Program Details

Craft and Material Studies, Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Virginia Commonwealth University

The Department of Craft and Material Studies offers a professionally oriented program that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts with focus areas in ceramics, fiberwork/fabric design, glassworking, metalsmithing/jewelry or woodworking/furniture design. Within these areas of specialization, courses are designed to assist students in developing concepts, personal direction, and the necessary skills and technical competencies to enable them to pursue a professional career or graduate study. In addition to the areas of study, students have the opportunity for a diverse education in the liberal arts and humanities. Students are encouraged to select courses in other schools in the university that will add to their general knowledge. A student may elect a minor area of study in any department or program offering a minor. The minor can be used to fulfill career objectives or to investigate a discipline of secondary interest. Career opportunities for craft majors include setting up an independent studio or gallery, restoration or repair work, teaching or participating in the Artist-in-Residence programs in the public schools, and consulting and designing for industry.

Outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will: Demonstrate an understanding of craft and its potential impact on art and culture Translate their creative ideas and develop a personal voice through their studio practice Demonstrate competency in the use of new and traditional craft techniques and media Utilize professional practices in the field of craft and art

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	Craft and Material Studies Alumni acquire different strengths and talents based on their research interests. One of the most obvious career paths that a BFA in Craft and Material Studies offers is as a professional artist. This may also include a Master’s degree in the Studio art, which is one path that the BFA prepares students for. Other career paths include: Ceramicist, Glass Artist, Jewelry Designer, Enameling and Metalwork Artist, Fibers, Textiles and Weaving Artist, and Public Artist/Outdoor Sculptor. Graduates may also consider a career in the business of art, including: Artist’s Agent, Studio Assistant, Gallery Owner, Art Critic/Writer, Educator, Display Designer, or Exhibitions Coordinator.
Program Requirement Notes	Program Requirement Notes Successful completion of the Art Foundation curriculum is required before admittance into the craft and material studies major. To enroll in an advanced-level craft and material studies course, students must have earned a minimum grade of C in all course prerequisites.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Course Recommendations: Courses equivalent to VCU ARTH 103 Survey of Art I and ARTH 104 Survey of Art II. We also recommend that you take studio art classes like Drawing, Painting, Design or Ceramics to help you build the portfolio for your application. Studio arts classes may also apply to the Art Foundation program in some cases. Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Virginia Commonwealth University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree	VCUarts students studying in the Craft/Material Studies receive a unique education gaining deep transferable technical skills while honing conceptual development. Our department has 5 main areas of study: glass, fiber, clay, metal, and wood. Hands on active learning focusing on ancient processes from all over the world to the incorporation of new modes of thinking and making. Students learn to create work along the broad spectrum of our field from functional design to conceptual work that propels culture and challenges the age we live in. Students refine communication skills through writing, presenting, and discussing their work with vast audiences. After school, our students pursue a wide range professional careers or graduate study.
Program Successes & Highlights	Alumni from the Department of Craft/Material Studies include recipients of numerous awards and fellowships including the Windgate-Lamar Fellowship Center for Craft and United States Artist Fellowships. Alumni exhibit their work throughout the world, attend prestigious residency programs, hold teaching positions, are entrepreneurs, and maintain active studio careers.

Program Credit Requirements

Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:

Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.

If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs

Applicable Admissions Agreements

There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Uniform Certificate of General Studies is recommended for this major.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Uniform Certificate of General Studies is recommended for this major.
Credit for Prior Learning	VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service.
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Virginia Commonwealth University

College Level Information

Transfer Center

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External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

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Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

Number of Transfer Students

1902

Percent of Accepted Transfer Students

VCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their pre

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C..
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/

Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
25-1121.00	Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-1019.00	Artists and Related Workers, All Other	All artists and related workers not listed separately.	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1012.00	Craft Artists	Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

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Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

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Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Virginia Commonwealth University These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$6,600	Per Semester	$52,800	$0	$52,800	Every credit above 14 credits in a semester is charged at half price ($230 per credit for credits 15 and above; credits 1 -14 are charged the full rate)
Fees
University Fee	$1,341	Per Semester	$10,728	0	$10,728
Technology Fee	$158	Per Semester	$1,264	0	$1,264
Library Fee	$44	Per Semester	$352	0	$352
Student Activity Fee	$45	Per Semester	$360	0	$360	MCV Campus students pay a flat rate of $18
Academic Support Services Fee	$50	Per Semester	$400	0	$400
Health Fee	$123	Per Semester	$984	0	$984
Program Fee	$45	Per Semester	$360	0	$360
Transition Fee	$150	Per Semester	$1,200	0	$1,200	New undergraduate transfer students will be charged the Student Transition Fee in their first semester to cover Orientation. The Transition Fee for new First-Year Students is $225 and will be assessed in the first semester.

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Potential Additional Fees
- Additional fees may include on-campus housing, meal plan, parking, technology, and program- and course-specific fees.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.