Studio Art (B.F.A.) - Coker University

Your Passion Can Be Your Profession.

You already know that art is more just a hobby.

The time you spend in studio goes beyond satisfying your inner muse—it’s preparing you to excel in a world where creativity, inspiration, dedication, and practical knowledge are key to success.

Whether you work with paint or pastels, graphite or graphic design, the lens of a camera or the many textures of mixed media, Coker’s B.F.A. program in studio art prepares you for a professional, studio-based career.

Will You Be Auditioning?

Are you interested in applying for a visual and performing arts program at Coker University? Learn more about the process and submit your application through the link below!

Click here to audition!

Get the Money You Need for Your Degree

Just because your education is an invaluable investment doesn’t mean some degrees aren’t a better value than others! Affordability is one of the ways Coker University clearly stands out from other schools. We work very hard to keep tuition low and to find scholarship money to help you pay for your degree.

Average amount of scholarship aid* awarded to Coker students last year
$17,459!
*Does not include federal, state, or need-based aid

95%
of Coker undergrads
receive some form of financial aid.

Coker grants over
$10,000,000
in student scholarships each year.

ART SCHOLARSHIPS:
$500 – $2,000
per semester

PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION
(12-15 original works of art in a variety of media) and minimum GPA of a B required for art major scholarships

Contact Us
for art scholarship info
Email: ngulledge@coker.edu

B.F.A. Application & Review

B.F.A. application form
Portfolio of 15 works of art and/or design (documentation/sketchbooks required)
Statement of intent (1-2 pages)
Statement of degree/career plan (one page)

Course Requirements

The B.F.A. in studio art requires a total of 78 credits (63 studio credits and 15 credit hours in art history).

Required Core Studio Courses

ART 101
ART 102
ART 105
ART 109
ART 130
ART 205
ART 220
ART 250
ART 260

Required Art History Courses

ART 280
ART 281
ART 384
ART 387
ART 388

Other Requirements

Eight (8) courses within studio art*
- Four (4) or more at 300-level
- 400-level senior studio courses
- 400-level professional practice course

*Includes advanced courses reserved for B.F.A. students only.

Professional Practice Portfolio

B.F.A. students are required to develop and complete:

An interview with an arts professional
A research paper on their senior studio work
An artist’s statement
A CV
A cover letter
A portfolio website
Mock interviews

Students are encouraged to complete (one or more):

Proposal submission for an off-campus exhibition
Job applications relevant to career interests
Written draft for a business proposal

Senior Studio, Exhibition & Review

Senior Studio

All B.F.A. students in studio art must complete a year-long senior studio course, resulting in a cohesive body of work. Each student will work on this capstone project with a faculty mentor.

Exhibition

B.F.A. students will be responsible for the following aspects of their senior exhibition:

Installation of body of work
Exhibition promotion (posters, designed and printed; press release, etc.)
Gallery talk at exhibition opening

Senior Review

All B.F.A. students will undergo a senior review, consisting of:

Critique of the body of work and discussion of process
Discussion of how the student’s work connects to non-art investigation*
Discussion of expectations for the body of work moving forward
Discussion of professional goals and/or opportunities within art and design industries

Process Book

The process book is a record of the evolution of ideas throughout a student’s senior studio. This documentation reflects the depth of investigation into research material, artists, designers, photographers, and applicable study outside of art.

*This process keeps in mind that Coker is a liberal arts institution, and that our B.F.A. students should have an awareness of what a liberal arts education encapsulates.

Meet Your Mentors

Nathaniel Gulledge

Associate Professor of Art; Coordinator of the Art Program

For me, coming to Coker University in 2016 was coming home. I received my B.A. in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design from Coker in 2003. I’ve always…

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Alyssa Reiser Prince

Assistant Professor of Art

I came to Coker in 2016 and immediately felt at home among the close-knit community and tree-lined campus. I’m excited to come to Coker each day because of…

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Renny Prince

Exhibition Director

Office: Room 120 Art Building

View Renny’s Profile