Program Structure
This is a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in Visual Arts. Your conceptual and hands-on learning will be enhanced through classes, seminars, self-directed projects, exhibitions and professional development.
Students may earn credits through our Work Experience Program in years three and four.
First Year
All undergraduate programs begin with a Foundation Year, where you will explore art, design and media while developing essential creative, critical thinking and writing skills. Through hands-on projects, reading, dialogue and reflection, you’ll develop your voice, form connections and gain the confidence to choose your path forward.
Second Year
As you build your creative skills in your second year, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how the various art forms connect and the history that informs contemporary practices. You’ll have access to a wide variety of courses, allowing you to explore of select your personal pathway
Sample required courses:
AHIS 201 Global Perspectives in Art Visual Art Studio Core Course, such as CRAM 200 Ceramics: Introduction One Art Studio Core Course, such as PNTG 216 Drawing for PaintingSample electives:
WRTG 210 Multilingual Writing SCLP 219 Flexible MaterialsThird Year
You’ll refine your skills and knowledge and expand your creative practice with courses that reflect your passion.
Sample required courses:
FRMS 300 Art Forums One Visual Art Studio Core Course, such as SCLP 309 Fibre Sculpture One Art Studio Core Course, such as ILUS 300 Illustration: AdvancedSample electives:
AHIS 336 History + Contemporary Movements PRNT 320 Textile, Surface + PatternFourth Year
In your fourth year, advanced courses allow you to delve deeper into your chosen areas and continue to learn and develop as an artist while building a strong portfolio. Expand your perspective with electives in Indigenous creative expression, writing, design and other special topics that enrich your vision.
Sample required courses:
VAST 400 Senior Studio VAST 410 Senior StudioSample electives:
PNTG 312 The Figure + the Body CRAM 306 Ceramics: Figurative SculptureMinors
Students may declare a minor after completing their second year. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. To declare, download, complete, and submit the Declaration of Minor Form.
Available Minors
Elective Explorations
Students can choose electives that expand their skills and perspectives while supporting interdisciplinary learning.
Studio electives include animation, photography, illustration, ceramics, design, writing and more. Critical Studies electives cover art and design history, media, humanities, social science and science, helping students strengthen analytical and communication skills. Courses in Indigenous art, culture and ways of knowing are also offered.
Sample Electives
- Topics in Feminism, Gender,
Cultural Studies: Feminism
Without Borders - Special Topics in Animation:
Organic Modelling - Reciprocity and Land-Based Art