passion, we'll prepare you for your career as a professional studio artist. / UW-Stout

Career-Defining Curriculum

Through the creation of original artwork and the study of liberal arts, art history, and contemporary art theory and practice, students develop the skills and knowledge needed to serve society with inquisitive attitudes and professional-level problem-solving capabilities. Experienced faculty members teach the art and design courses and serve as student advisers. 

icon

Program Overview

View program plans, credit requirements and course descriptions.

Loading...

  

Degree Concentrations

  • Ceramics
  • Comics
  • Contemporary Sculptural Practices
  • Drawing
  • Metals & Contemporary Art Jewelry
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking

Through the creation of original artwork and the study of liberal arts, art history, and contemporary art theory and practice, students develop the skills and knowledge needed to serve society with inquisitive attitudes and professional-level problem-solving capabilities. Experienced faculty members teach the art and design courses and serve as student advisers. 

Use the Request Information form to receive a program summary and learn more about the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art.

Request Information









Student Art Gallery

Our students gain experience working on real-world projects with a unique combination of art & technology.

Rigorous foundation courses, student residencies, internships and study abroad experiences — along with student organization and juried exhibition opportunities — provide you with many ways to grow as an artist, get involved and prepare for your career. The Studio Art program culminates in a professional practices course and small-group B.F.A. Thesis Exhibition.

"The community in the Applied Arts Building, the instructors and my fellow students have been inspiring and supportive. We truly have something special here."

-- Andrea White
B.F.A Studio Art
B.F.A. Admissions Requirements

New First-Year Students

Students admitted as Pre-Bachelor of Fine Arts (Pre-BFA) students will join an exciting community of first-year art and design students with classes and events geared towards preparing you for a successful application to the intended BFA program. 

As a student accepted into one of the six BFA programs, please be aware of the following:

  • You will be required to submit a portfolio in the spring semester of your freshman year to apply for acceptance into the intended BFA program. Portfolios will be evaluated by School of Art and Design faculty. Through your first-year experience, you will be given the tools and skills required to prepare and submit the portfolio, and the necessary support to navigate the application process.

Transfer Students

  • All transfer students will be admitted as a Pre-Bachelor of Fine Arts (Pre-BFA) student.  Upon acceptance information will be provided on how to submit a portfolio and essay to be reviewed by a committee of School of Art & Design faculty, who will determine direct admissions into the BFA major of your choice. 
  • Priority Deadlines: 
    • Spring Admission: October 1 at 9 a.m. CST  
    • Fall Admission: March 1 at 9 a.m. CST
  • Submissions may be made after the priority date; however, there is no guarantee when it will be reviewed for a decision nor what art-specific coursework you may be able to get into after the review is completed and whether or not registration for the next semester has begun.  There is a $10 application fee assessed at the time you electronically submit your portfolio.

Transfer students are considered for both fall and spring. This includes portfolio and essay submission by the priority deadline. Students applying for one of the BFA programs will remain admitted as a "Pre-BFA" student if you: 

  • do not submit a portfolio/essay 
    or
  • apply after the BFA program has closed 
    or
  • are not approved for the BFA program after submission of a portfolio/essay. 

You may then apply for a change of major in subsequent semesters, depending upon available openings in the program. If needed, BFA Foundations courses will be available to "Pre-BFA" students pending seat availability. 

Program Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Members

MarcAndersonPainter, IllustratorSelf-employed
Dominique BereiterMetals ArtistSelf-Employed
Josh BindewaldExhibitions and Artists' Cooperative ManagerMinneapolis Highpoint Center for Printmaking
Cynthia BlandProfessor, Department of Art and Art HistoryUW-Stout
TamaraBrantmeierProfessor, Department of Art & Art HistoryUW-Stout
Amanda DobbratzDigital and Marketing ManagerNorthern Clay Center, Minneapolis
Aaron DysartCity ArtistSt. Paul, MN
Peter GalanteAssociate Professor, Department Information and Communications TechnologiesUW-Stout
PatrickGantertCo-DirectorSadie Halie Projects
EmilyGordonStudent, Ceramics 
AllisonHiltnerAssociate DirectorSoo Visual Arts Center
LokenKimAssistant Professor, Department of DesignUW-Stout
Bailey MastinStudent, Sculpture, President, Fine Arts Association 
VincentPontillo-VerrastroAssistant Professor, Department of Art & Art HistoryUW-Stout
DannySaathoffMetal Smith, SculptorDanny Saathoff Designs
Tami WeissAssistant Professor, Teaching, Learning and Leadership DepartmentUW-Stout
GeoffreyWheelerProgram Director, Department of Art & Art HistoryUW-Stout

Studio Arts

All Studio Arts News
Three years after graduating during COVID, alum returns for her B.F.A. thesis art exhibit Featured Image

Three years after graduating during COVID, alum returns for her B.F.A. thesis art exhibit

At Gallery 209 in the Applied Arts Building at UW-Stout, studio art majors have a place to exhibit their best work.
UW-Stout students awarded competitive national scholarships for in-demand graphic communications field Featured Image

UW-Stout students awarded competitive national scholarships for in-demand graphic communications field

Real-world experiences on and off campus prepare students for industry in need of skilled graduates
PHOTO ESSAY: The Search for Orange  Featured Image

PHOTO ESSAY: The Search for Orange

Students from the summer Graffiti and Street Art course painted a mural that magnifies Stout's art and design degree minors.