Sculpture Option - Studio Arts BFA
Sculpture Option
Studio Arts BFA
RIT's bachelor's degree in sculpture covers traditional sculpture processes within a curriculum that focuses on both formal and conceptual development.
Overview for Sculpture Option - Studio Arts BFA
Why Study Sculpture at RIT
- 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.
This bachelor’s degree in sculpture engages students in the exploration of three-dimensional art-making. This option is part of the Studio Arts BFA program.
RIT’s Studio Arts Degree -Sculpture Option
RIT’s sculpture degree focuses on both formal and conceptual development and engages students in the exploration of three-dimensional art-making. Traditional sculptural processes are introduced, such as:
- Bronze casting
- Stone carving
- Steel fabrication
- Mold-making
Working with a broad variety of materials, ideas, and practices, students are prepared to engage in the dialogue of contemporary sculpture. Over the course of the major, students develop the technical, visual, and intellectual skills required to develop a sophisticated body of work.
Act Sooner. Know Earlier.
First-year students can apply Early Decision by Jan. 1 to get an admissions and financial aid estimate by mid-January.
Careers and Experiential Learning
Industries
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 sculpture 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
Projects From Painting Courses
Emily Glass
These paintings were completed in spring 2021 by students in programs across RIT’s School of Art — Fine Arts Studio (now part of Studio Arts), Illustration and Medical Illustration. The work was...
Senior Art Exhibition
Nine RIT School of Art seniors studying Expanded Forms, Metals and Jewelry Design, Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture presented individual capstone projects in a group senior art exhibition at RIT...
Thesis Exhibition
Holly Ferguson ’18
These works by Holly Ferguson '18 were featured in a thesis exhibition at RIT's old Gallery r — now RIT City Art Space — in the spring of 2018.
Featured Profiles
'Sp(arrows)' Exhibition
Taylor Kennedy, Annalisa Barron
"Sp(arrows)" is a two-person exhibition at RIT City Art Space featuring Annalisa Barron and Taylor Kennedy '15 (fine arts studio), whose combined work explores the cathartic relationship of...
Pre-College Portfolio Prep Workshop
RIT's annual Pre-College Portfolio Preparation Workshop offers students an engaging and rewarding experience. The course, taught by our School of Art's drawing and painting faculty, is a visual arts...
Exploring Buffalo's Arts Scene
Denton Crawford
Each semester, Senior Lecturer Denton Crawford leads his Expanded Forms class on a networking trip to nearby Buffalo, N.Y., to experience the area’s art scene.
Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Sculpture Option - Studio Arts BFA
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Studio Arts (sculpture 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-Artistic 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 semester of a sequential, structured introduction to the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Organized to create a broad introductory experience, students will build upon the visual and a verbal vocabulary, media, techniques, skill development and processes acquired during the fall semester. This term will also focus on the comprehensive exploration of color theory as well as dealing with conceptualization and more advanced issues related to problem solving. Accumulative aspects of the curriculum included the exploration of historical and cultural themes and concepts intertwined with aspects of personal interpretation and experience. (Prerequisites: FDTN-121 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| 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 is the second-semester of a sequential course. The focus is on composing three-dimensional form and its relationship to space. Students will build on their prior term experiences, which include the introduction to 3D 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. (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring, Summer). |
|
| 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-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). |
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-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). |
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 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| SCUL-543 | Foundry Practices This course is designed to introduce or develop students’ skills in casting metals with an emphasis on cast iron and the use of a cupola. Advanced pattern-making, mold-making, sprueing, patination, and casting techniques will be introduced. Students will develop their concepts through cast metal sculpture. **A lab fee is required for this course** (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or SCUL-269 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring). |
|
| SCUL-573 | Figure Sculpture This course will focus on the creation of three-dimensional figurative work. Course content will cover sculpting directly from live models and creating multiple armatures. Students will use this knowledge to create several oil clay maquettes. At the completion of this course students will produce a finished figurative sculpture translating a chosen maquette into a permanent material. *A lab fee is required for this course* (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or 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). |
|
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-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). |
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 | Senior 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 |
|
| SCUL-543 | Foundry Practices This course is designed to introduce or develop students’ skills in casting metals with an emphasis on cast iron and the use of a cupola. Advanced pattern-making, mold-making, sprueing, patination, and casting techniques will be introduced. Students will develop their concepts through cast metal sculpture. **A lab fee is required for this course** (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or SCUL-269 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring). |
|
| SCUL-573 | Figure Sculpture This course will focus on the creation of three-dimensional figurative work. Course content will cover sculpting directly from live models and creating multiple armatures. Students will use this knowledge to create several oil clay maquettes. At the completion of this course students will produce a finished figurative sculpture translating a chosen maquette into a permanent material. *A lab fee is required for this course* (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or 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). |
|
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-501 for 15 credits and choose an additional 6 credits from: SCUL-543 (Foundry Practices), SCUL-573 (Figure Sculpture), or SCUL-583 (Welding and Fabrication).
† CAD Studio Electives are College of Art and Design courses with 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.
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
Latest News
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November 6, 2023
![A student has her artwork reviewed by faculty member Don Arday.]()
Prospective students explore RIT art and design programs at National Portfolio Day event
The College of Art and Design welcomed 226 young artists to campus for its National Portfolio Day event, where prospective students met one-on-one with faculty about their artwork and different programs.
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August 30, 2023
![Wall signage with College of Art and Design in big, silver letters.]()
New School of Design director, faculty hires ready for 2023-24 academic year
The College of Art and Design welcomes new hires to its faculty roster while longtime faculty Alex Lobos assumes a role as director of the School of Design.
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October 4, 2022
![An overhead view of a student getting their portfolio reviewed by RIT faculty.]()
RIT welcomes prospective students for National Portfolio Day
RIT's College of Art and Design faculty, along with those at 25 other top art and design schools, reviewed students' portfolios as they prepared their artwork for the college admissions process.
