Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Practices

Our students become well-rounded, critically thinking artists who find satisfying careers as art directors, creative directors, artists and graphic designers.

The BFA in art practices is an in-depth degree intended for motivated students committed to pursuing a professional career in the arts. Students create a personal portfolio of their work and prepare for graduate school or a career directly related to the arts. To enhance their experience, our students can participate in the BFA Seminar, enroll in the Visiting Artist Seminar and present their work in the culminating BFA exhibition.

  • Gain training in studio techniques and post-studio practice
  • Obtain an overview of historical and contemporary artists and movements
  • Learn how to analyze art and receive artistic criticism

Refine your practice in our 170,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Visual Arts Complex, with metal and woodshop facilities

Our ceramics concentration is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

Learn from renowned faculty who have showcased their art at over 2,500 solo and group exhibitions across the globe

Be successful.

A BFA in art practices equips students with tools needed to succeed in, and contribute to, a culturally plural society.

 
$54,000

Median starting salary of artists

(salary.com, 2020)

 

Art director, creative director, artist and graphic designer are common job opportunities for graduates. Work as a gallery curator or in libraries, museums, public relations, advertising, marketing or publishing.

 

At CU Boulder, art practices graduates earn more than the nationwide average of comparable majors

(PayScale, 2020)

Academic Plan & Requirements

This highly selective program is open only to students who apply with a portfolio of work and application materials. Students must present and pass a portfolio review to be eligible for the BFA degree. 

The degree requires a declared studio emphasis in one of the following:

  • Ceramics
  • IMAP (photography, digital media, video, integrated arts)
  • Painting and drawing
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture 

And an additional degree option for art practices students: 

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in art practices: Students interested in art and other fields of study may consider our BA in art practices. Students learn a wide range of stylistic approaches to art, as well as what it means to be a creative, empathetic thinker.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The Department of Art and Art History has an extensive list of alumni working and performing in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Steve Ells

(BA'88)
Founder and CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill

Molly Hatch

(MFA ceramics, '08)
Artist designer for Hatch Designs LLC who has sold her work to Anthropologie, Galison, Chronicle Books, Quarry, Graphique de France and more

Ben Jackel

(BFA'00)
A sculptor living in Los Angeles who has had solo exhibitions at L.A. Louver and other galleries; in 2014 he was artist-in-residence at Fullerton College, Fullerton, California

Willis Pyle

('37)
An animator with Walt Disney Animation Studios who worked on such films as Pinocchio, Fantasia and Bambi

Dexter Williams

(MA'80)
Director of fixed income markets at Capital Group Companies in Los Angeles

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover