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Background Image Alternative Text: Student drawing Chapel outside for class assignment
Background Image Alternative Text: Color pencil container of lots of colors

Overview

The Mississippi State University Department of Art offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the department offers three concentrations:  fine arts (including emphasis areas in ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture), graphic design, and photography.

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Curriculum

Hands-on, studio learning: 

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is a professional studio degree. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is earned after successful completion of an intensive, four-year program that provides the student with a series of in-depth studio experiences leading to a thesis/senior presentation balanced by studies in humanities, communication, mathematics, and sciences.

The B.F.A. degree may also serve as a preparation for graduate studies-usually the Master of Fine Arts degree in studio art or design.

All art majors – “Art-Undeclared (UART)”  – are required to participate in the Foundation Portfolio Review. 

Foundation Portfolio Review Requirements

Full curriculum requirements for graduation Full list of courses available

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Background Image Alternative Text: Painting pot from Professor Funderburk studio
Background Image Alternative Text: In the watercolor class with Brent Funderburk

Admissions
Pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

Students wishing to pursue the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree at Mississippi State University will be assigned a major of “Art-Undeclared (UART).” Students will declare their concentration (fine arts, graphic design, or photography) following successful passage of the Foundation Portfolio Review (see above) in that concentration.

How to Apply to Mississippi State University Transfer Requirements

Student Work

The College of Architecture, Art and Design at Mississippi State University is a recognized leader in all of our disciplines. The faculty and students are being recognized for their achievements in all of the areas in which the college is engaged.

See All Art Work

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Student Achievement
Scholarships

In its commitment to recognize outstanding students whose academic credentials confirm their potential for success, Mississippi State University offers scholarships to students with outstanding ACT scores and to National Merit and National Achievement semifinalists and finalists. For more information on MSU scholarships please contact the Office of Admissions and Scholarships.

Scholarships for incoming freshmen Scholarships for transfer students


Each year, the Mississippi State University Department of Art also recognizes student achievement through scholarships and annual awards. These monetary awards are made possible by friends and alumni of the school and are awarded on the basis of financial need, academic standing, and design excellence. 

Art-Specific Scholarships

Affordable
Tuition and Fees

Mississippi State University’s affordable tuition provides an excellent return on your investment, combining competitive costs with the best academics, research, student life, and career preparation.

Tuition at Mississippi State University

The Bachelor of Fine Arts undergraduate degree program has some additional fees required for materials, technology, and laboratory materials that enhance an art student’s education that are automatically assessed to students. The Mississippi State University Department of Art strives to be able to offer comparatively low lab fees thanks to support from alumni and friends.

Students also need to purchase a variety of tools and materials to help them succeed in their studio coursework.


Required Equipment, Tools, and Materials 

The Department of Art requires all incoming Art majors to purchase certain technology and equipment necessary for production and presentation of artwork within departmental courses.

Full Equipment, Tools, and Materials Requirements

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Student Life
Studio learning is a unique experience

Mississippi State University Department of Art provides a supportive environment for personal growth and professional development. 

One big advantage of studio learning is it allows for more students to have more one-on-one time with professors; the Mississippi State University Bachelor of Art degree program boasts a low 15:1 student to faculty ratio.

Life as a Student

Life After Graduation

Our alumni are working across the nation and world in a wide variety of careers. A few career possibilities with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree:

Fine Art Concentration

art consultant • artist-in-residence • creative director • entrepreneur • exhibition coordinator • studio artist • ceramics designer • commercial illustrator • cartoonist • portrait artist • painter • conservator • muralist • printmaker • poster designer • book illustrator • model builder • furniture designer • welder • public spaces artist • gallery or museum curator • industry artist • product designer • professor • gallery owner • sculptor • set designer • process engineer • studio artist • animator • medical illustrator • watercolorist • character concept artist • pattern designer • exhibiting artist • stone or wood carver • special effects fabricator

Graphic Design Concentration

advertisement • web interface designer • creative director • motion graphics artist • designer for TV • entrepreneur • book illustrator • creative coordinator • package designer • marketing specialist • electronic imaging • product designer • professor • art director • print designer • illustrator • typographer • public relations coordinator • production artist • electronic publisher • programmer • digital advertiser • beverage label artist • data visualization • Internet advertising artist • communications specialist • video game designer • screen printer • visual merchandiser • visual information specialist • interactive designer • freelance graphic designer • motion designer • exhibit designer

Photography Concentration

advertisement • photojournalist • creative director • entrepreneur • commercial photographer • press photographer • digital archivist • fashion photographer • creative specialist • cinematographer • filmmaker • editorial director • new media production • video production specialist • publicist • travel photographer • wildlife photographer • electronic publisher specialist • photographic technician • medical photographer • fire investigator • communications specialist • forensic photographer • scientific photographer • brand manager • nature photographer • digital journalist • stock photographer • lighting designer • environmental photographer • arts administrator • photography researcher • video artist

Video

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Our
Mission

The Department of Art's primary undergraduate responsibilities include educating professional artists with emphases in ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture; preparing students for a career or advanced study; offering courses that fulfill university requirements; and providing an active art gallery to serve the University, the community, and region.