BFA - Art (Art Studio)
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art
Major: Art Studio
This conceptually-oriented contemporary art program allows you to draw from all your areas of study to create art.
With the studio courses you take, you'll receive instruction in a range of methods and materials in drawing, painting, photography, installation art, performance art, spatial practices, printmaking, video and media art, and electronic art. Art History/Museum Studies courses help hone your critical thinking and writing skills, and provide a context for your emerging voice as an artist.
As a senior student, develop your own artistic direction with support from an art studio professor of your choice, who works one-on-one with you. In addition, you have your own studio space where you have the freedom to experiment.
Did You Know? As a student in this program you can apply or be selected by your professor for Faculty of Fine Arts-specific awards and scholarships. See who received Art awards this year
Work by art students Julia Hartigan and Kiara Pike.
(Left) Julia Hartigan, Taxidermy Studies, ink on cotton rag paper, 22 x 30 inches, 2025. (Right) Kiara Pike, bird corpse (Bronze), detail, bronze, 10 x 9 x 1 inches, 2025.
What you need to know as a student in this program
For the BFA - Art (Art Studio) program there are some must-take courses that provide a great foundation for your major, but you'll also have flexibility on choosing a number of courses for the path of specialization and creative study you wish to take. Refer to your Program Planning Guide in your calendar year for the courses you'll need to take and choose from within the Art Studio lists, Art History/Museum Studies lists and as Art Electives.
- at least 40 courses (120.0 credit hours) with cumulative and graduation grade point averages of at least 2.00;
- a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all Art, Art History, and Museum Studies courses;
- at least 29 (87.0 credit hours) to a maximum of 32 (96.0 credit hours) Art, Art History, and Museum Studies courses;
- at least 13 Art, Art History, and/or Museum Studies courses (39.0 credit hours) at the 3000/4000 level;
- 8 courses for Liberal Education Requirements.
Remember that program requirements vary depending on the calendar year, which is usually the year of admission (or readmission) to ULethbridge. Therefore, requirements may differ from year to year even within the same major.
Not sure what calendar year you should be using for your program? Want to change your calendar year?
What is a Program Planning Guide?
A Program Planning Guide (PPG) outlines the courses required to complete your program, along with a sequencing plan. You should keep your Program Planning Guide up to date and refer to it for course registration and general program planning. You can find and download Program Planning Guides below!
Did you know? A minor is a great way to complement your major and have your interests in another subject area recognized on your official transcript. It is an optional component of your degree program that requires a smaller number of courses to complete.
See an Advisor for more information about this.
- Visit Fine Arts Advising to request a program check and confirm you are on track to complete your requirements.
- Review the Convocation page and Graduation Checklist.
- Apply for graduation on the Bridge by the applicable deadline.
Fine Arts Advisors are here to help you along the way!
We understand that your goals may change during your academic journey. That's why Fine Arts academic advisors are here to help assist you in selecting courses, exploring your academic options, doing program checks and making sure you have everything you need to graduate from this program. Be sure to check-in with an advisor on a regular basis.
Additional Resource Links
Image: Leah Evans, Mirrored Image of My Mother, acrylic and modelling paste on canvas, 24 x 36 inches, 2024.
The Art Studio program introduced me to incredible artists and friends, while encouraging exploration in new directions. I’m thankful for the connections and growth made possible during my time at the University of Lethbridge.
Leah Evans, BFA - Art (Art Studio) '24
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Thinking about applying to this program? Find out if this is the right fit for you
Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts - Art
Major: Art Studio
Acronym: BFA - Art (Art Studio)
Degree Length: 4 years
In this program, develop your voice as an independent artist or arts professional through an intensive studio experience exploring technical, aesthetic and theoretical studies necessary to pursue contemporary art. Work with active artists and scholars as you pursue your professional and creative goals in a collaborative environment.
Explore a range of emerging and traditional art studio areas including:
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To enhance your learning experience, the Department of Art also has an extensive Visiting Speaker in the Arts program that gives you additional access to artists and arts professionals locally and from around the world.
When you take Senior Studio courses, you'll get your own studio space and you'll receive support from an art professor of your choosing who will work with you one-on-one. If you are interested in research, independent studio work, graduate studies, or simply want an academic challenge, you may add an Honours Thesis to your studies. The designation will appear on your official transcript and degree parchment.
Possible Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Art Studio program may find employment with advertising agencies, art galleries, artist-run centres, auction houses, cultural institutions, museums, publishing companies, media companies, design studios, textile companies or educational organizations. Graduates may also pursue career opportunities in post-secondary education, multimedia firms, governmental organizations, public relations companies, consulting firms or marketing companies.
Some of these careers require additional education. Learn more on the Career Bridge site about what you can do with this major.
Skills You Develop
Constructive critique
Project implementation
Understanding different art mediums
Critical thinking
Communication
Innovative problem solving
Cultural awareness
Organization of ideas and material
Using tools safely & effectively
Drawing and understanding form
Working independently
Collaboration
Want to speak to a human about this program?
Contact Nick! He's our Fine Arts Recruitment & Retention Specialist and will answer any Fine Arts admissions-related questions you have.
Nick is also an alumnus of the University of Lethbridge and gives awesome tours of our Centre for the Arts building!
Dr. Nick Sullivan
Fine Arts Academic Advising
Recruitment & Retention Specialist, Studio Teacher