Expanded Forms Option - Studio Arts BFA

In RIT's expanded forms BFA, you will engage in experimental artwork and artistic expression beyond the traditional forms of painting and sculpture.


Overview for Expanded Forms Option - Studio Arts BFA

Why Study Expanded Forms at RIT

  • Creative Expression: Push the boundaries of creativity with this flexible degree.
  • College Preparation Workshops: High school juniors and seniors can participate in the two-week School of Art's annual Pre-College Portfolio Preparation Workshop.
  • Exhibit your Work: During senior year, your final body of work will be featured in a gallery.

The expanded forms option is part of the Studio Arts BFA program. This non-traditional art degree offers a dynamic exploration of artistic expression where you are encouraged to push the limits of creativity. Experimental artwork extends beyond the forms of painting, printmaking, and sculpture allowing you to expand the possibilities of your creative expression. With a focus on experimental and non-traditional art, this option fosters a diverse and inclusive environment where you can challenge conventions and redefine the boundaries of art.

Through mentorship from experienced faculty and access to state-of-the-art facilities, you will develop the technical proficiency and conceptual depth necessary to create impactful and thought-provoking artworks. During creative art studios, whether exploring the fusion of traditional techniques with modern innovations or pushing the boundaries of what constitutes art, you will develop the skills and vision to cultivate your creative growth. 

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Careers and Experiential Learning

Industries

  • Performing and Fine Arts
  • Higher Education

Cooperative Education and Internships

What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart.

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Your art and design co-ops will provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.

Students in the expanded forms option are strongly encouraged to complete a cooperative education or internship experience.

Creative Industry Days

Connect with Design Industry Leaders

RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Days, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. Creative Industry Days are a series of events that allow you to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and full-time employment positions.

Featured Work

Featured Profiles

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Expanded Forms Option - Studio Arts BFA

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Studio Arts (expanded forms option), BFA degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
ARTH-###
 Any 100-level ARTH course (General Education-Artistic Perspective)
3
ARTH-###
 Any 100-level ARTH course (General Education-Global Perspective)             
3
FDTN-111
Drawing I
This course is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought, and expression through the drawing process and is the first of two sequential courses that are the foundation of the drawing curriculum in the College of Art and Design. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, and demonstrations which are designed to provide a broad introductory experience. Students will experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques and subjects to develop drawing and problem-solving skills related to form and composition. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. **Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account** Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
3
FDTN-121
2D Design I
This course is an introduction to the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design and is foundational to the College of Art and Design curriculum. The focus of this course is the development of visual and verbal vocabularies as a means of exploring and understanding two-dimensional design. Students will engage with a wide variety of media, tools, and techniques to develop skills while delving into the theoretical and experimentational processes of contemporary art and design. The exploration of historical and cultural themes and concepts intertwined with aspects of personal interpretation and experience will be included in the curriculum. **Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account** Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
3
FDTN-131
3D Design I
This course presents a progressive study in terminology, visual principles, exploration, concept generation, process, and techniques of three-dimensional design and is foundational to the College of Art and Design curriculum. Using hands-on problem solving, student will develop an informed understanding of the three-dimensional form and space with an emphasis on the elements and principles of visual design and their function as the building blocks and guidelines for ordering a three-dimensional composition. A heightened awareness of form and space will be developed through lecture, assigned projects, and critiques. Students will also develop a personal awareness of problem seeking and solving, experimentation and critical analysis. **Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account** Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
3
Choose one of the following:
3
   FDTN-112
   Drawing II
From observation of still life, the figure, and interior/exterior spaces, Drawing II continues to build on the foundation of the College of Art and Design drawing curriculum. This course continues the study of traditional drawing mediums and techniques while introducing color and a selection of contemporary practices and tools through examining organic and geometric mark making, form, space and value. Core concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, and demonstrations; the primary assessment method of course work will be through critiques which facilitate growth of both a visual and verbal vocabulary. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for self-expression, communication and continued development of creative practice and problem solving. **Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account** (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
 
   FDTN-212
   Drawing II Workshop: Topics
This course is an investigation of the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. This workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn more about a particular experience in drawing while still covering required foundation elements. Different topics may be taken in the same semester. Topics may only be taken once. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research and assigned projects.. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).
 
Choose one of the following:
3
   FDTN-122
   2D Design II
This course is the second part of the sequential two-dimensional design curriculum within the College of Art and Design. This course builds on the broad introductory experiences in 2D I; students will expand their visual and verbal vocabulary while exploring advanced design concepts through interdisciplinary activities, practices, and exploration. The themes and concepts explored in this course are intertwined with aspects of personal interpretation and experience alongside historical and cultural themes. **Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account** (Prerequisites: FDTN-121 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
 
   FDTN-222
   2D Design II Workshop: Topic
This workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn more about 2D compositions within a more open and experimental approach while still covering the core foundational 2D design II concepts. Different topics may be taken in the same semester, but unique topics may only be taken once. Material and conceptual focus will be determined by the faculty proposing each unique topic. (Prerequisites: FDTN-121 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).
 
Choose one of the following:
3
   FDTN-132
   3D Design II
This course is the second course in the three-dimensional design curriculum and is foundational to the College of Art and Design education. The focus of the course is on composing three-dimensional form and its relationship to space. Students will build on their prior term experiences, which include the introduction to three-dimensional principles, materials, and building processes. Students will develop the sophisticated skill of conceptualization. More advanced problems will be assigned, and students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of material and process possibilities for their resolution. A heightened awareness of idea development and design research will be explored. Inclusion of 21st century themes in the arts of social cultural and community. **Fee: A materials fee is required for this course, and an additional course fee applied via student account** (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
 
   FDTN-232
   3D Design II Workshop: Topic
This workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn more about 3D compositions within a more open and experimental realm while still covering the core Foundation concepts. Different topics may be taken in the same semester. Topics may only be taken once. The focus is on composing three-dimensional form and its relationship to space. Material exposure will be determined by the topic’s instructor. (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).
 
YOPS-10
RIT 365: RIT Connections
RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).
0
 
General Education – First-Year Writing (WI)
3
 
General Education – Social Perspective
3
Second Year
FDTN-141
4D Design
4D Design introduces students to the basic concepts of art and design in time and space. The course explores elements of moving images such as continuity, still and moving image editing, transitions and syntax, sound and image relations, and principles of movement. Computers, video, photo, sound and lighting equipment are used to create short-form time-based work relevant to students in all majors and programs required to take this course. The course addresses the both historical conventions of time in art and recent technological advances, which are redefining the fields of Fine Art and Design. In focusing on the relations between students' spacing and timing skills, 4D Design extends and supplements the other Foundation courses, and prepares students for further work with time-based media. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Lab 5 (Fall, Spring).
3
PAIT-201
Introduction to Painting
This course will explore techniques in painting to advance students’ understanding of subjects such as color theory, building compositions and the effective use of painting materials. Individual approaches to content range from abstraction through representational art, as students address contemporary visual arts issues. * Fee: There is a course fee applied via student account. * (Prerequisite: FDTN-111 or DDDD-208 or ITDI-211 or SOFA-108 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
3
PRNT-201
Introduction to Printmaking
This course is a comprehensive introduction to printmaking concepts and techniques. Organized to create a broad introductory experience, the course will focus on the expansion of problem solving and skill building within the context of printmaking. The course addresses a wide variety of media, tools, techniques both traditional and technological, and theoretical concepts to facilitate skill development and experimentation with process. Accumulative aspects of the curriculum include the exploration of historical and cultural concepts of materiality and the multiple intertwined with aspects of personal interpretation and experience. ** Fee: There is a course fee applied via student account. ** (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
3
SCUL-201
Introduction to Sculpture
This course will examine professional sculptural practices, processes, and materials. Course content will cover additive, subtractive, assemblage, and substitution processes of making sculpture along with historical and contemporary approaches to the field. Students will develop skills in relation to individual concepts and directions. At the completion of this course students will learn how to create and critique sculptures that effectively communicate ideas. ** Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
3
SCUL-511
Expanded Forms
The course will focus on the diverse new forms of expression that have emerged in contemporary fine art, including installation, performance, video, and digital art among the many other possibilities. Students will research some of these new forms and produce artwork in at least one of these forms. Course may be repeated for credit. **Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: SCUL-201 or STAR-503 or GRDE-207 or NMDE-204 or SOFA-205 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).
3
STAR-505
Figure Drawing
This course will focus on building figure drawing skills in a traditional life drawing class format with emphasis on dynamic line quality, visual perception and contemporary approaches to figure drawing. Students will work directly from the model in a variety of media. At the completion of this course, students will gain an understanding of diverse representations and applications of the human figure using various drawing materials and processes. (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or ITDI-236 or SOFA-108 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
3
 
CAD Studio Elective†
3
 
Art History Elective‡
3
 
General Education – Ethical Perspective
3
Choose one of the following:
3
 
   General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective
 
 
   General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective
 
 
   General Education – Mathematical Perspective A or B
 
Third Year
SCUL-511
Expanded Forms
The course will focus on the diverse new forms of expression that have emerged in contemporary fine art, including installation, performance, video, and digital art among the many other possibilities. Students will research some of these new forms and produce artwork in at least one of these forms. Course may be repeated for credit. **Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: SCUL-201 or STAR-503 or GRDE-207 or NMDE-204 or SOFA-205 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).
6
STAR-311
Ideation and Series
This course will examine appropriate skills and strategies to generate ideas and develop them effectively. Through personal and group generative idea exercises, journaling and research students will explore individual ideas and personal interests to produce a final series of creative works. (Prerequisites: FDTN-141 or equivalent course or students enrolled in the WOOD-AOS program.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
3
SCUL-511
Expanded Forms
The course will focus on the diverse new forms of expression that have emerged in contemporary fine art, including installation, performance, video, and digital art among the many other possibilities. Students will research some of these new forms and produce artwork in at least one of these forms. Course may be repeated for credit. **Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: SCUL-201 or STAR-503 or GRDE-207 or NMDE-204 or SOFA-205 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).
3
Choose one of the following:
3
   CGLS-530
   Glass Processes
This course will introduce the beginner to the glass studio and to glass as a creative material. ** Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking undergraduate students.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).
 
   SCUL-501
   Sculpture
This course allows students to explore concepts, materials, processes, and techniques to develop a personal, cohesive three-dimensional body of work. Theories and history of sculpture will be discussed as relevant to individual directions. Course may be repeated. **Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: SCUL-201 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).
 
   SCUL-583
   Welding and Fabrication
This course will introduce develop skills in metal fabrication. Course content will cover several different types of equipment utilized in the welding and cutting processes. Students will learn to learn to effectively use equipment to fabricate mild steel. At the completion of this course students will complete a body of work consisting of finished fabricated steel sculptures. The course will be taught off-campus at Rochester Arc and Flame Center, 115 Fedex Way, Rochester, NY. **Fee: There is a materials fee required for this course and an additional course fee applied via SFS bill. See course notes for course fee information** (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
 
   STAR-301
   Digital Fabrication Applications for the Studio
This course will examine the context and application of digital fabrication in relation to a student’s individual art practices. Course content will cover additive and subtractive manufacturing and the prerequisite programs for each process. Students will explore techniques to produce either tools or final art objects. Historical and contemporary perspectives will be introduced. At the completion of this course, students will apply technical skills and an understanding of how their personal artwork and technology intersect. **Fee: A materials fee is required for this course and an additional course fee applied via student account.** (Prerequisite: (FDTN-112 or FDTN-212) and (STAR-503 or INDE-202 or IDDE-212) or equivalent courses.) Lab 2, Studio 2 (Fall, Spring).
 
 
Art History Elective‡
3
 
General Education – Immersion 1 (WI-GE)
3
 
CAD Studio Electives†
6
 
General Education – Elective
3
 
Open Elective
3
Fourth Year
SCUL-511
Expanded Forms
The course will focus on the diverse new forms of expression that have emerged in contemporary fine art, including installation, performance, video, and digital art among the many other possibilities. Students will research some of these new forms and produce artwork in at least one of these forms. Course may be repeated for credit. **Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: SCUL-201 or STAR-503 or GRDE-207 or NMDE-204 or SOFA-205 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).
6
STAR-411
Business Practices for Artists (WI-PR)
This course is devoted to business issues that artists must address including building and maintaining a portfolio, pricing and marketing strategies and public relations. Financial organization and communication skills are highlighted as are networking skills for the advancement of an artist’s work. (Prerequisites: (STAR-311 or CCER-302 or CCER-512 or CWFD-302 or CGLS-302 or CMTJ-302 or equivalent course and completion of First Year Writing (FYW) requirement) or student standing in WOOD-AOS.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
STAR-401
STAR Capstone
This course will focus on the production and exhibition of a representative body of artwork. Students will participate in an articulated process of making, engaging in comprehensive research that expands and supports their work, developing a rationale for the use of media and process, creating sketches and models, and the refining work through critiquing and editing. All of this will culminate in the professional presentation of oral, written, and visual work that contextualizes the students’ positions within contemporary artistic practice. Students will also be involved in every aspect of their senior shows from creating the work to installing the exhibition and preparing marketing materials. (Prerequisites: STAR-311 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).
3
Choose one of the following:
3
   CGLS-530
   Glass Processes
This course will introduce the beginner to the glass studio and to glass as a creative material. ** Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking undergraduate students.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).
 
   SCUL-501
   Sculpture
This course allows students to explore concepts, materials, processes, and techniques to develop a personal, cohesive three-dimensional body of work. Theories and history of sculpture will be discussed as relevant to individual directions. Course may be repeated. **Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: SCUL-201 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).
 
   SCUL-583
   Welding and Fabrication
This course will introduce develop skills in metal fabrication. Course content will cover several different types of equipment utilized in the welding and cutting processes. Students will learn to learn to effectively use equipment to fabricate mild steel. At the completion of this course students will complete a body of work consisting of finished fabricated steel sculptures. The course will be taught off-campus at Rochester Arc and Flame Center, 115 Fedex Way, Rochester, NY. **Fee: There is a materials fee required for this course and an additional course fee applied via SFS bill. See course notes for course fee information** (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring).
 
   STAR-301
   Digital Fabrication Applications for the Studio
This course will examine the context and application of digital fabrication in relation to a student’s individual art practices. Course content will cover additive and subtractive manufacturing and the prerequisite programs for each process. Students will explore techniques to produce either tools or final art objects. Historical and contemporary perspectives will be introduced. At the completion of this course, students will apply technical skills and an understanding of how their personal artwork and technology intersect. **Fee: A materials fee is required for this course and an additional course fee applied via student account.** (Prerequisite: (FDTN-112 or FDTN-212) and (STAR-503 or INDE-202 or IDDE-212) or equivalent courses.) Lab 2, Studio 2 (Fall, Spring).
 
 
General Education – Immersion 2, 3
6
 
Open Electives
9
Total Semester Credit Hours
120

Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.

(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.

Students take SCUL-511 (Expanded Forms) for 15 credits and choose an additional 6 credits from: SCUL-501 (Sculpture), SCUL-583 (Welding and Fabrication), CGLS-530 (Glass Processes), PHFA-556 (Moving Image and Contemporary Practices), PHFA-386 (Multimedia Arts Workshop: Topic), STAR-301 (Digital Fabrication Applications), and NMDE-375 (New Media Design Digital Painting).

† CAD Studio Electives are any College of Art and Design course with a lab or studio component, per catalog restrictions.

‡ Art History electives are non-studio courses searchable in SIS with the Art History attribute of ARTH.

Admissions and Financial Aid

This option is part of the Studio Arts BFA. Please visit the degree program page for admission requirements.

Learn How to Apply

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships

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