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BFA Portfolio Review

A portfolio review is required of studio art and art education majors seeking a BFA Studio Art degree upon successful completion of the art foundations courses. Please review each area's portfolio requirements for specific submission instructions. Student may apply to more than one major.

The purpose of the portfolio review is to assure that students can demonstrate visual and technical skills for successful continuation in the program, and prepare creative work for senior show. It is also important for students at this stage in the art program to assess their career choices and make changes if necessary, to pursue either a BA or BFA degree depending upon the results of the portfolio review.

If a student has any questions concerning these guidelines, they should contact the Chief Departmental Advisor before submitting their portfolio. To continue in the BFA program and choose a major, the student must successfully advance through the portfolio review. Students that do not successfully advance may re-submit a revised selection of work at the next portfolio review. Since the BA in Visual Studies does not require a portfolio review, students are also encouraged to consider declaring the BA degree as an alternative degree choice. Contact the CDA with follow-up questions.

NOTE: Students intending to pursue the Graphic Design major are not subject to this review. Students must follow instructions on the Graphic Design Continuance Review page to apply to the Graphic Design program.

3D Media & Material Studies Requirements

Painting & Drawing Requirements

Students seeking continuance into the Painting & Drawing program must have successfully completed or, as of the semester of application, are in the process of completing all foundations coursework, as well as ARTS 241: Fundamentals of Painting and ARTS 331: Drawing II. During the Fall semester, the submission deadline is November 1. During the Spring semester, the submission deadline is April 1. As submission deadlines approach, students will receive e-mail reminders containing detailed formatting and submission instructions. Below is a summary of materials that are required for submission.

Materials for submission to the BFA Continuance Review:

  • ONE work from ARTS 279: Digital Basics
  • ONE work from ARTS 204: Foundational Concepts
  • THREE works from ARTS 202: 2D Design + Color Theory
  • THREE works from ARTS 231: Drawing I
  • THREE works from ARTS 331: Drawing II
  • THREE works from ARTS 241: Fundamentals of Painting
  • ONE work of your choice which may include a project from any studio course or a work created outside of the classroom.
  • ONE written statement articulating why you are interested in the Painting & Drawing major and what you hope to achieve during your studies. The statement should have a word count between 200 and 600 words; no more and no less.

For more information regarding the Painting & Drawing continuance review process, please e-mail Professor Alison Stinely at AStinely@ODU.edu

Photography & Print Media Requirements

Students seeking continuance into the Photography & Print Media program must have successfully completed or, as of the semester of application, are in the process of completing all foundations coursework, as well as ARTS 211: Introduction to Digital Photography and one Print I course either ARTS 257, 258, or 259. During the Fall semester, the submission deadline is November 1. During the Spring semester, the submission deadline is April 1. As submission deadlines approach, students will receive e-mail reminders containing detailed formatting and submission instructions. Below is a summary of materials that are required for submission.

Materials for submission to the BFA Continuance Review:

  • ONE work from ARTS 231: Drawing I
  • ONE works from ARTS 202: 2D Design + Color Theory
  • TWO works from ARTS 204: Foundational Concepts
  • THREE from ARTS 279: Digital Basics works
  • THREE works from chosen Printmaking course
  • FOUR works from ARTS 211: Introduction to Digital Photography
  • ONE works of your choice which may include additional coursework or works created outside of the classroom.
  • ONE written statement articulating why you are interested in the Photography & Print Media major and what you hope to gain from your studies. The statement should have a word count between 200 and 600 words; no more and no less.

For more information regarding the Photography & Print Media continuance review process, please e-mail Professor Brendan Baylor at BBaylor@ODU.edu.


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