The Fine Arts Department of the School of Arts, Sciences and Communication offers coursework in three areas: Computer Graphics, Graphic Design and Visual Arts Education. Work in these areas lead to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree.
A distinguished faculty of practicing artists, art historians and designers expose the student to a variety of artistic approaches, from traditional through contemporary styles. Admission is competitive. Fine Arts applicants are required to submit portfolios of artwork; samples are evaluated for artistic skills, potential and overall presentation.
All curricula are designed to augment student awareness of the many visual arts fields. Prior to specialized study, each area requires the same first-year foundation curriculum, which establishes principles of artistic concepts through emphasis on composition, design, color and drawing, and building a visual vocabulary. Exhibitions and critiques throughout the academic year allow students to reflect on their progress and assess strengths and shortcomings. The Fine Arts Department’s Computer Graphics and Graphic Design classes include use of state-of-the-art hardware systems, as well as a wide variety of two-dimensional, three-dimensional and animation software applications. The computer graphics laboratories in Old Westbury and Manhattan are considered among the most advanced facilities in the metropolitan area.
The range of experience for the student in the Fine Arts Department includes drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, computer graphics, computer animation, design for print and Internet, typography and photography. The primary goal is to sharpen values and develop individual artistic personalities. Students learn to resolve formal issues first in traditional media and later apply this formal foundation to electronic media.
Curriculum Areas:
Computer Graphics
Graphic Design
Visual Arts Education
Other Links:
Portfolio Review
Degree Map for a Minor in Computer Science