What's the difference between the B.A. in art and the BFA at Augustana University?
Augustana offers both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). The B.A. provides an artistic foundation for future careers in the visual arts or graduate study and is an excellent track for students wanting to double major. The BFA is a more intensive degree designed for students seeking advanced artistic training and producing a portfolio of work to enter creative industries or pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Students apply to enter the BFA track in the spring of their sophomore year.
What areas can art students specialize in at Augustana?
Students can pursue specializations in ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, digital photography, printmaking and sculpture. Additional pathways include art education and pre-architecture, allowing students to tailor their studies to their artistic and professional goals.
Do art students exhibit their work before graduation?
Yes. Augustana art students gain experience exhibiting their artwork in at least three professional exhibitions at the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery student invitationals and the senior show. Students also have opportunities for additional exhibition, commission and design work through the Augustana Art Department’s connections in the greater Sioux Falls region.
What facilities are available to art majors at Augustana University?
Art students have access to the Center for Visual Arts (CVA), which includes dedicated studios for ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, digital photography and graphic design, as well as exhibition spaces and faculty studios. Faculty members regularly work alongside students in these creative spaces.
Is Augustana's art program accredited?
Yes. The Augustana University Art Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) — the leading accrediting organization for visual arts programs in higher education. This accreditation applies to both the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees.
