SUNY Cortland Department of Art and Art History
Bachelor of Fine Arts – Major in Art Studio
Admissions Process
The BFA is an intensive degree program in studio art, intended for students who plan to pursue a professional career in art or to prepare for specialized graduate study, in particular the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree. The degree requires 75 credits in the major, including foundation, skills core, studio specialization and five art history courses. Specializations include painting, sculpture, ceramics, print media, fibers and new media design. The culminating experience is the senior year thesis project. A cohesive body of work is developed from concept to exhibition, accompanied by written proposal, summary documentation and oral presentation. Admission to the BFA program is by portfolio review. Entrance into Senior Thesis is by special permission attained through committee review of work at the end of the Junior year.
Incoming Freshman and Transfer students
- Receive notice that their admissions application to SUNY Cortland has been received and that part one of the admissions process has been completed.
- Submit admissions essay, two letters of recommendation and images of recent work as detailed below to: BFA Admissions, SUNY Cortland Department of Art and Art History, P.O. Box 2000, Cortland, NY, 13045. Please label all submissions with name, address and contact information.
- Portfolios received November 1 - March 1 will be reviewed for fall admission. Portfolios received September 1 - November 1 will be reviewed for Spring transfer admission.
Admissions Essay
Please discuss in approximately 1000 words, what motivates or inspires your art-making, how that inspiration is translated to form, composition, color, media, technique and is evident in the work submitted. What art historical, contemporary or other sources have influenced your work? What are your career goals, and why are you interested in the BFA program?
Two Letters of recommendation
Please send two letters of recommendation from instructors that speak to your experience with creative inspiration, problem solving and particular technique and media experience. At least one must be from a visual arts instructor.
Images
Please submit 20 images of your recent work. These may be submitted on CD, DVD, or as letter-size digital prints. Digital files must be jpeg-formatted with a minimum of 800 and a maximum of 1280 ppi. Present the images neatly and in a well-organized manner, Do not send a URL. Do not send original work. Instructions for viewing should be self-explanatory and technical difficulties will be considered as incomplete presentations. Please accompany your images with a complete image inventory on paper.
Currently enrolled SUNY Cortland students
- To apply submit Admissions Essay and contact information (name, local address, phone and email) to “BFA Admissions”, Department of Art and Art History, 222 Dowd Fine Arts Building.
- For fall admission essays are due by March 22, for Spring admission by October 15
- After the essay review is complete you will be contacted to schedule a studio portfolio review.
Admissions Essay
Please discuss in approximately 1000 words, what motivates or inspires your art-making, how that inspiration is translated to form, composition, color, media, technique and is evident in the work to be reviewed. What historical and contemporary art or other sources have influenced your work? What are your career goals, and why are you interested in the BFA program?
Studio review
Exhibit your work to its best advantage and be prepared to present your work orally and answer questions regarding material in your admissions essay.
