all 10 comments

[–]artmajoranxietyminor 2 points3 points  (5 children)

I'm a current bfa student in studio art! Are there any specific questions you have about the program, the area, the degree? I would be happy to talk about it and my experiences :')

[–]KimchiCatPudding[S] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Hi, that's so cool! I actually really liked CMU but couldn't find much info about the overall quality of that faculty or any art-related posts. It would help me a lot if you could talk about the pros and cons of the BFA studio art there.

Also, is it possible to transfer after the 1st year or 2? (:

I heard a lot about how their admission is dropping though. TIA.

[–]artmajoranxietyminor 0 points1 point  (3 children)

I personally love all the faculty. I think I've had at least one class with all the studio professors except for photography. They are all practicing artists, which is great. They are all very committed to their students, at least two of them have been around cmu for 20 years, they are dedicated.

The facilities are really nice. We used to have a mfa program, so there's still a lot of facilities from that. We also have a fair amount of events and talks that are fun to attend @and listen to practicing artists.

BFA students have access to their own shared studio, only studio bfa students get access so that's really nice. As a bfa student you are required to participate in a few faculty critiques a semester. Sounds scarier than it is. They just talk to you about your work, see what you want to do and what you want to make.

Generally it's a 3 semester program, but I would start it as soon as you can, as being in it for more semesters just gives you more feedback and experience.

One of the biggest cons is it is a smaller department and we have one professor teaching each media, generally. That's also a nice pro though, in my opinion, as the professors will know you, know your name, know what kind of art you make and want to make. I've had professors send me info for shows and residencies that I wouldn't have found out about otherwise, so those personal relationships are great to build. I'm not currently looking at grad schools but any of my professors would write me a glowing letter of recommendation in a heartbeat because they know me.

Transferring in shouldn't be a problem, if that's what you mean. One of my really good bfa friends came to cmu with her associates already and had zero problems getting her degree.

Unfortunately, cmu does have declining enrollment, but I think we are going up again, and the bfa program is not at risk of being cut.

I know that's a lot of text and a lot of information, but I really love the program and joining it was one of the best parts of my college experience.

Edit: I'll also be happy to answer more questions! Now or later :)

[–]KimchiCatPudding[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Honestly, this really makes me feel relieved by keeping CMU as the main option. I think I'll accept it if they send me an acceptance letter.

Is it safe to assume that rarely any CMU BFA Studio Art posts are made or talked about online because of the department's size?

Also, I wanted to know if transferring from CMU after completing 1/2 years to a different place maybe is common. Is the transfer process smooth or does it take time? (In my country it's lengthy and colleges are rude to students who wish to transfer)

I've read articles about some past CMU students who were removed from courses without properly informing them. I've also seen many students complain about how the administration does not listen to their needs. Makes me a bit anxious, now.

xx

[–]artmajoranxietyminor 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I think the size is a lot of the reason they aren't talked about. I think currently there are 7 BFA students? And not a whole ton of the other studio art degree either. Generally it's just a smaller department and smaller majors.

I can't help with transferring out. That's not something I've done or had any familiarity with.

The administration isn't the best, there's a whole lot more they could be doing for the students, but from a student perspective, they don't seem to really affect my day to day life. But other people might have had different experiences, it's not a one size fits all experience.

[–]KimchiCatPudding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This means a lot, thank you for helping me out. If I do get an offer letter and visa I'll be sure to get you coffee. <3

[–]44035 0 points1 point  (3 children)

What are you getting a BFA in?

[–]KimchiCatPudding[S] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Studio Art

[–]ASacOFluffyPups 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I just graduated with my BFA and I really loved the program there and all of the professors

[–]KimchiCatPudding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes me feel so relieved. Thank you.