The BFA is an intensive degree program in studio art, intended for students who plan to pursue a professional career in art or to prepare for specialized graduate study, in particular the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree. The degree requires 73 credits in the major, including foundation, skills core, studio specialization and five art history courses. Specializations include painting, sculpture, ceramics, print media, fibers and new media design. The culminating experience is the senior year thesis project. A cohesive body of work is developed from concept to exhibition, accompanied by written proposal, summary documentation and oral presentation. Admission to the BFA program is by portfolio review.
Students may enter the program no later than the beginning of their Junior year, or with two full years before graduation. Entrance into Senior Thesis is by special permission attained through committee review of work at the end of the Junior year.
Incoming Freshman and Transfer students
1. Receive notice of pre-qualification to SUNY Cortland from admissions office.
2. Submit admissions essay, two letters of recommendation and images of recent work as detailed below to: BFA Admissions, SUNY Cortland Department of Art and Art History, P.O. Box 2000, Cortland, NY, 13045. Please label all submissions with name, address and contact information.
3. Portfolios received by March 1 will be reviewed for fall admission. Portfolios received by October 1 will be reviewed for Spring transfer admission.
Admissions Essay
Please discuss in approximately 1000 words, what motivates or inspires your art-making. Use examples of the work submitted to explain how you create. Where do your ideas come from and how do you choose the form, composition, color, media and technique to best carry out those ideas. If a work was assigned as a class project explain your unique creative solution within the parameters given. What art historical, contemporary or other sources have influenced your work? What are your career goals, and why are you interested in the BFA program?
Two Letters of recommendation
Please send two letters of recommendation from instructors that speak to your experience with creative inspiration, problem solving and particular technique and media experience. At least one must be from a visual arts instructor.
Images
Please submit 20 images of your recent work. These may be submitted on CD, DVD, as URL, or as letter-size digital prints. Digital files must be jpeg-formatted with a minimum of 800 and a maximum of 1280 ppi. Present the images neatly and in a well-organized manner. Do not send original work. Instructions for viewing should be self-explanatory and technical difficulties will be considered as incomplete presentations.
Currently enrolled SUNY Cortland students
1. To apply submit an admissions essay with complete contact information to: “BFA Admissions”, Department of Art and Art History, 222 Dowd Fine Arts Building.
2. For Fall admission applications are due by March 1, portfolio reviews scheduled during March, for notification by April 7. Spring admission applications are due by October 1, portfolio reviews scheduled during October, for notification by November 1
Admissions Essay
Same as above.
Portfolio reviews
Arrange with a studio professor to exhibit your work within one of the campus studios. Display the work to its best advantage and be prepared to present your work orally and answer questions regarding material in your admissions essay.
