Learning Outcomes

1. All BFA Studio Art undergraduate students will define and explain development of art, within their own and other cultures, from pre-history to the present. 
2. All BFA Studio Art undergraduate students will critically analyze aspects of the design and art making process and evaluate theories, philosophies, and research in the practice of the studio arts. 
3. All BFA Studio Art undergraduate students will, through their artwork, demonstrate their competency of aesthetic literacy. 

Admissions

Entrance Requirements

New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the college. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another college on the Columbia campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher. A student who wishes to enter the College of Arts and Sciences from another USC campus must fulfill one of the following requirements:

1. Be in good standing, meet the admission requirements for a baccalaureate degree on the Columbia campus, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
2. Be in good standing and have completed 30 semester hours with a GPA of 2.00 or higher on a USC campus.

Some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences have special admission requirements established by the department or committee that supervises the specific degree program, for example, Cardiovascular Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Economics, Environmental Science, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. These requirements are listed in the sections of this bulletin that describe department and special degree programs.

Degree Requirements (120 hours)

Program of Study

Founding Documents Requirement

All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade in the subject areas of History, Political Science, or African American Studies that covers the founding documents including the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation and one or more documents that are foundational to the African American Freedom struggle, and a minimum of five essays from the Federalist papers.  This course may count as a requirement in any part of the program of study including the Carolina Core, the major, minor or cognate, or as a general elective.  Courses that meet this requirement are listed here.

1. Carolina Core Requirements (32-46 hours)

CMW – Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Written (6 hours)

must be passed with a grade of C or higher​

• any CC-CMW courses

ARP – Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving (6-8 hours) 

• any CC-ARP courses

SCI – Scientific Literacy (8 hours)

• Two 4-credit hours CC-SCI laboratory science courses

GFL – Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Foreign Language  (0-6 hours)

Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in the 122 course is required. Students can demonstrate this proficiency by successfully completing Phase II of the Proficiency Test or by successfully completing the 122 course, including the exit exam administered as part of that course.

• CC-GFL courses

​It is strongly recommended that students continuing the study of a foreign language begin college-level study of that language in their first semester and continue in that language until their particular foreign language requirement is completed.

GHS – ​Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking (3 hours) 

• any CC-GHS course

GSS – Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences (3 hours) 

• any CC-GSS course

AIU – Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding (3 hours)

must be passed with a grade of C or higher

• ARTH 106*

CMS – Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Spoken Component¹ (0-3 hours)

• any overlay or stand-alone CC-CMS course

INF – Information Literacy¹ (0-3 hours)

• any overlay or stand-alone CC-INF course

VSR – Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility¹ (0-3 hours)

• any overlay or stand-alone CC-VSR course

¹

Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements — Overlay-approved courses offer students the option of meeting two Carolina Core components in a single course. A maximum of two overlays is allowed. The total Carolina Core credit hours must add up to a minimum of 31 hours. Some programs may have a higher number of minimum Carolina Core hours due to specified requirements.

2. College Requirements (15-18 hours)

Foreign Language (0-3 hours) 

• only if needed to meet 122-level proficiency

History (3 hours) 

The College of Arts and Sciences requires one additional GHS course beyond the Carolina Core GHS requirement. 

• If the Carolina Core GHS requirement is fulfilled by a U.S. history course, the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement must be fulfilled by a non-U.S. history course.
• If the Carolina Core GHS requirement is fulfilled by a non-U.S. history course, the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement must be fulfilled by a U.S. history course. 

Please select the College of Arts and Sciences history requirement from the approved list of U.S. and non-U.S. history courses.

Social Science and Fine Arts or Humanities (12 hours)

• Social Science (3 hours)
  • The College of Arts and Science requires one 3- hour Social Science Course
• Fine Arts/Humanities (9 Hours)
  • A Bachelor of Arts from the College of Arts and Sciences requires three 3-hour Fine Arts/Humanities Courses
    • Select one course in Modern Art History from the following list: (must be passed with a grade of C or higher)
      • ARTH 335
      • ARTH 341
      • ARTH 342
      • ARTH 535
      • ARTH 536
      • ARTH 537
      • ARTH 539
      • ARTH 545
    • Two additional courses selected from Art History, including one at the 500-level selected from Art History (must be passed with a grade of C or higher)

3. Program Requirements (0-10 hours)

Cognate or Minor (0-18 hours)

This major does not require a cognate or minor.

An optional minor may be added to a student’s program of study. A minor is intended to develop a coherent basic preparation in a second area of study. Courses applied toward general education requirements cannot be counted toward the minor. No course may satisfy both major and minor requirements. All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher. At least half of the courses in the minor must be completed in residence at the University. A list of minor programs of study can be found at Programs A-Z. An optional additional major may also be added to a student’s program of study. Additional majors must include all major courses as well as any prescribed courses noted (*) in the bulletin.  Prescribed courses noted in the bulletin may be shared with Carolina Core, College requirements, and Program requirements in the primary program.

A list of minor programs of study can be found at Programs A-Z.

Electives (0-10 hours)

120 (or 128) degree applicable credits are required to complete any degree at USC. After the cognate, minor or second major is complete, any additional credits needed to reach 120 (or 128) total credits can be fulfilled by electives. No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences.

4. Major Requirements (63 hours)

A minimum grade of C is required in all major courses.

Studio Foundations (12 hours)

Concentrations (51 hours)

Select one concentration from the following:

Ceramics Concentration (51 hours)

Graphic Design and Illustration Concentration (51 hours)

Note: While students may take SVAD 499 for up to 9 credit hours, only 3 hours are required for the concentration.

Drawing Concentration (51 hours)

Painting Concentration (51 hours)

Photography Concentration (51 hours)

Printmaking Concentration (51 hours)

3D/Sculpture Concentration (51 hours)

Major Map

A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequences to ensure a clear path to graduation.

Major maps are only a suggested or recommended sequence of courses required in a program of study. Please contact your academic advisor for assistance in the application of specific coursework to a program of study and course selection and planning for upcoming semesters.

Art Studio, B.F.A. Ceramics Concentration

Art Studio, B.F.A. Drawing Concentration

Art Studio, B.F.A. Graphic Design and Illustration Concentration

Art Studio, B.F.A. Painting Concentration

Art Studio, B.F.A. Photography Concentration

Art Studio, B.F.A. Printmaking Concentration

Art Studio, B.F.A. 3D/Sculpture Concentration

Art Studio, B.F.A. Ceramics Concentration 

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses.

³

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁵

Studio Introduction Courses (12 hours): ARTS 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 261. 

⁶

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

⁷

Concentration Electives (20 hours): Select 5 ARTS or SVAD classes at the 200-level or above.  Two of the five classes should be from the following: ARTS 325, 326, 420, 524; SVAD 499. 

⁸

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

Program Notes:

• ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation.  
• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. 

Art Studio, B.F.A Drawing Concentration

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. 

³

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁵

Studio Introduction Courses (12 hours): ARTS 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 261. 

⁶

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

⁷

Concentration Electives (20 hours): Select 5 ARTS or SVAD classes at the 200-level or above.  Two of the five should be from the following: ARTS 241, 232, 265, 430, 466, 500, 512, 532, SVAD 499. 

⁸

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

Program Notes:

• ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation.  
• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. 

Art Studio, B.F.A., Graphic Design and Illustration Concentration

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA.

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. 

³

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁵

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

⁶

While students may take SVAD 499 for up to 9 credit hours, only 3 hours are required for the concentration. 

⁷

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

⁸

Concentration Electives (12 hours): Select 3 ARTS, MART or SVAD courses at the 200-level or above.  At least one must be from the following: ARTS 241, 316, 445, 446, 466; SVAD 499, 500. 

 Program Notes:

• ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation. 
• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. 

Art Studio, B.F.A., Painting Concentration 

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. 

³

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁵

Studio Introduction Courses (12 hours): ARTS 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 261. 

⁶

Concentration Electives (20 hours): Choose 5 ARTS or SVAD classes at the 200 level and above.  Two of the five should be from: ARTS 241, 232, 410, 500, 512, 514, 532, SVAD 499. 

⁷

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

⁸

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

Program Notes:

• ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation. 
• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. 

Art Studio, B.F.A. Photography Concentration 

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. 

³

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁵

Studio Introduction Courses (12 hours): ARTS 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 261. 

⁶

Concentration Electives (20 hours): Choose 5 ARTS or SVAD classes at the 200 level and above.  Two of the five should be from: ARTS 316, 415, 416, 460, 461, 564; SVAD 499 

⁷

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

⁸

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

Program Notes: 

• ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation. 
• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. 

Art Studio, B.F.A., Printmaking Concentration

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. 

³

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁵

Studio Introduction Courses (12 hours): ARTS 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 261. 

⁶

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

⁷

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.

⁸

Concentration Electives (20 hours): Choose 5 ARTS or SVAD classes at the 200 level and above.  Two of the five should be from: ARTS 241, 415, 519; SVAD 499. 

 Program Notes:

• ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation.
• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. 

 Art Studio, B.F.A., 3D/Sculpture Concentration

¹

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA. 

²

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses. 

³

Students in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 122 course through course credit or the corresponding foreign language placement score. 

⁴

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

⁵

Studio Introduction Courses (12 hours): ARTS 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 261. 

⁶

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course, both of which must be chosen from the approved Carolina Core GHS courses.  Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. 

⁷

Concentration Electives (20 hours): Choose five ARTS or SVAD classes at the 200 level and above.  Two of the five must come from: ARTS 235, 255, 355, 356, 425; SVAD 499. 

⁸

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.  The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses.  Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. 

Program Notes:

• ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 must be completed in the student’s first 60 semester hours of work in order for these courses to be credited toward graduation. 
• All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
• The last 30 credit hours toward your degree must be earned in residence at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.