Degree Requirements
To receive a degree from the College of Art, a student must meet the requirements and take academic courses with other undergraduates. Work in art and design can be combined with studies in architecture, business, the humanities, the natural and social sciences and the other arts. Students may take these courses for educational and intellectual enrichment or in direct correlation with their primary interests.
The specified number of units in the areas below are required for the BFA and BA degrees, in addition to major and additional elective requirements. (Specific courses that meet these requirements are listed in the College of Arts & Sciences section.)
Writing: Students must complete a College Writing course with a C- or better during the first year of study. Transfer students must fulfill the writing requirement by taking an approved course or by review of a writing portfolio. For more information, visit the College Writing Program website.
Humanities: Humanities courses examine the human condition as documented and expressed in both past and contemporary times. This area includes courses in literature (both in English and other languages), Classics, History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies, and some courses in creative arts such as Dance, Drama, Music and Writing. Courses designated "Art HUM" fulfill this requirement.
Natural Sciences or Mathematics: These courses help the student understand the natural and physical world using objective and empirical observation and controlled experimentation. This area includes courses in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Biology or Policy, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Math and Physics, and some courses from departments such as Anthropology and Psychological & Brain Sciences. Courses designated "Art NSM" fulfill this requirement.
Social and Behavioral Sciences: These courses use qualitative and quantitative observation to explore the social environment, relationships with society, and forms of human behavior. This area includes courses in Anthropology, Economics, Education, International and Area Studies, Political Science and Psychological & Brain Sciences, and courses from other areas, including interdisciplinary studies. Courses designated "Art SSC" fulfill this requirement.
Art History and Visual Culture: These courses provide context for art and design studies by examining the cultural and historical impact of artworks and artifacts. The BFA degree requires two one-semester introductory courses (Art-Arch 113 and Art-Arch 215) and three additional courses. The BA degree requires two courses of the student's choice. Courses designated "Art AH" or "Art VC" fulfill this requirement.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree
| Required | Units |
|---|---|
| College Writing | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 |
| Natural sciences or mathematics | 3 |
| Social and behavioral sciences | 3 |
| History of Western Art, Architecture & Design | 3 |
| Introduction to Modern Art, Architecture & Design | 3 |
| Additional art history or visual culture | 9 |
| Total | 27 |
| *** | |
| Art/Design Foundation | |
| Drawing I | 3 |
| 2D Design | 3 |
| 3D Design | 3 |
| Digital Studio | 3 |
| Practices in Art + Design | 1 |
| Total | 13 |
| *** | |
| Major Area Requirements | |
| Sophomore Studios | |
| Junior and Senior Studios | |
| Capstone | |
| Total | 39 |
| *** | |
| Architecture, Art or Design electives | 12 |
| Courses in Architecture, Art, Design; Arts & Sciences; Business; or Engineering* | 30 |
| Total Credit Units Required | 121 |
This curriculum includes the capstone studio for all seniors in the College of Art. The capstone studio brings together all seniors in the studio areas and separately in the communication design and fashion areas for critical dialogue beyond disciplinary boundaries and to guide preparation for each area's culminating BFA exhibition.
- *
A maximum of 15 non-Washington University units (including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and transfer credit) is permitted. No more than 9 units may be applied to physical education, lessons, independent study and internships. No units from the School of Continuing & Professional Studies will be accepted.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
| Required | Units |
|---|---|
| College Writing | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 |
| Natural sciences or mathematics | 3 |
| Social and behavioral sciences | 3 |
| Art history or visual culture | 6 |
| Total | 18 |
| *** | |
| Art/Design Foundation | |
| Select two from Drawing, 2D Design, 3D Design, Design Across Disciplines | 6 |
| Digital Studio | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
| *** | |
| Major Area Requirements | |
| Sophomore Studios | 6 |
| Junior and Senior Studios | 9 |
| Architecture, Art or Design electives | 12 |
| Total | 27 |
| *** | |
| Courses in Architecture, Art, Design; Arts & Sciences; Business; or Engineering* | 66 |
| Total Credit Units Required | 120 |
- *
A maximum of 15 non-Washington University units (including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and transfer credit) is permitted. No more than 9 units may be applied to physical education, lessons, independent study and internships. No units from the School of Continuing & Professional Studies will be accepted.
Combined Studies
Washington University offers students the option to study across disciplines and to take advantage of the wide range of courses available. Students may choose a major in art or design and a minor in a different subject in the College of Art, or they may major in art or design and choose a minor or second major from a different undergraduate school.
Undergraduate students in Art, Arts & Sciences, Business and Engineering can add a dual BFA degree, a second major, or a minor in art or design to their existing degree path. These opportunities help students foster creativity, expand horizons and explore opportunities for careers in art and design.
Students may not choose the Bachelor of Arts for a dual degree. Students should instead choose a second major.
Major requirements (any course required to be taken within the Sam Fox School) may not be double counted for another degree, major, or minor unless specifically allowed by a Sam Fox School minor. Open/general electives and Arts & Sciences distribution requirements are permitted to double count for another degree, major, or minor.