BFA

4-Year Program

The Art BFA track provides solid training in both critical thinking and artistic process, preparing students to be historically grounded thinkers while providing the tools necessary to develop a unique art practice.

The curriculum begins with a series of courses in which students investigate various media, art-historical traditions and theoretical positions, providing a strong foundation to individualized studio practice. Additional coursework includes a combination of seminars, group critique classes and independent studies. With the guidance of faculty mentors, students can concentrate on those areas that best serve their personal goals. By the third year in residence, undergraduates are expected to pursue independent studio projects. Beginning undergraduates share studios while most upper-level undergraduates work in individual studios.

In addition to fulfilling Critical Studies Liberal Arts requirements, Art BFA students are required to pass a Mid-Residence Review in the third year and a Graduation Review to complete the Program.

Full Curriculum

Detailed curriculum and academic requirements can be found in the online course catalog.

View Curriculum Requirements


The Undergraduate Experience

CalArts is committed to providing a broad program of general education designed to enable students to consider aesthetic questions within larger socio-cultural, ethical and political contexts.

Learn more about the General Education curriculum


Interdisciplinary Opportunities

In addition to CalArts' rich and diverse community and naturally collaborative atmosphere, the Institute provides several programs of study that can be pursued concurrently with a student's chosen metier.

Digital Arts Minor

The Minor is designed to help undergraduate students grasp the knowledge to build, engineer and design innovative custom systems.

Digital Arts Minor


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