Visual Arts, BFA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Arts at Rutgers University–New Brunswick is designed for aspiring professional artists who seek to develop their unique creative voice within a dynamic academic environment. You will explore a wide spectrum of artistic practices, engaging with foundational courses in drawing, 4D fundamentals, and visual thinking, alongside advanced studio concentrations. This program is ideal for students driven by a passion for artistic creation and a desire to critically analyze visual languages and cultural contexts, preparing you for a career at the forefront of contemporary art.

This full-time, on-campus undergraduate degree is structured over four years, blending intensive studio work with essential art history and liberal arts requirements. You will immerse yourself in your chosen studio concentration, developing technical skills and conceptual depth through dedicated courses and seminars. The curriculum culminates in a significant thesis project, allowing you to showcase your artistic vision and research. You will graduate with a robust portfolio and the critical framework necessary to pursue professional opportunities in galleries, museums, or independent artistic practice.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts program offers a comprehensive studio art education. Students will engage in foundational courses such as drawing and visual thinking, followed by intensive studio concentration work and electives. The curriculum also includes art history, liberal arts requirements, and culminates in a significant thesis project. This program is designed to foster critical thinking and creative practice in aspiring visual artists.

1 Foundation Courses (16 Credits)

Drawing Fundamentals
4D Fundamentals
Visual Thinking A
Visual Thinking B

2 Studio Concentration (27 Credits)

Studio Concentration Course
Studio Concentration Course
Studio Concentration Course
Studio Concentration Course
Studio Concentration Course
Studio Concentration Course
Seminar in Concentration

3 Studio Electives (32 Credits)

4 Additional Requirements

5 Visual Arts Practice (3 Credits)

Visual Arts Practice
Visual Arts Practice
Visual Arts Practice

6 Art History Elective or Second Concentration Seminar

Art History Elective OR Second Concentration Seminar

7 Thesis (8 Credits)

Thesis
Thesis

8 Liberal Arts Requirements (33 Credits)

9 Part I: Areas of Inquiry (21 Credits)

Introduction to Art History: Prehistory to 1400
Introduction to Art History: 1400 to Present
Art History or Cinema Studies Course
Art History or Cinema Studies Course
Social Science / History
Social Science / History
Liberal Arts Elective

10 Part II: Cognitive Skills and Processes (12 Credits)

College Writing
Seminar in Contemporary Art A
Seminar in Contemporary Art B
Quantitative / Technical Skills

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,734.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,734.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,734.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,734.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 134,936.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on College Avenue Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

89%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesCorporate Training & DevelopmentGaming & Interactive MediaJournalism & ReportingPhotojournalism & Visual MediaPublic Broadcasting & DocumentarySecondary & High School EducationSocial Media & Content StrategySports & AthleticsVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Daily Mail

Eagleton Institute of Politics

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Zimmerli Art Museum, Rutgers University

Why Study Visual Arts, BFA at Rutgers University–New Brunswick

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Life at Rutgers University–New Brunswick in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Visual Arts, BFA at Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit, but off-campus work requires approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Applicants must meet specific English test requirements: Duolingo requires a total score of 115, while TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE also have specified minimum scores for various sections. Make sure to check each test's detailed scoring.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Professional Artists, Art Instructors, Gallery Curators, and Art Directors.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Department of Art & Design’s bachelor of fine arts (BFA) 87-credit program is for students who want to become professional artists and who wish to pursue their specific professional goals within the stimulating intellectual climate of Rutgers University. The education offered by Mason Gross School of the Arts differs from an art school program that focuses exclusively on studio skills. At Mason Gross, studios and

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Visual Arts, BFA program has three intake months: January, May, and September. Prospective students can apply during any of these periods.
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