Art & Design Northern Michigan University - Illustration BFA Degree Program

Frequenty Asked Questions

What degree should I pursue?

For job placement within the design industry it is a typical requirement that you have your Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA). It is also mandatory for you to have your BFA if you decide to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree. A BFA provides for more studio credit hours than a BA or BS degree. The BA and BS degrees provide you with the option to pursue a minor in addition to their major in Human-Centered Design.

What is the difference between a BFA and BS or BA degree?

The BFA degree includes 40 credits in liberal studies with 87 credits in Art and Design. This degree includes the most art and design classes with a studio emphasis.

The BS and BA degrees include 40 credits in liberal studies and 63 credits in Art and Design, plus a 20 credit minor out side of the School of Art and department. The BA requires a language minor, the BS includes all other minors not in language. These degree choices allow a studio art major to diversify their knowledge with another discipline.

Will I need to submit a portfolio for admission?

There is no portfolio requirement for admission into the introductory (100 and 200 level) Art and Design courses. However, a faculty led portfolio review is conducted for students at the 300 levels in order to determine continuation in the program of study.

Are there scholarships for incoming Art and Design majors at the freshman level?

Yes, there are scholarships available - for specific information on requirements and deadlines check on-line at:

http://art.nmu.edu/department/ad_info_scholar.html

What emphasis will I find in the Human-Centered Design program?

The emphasis of the Human-Centered Design program is to develop students into innovative and thoughtful designers that are able to communicate their ideas by means of sketches, models (virtual and physical), prototypes and presentations. The discipline requires that well-informed decisions be made throughout the entire design process including research, interaction, comfort, material selection, manufacturing process and sustainability.

Software utilized in the Human-Centered Design curriculum includes TurboCAD, Rhinoceros, RhinoCAM, Catalyst, ScanStudio, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator

What kind of computer do I need?

As a student in the School of Art and Design, you will be issued an Apple iBook laptop computer. The laptop will come with the majority of the required software already loaded. There are four computer labs available for student use as well. The labs are used for instruction and in some cases when specific software is unavailable for the laptops, projects must be completed in the labs.

What is the job outlook like for Human-Centered Designers?

Through the skills acquired in the Human-Centered Design curriculum, graduates will be prepared for careers in Industrial Design (Product Design) as well Interior Architecture. Other possibilities include freelance design or developing an independent business plan. Keep in mind that Human-centered Design is a method in which to approach development and realization of an end product and not necessarily the key search phrase when conducting a job search.

May I enroll in other Art and Design classes?

Yes, and it is highly encouraged so that you may diversify your portfolio and learn various processes and techniques taught in courses throughout the School of Art and Design.