Program: Art - Graphic Design (Accelerated B.F.A./M.F.A.) - University of Memphis

Apr 01, 2025

2023-2024 UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG

This program allows outstanding undergraduates to begin the coursework for the Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design during their junior year. Students interested in the ABM program should talk with their adviser as early in their studies as possible and apply before they have completed 75 credit hours.

Working with the undergraduate adviser and the graphic design graduate coordinator, undergraduates selected into this program begin a carefully tailored course of study which will allow them to complete their B.F.A. degree while they also begin the coursework toward their M.F.A.

To apply, students should have a minimum 3.25 overall grade point average and a 3.5 in their major, and then must submit a copy of their transcript and two reference letters from Department of Art faculty to the graphic design graduate coordinator. Each applicant will complete an interview with the graphic design graduate coordinator.

Up to 12 hours of graduate course work may be applied to both the undergraduate and graduate programs.

University General Education Program (41 hours)

See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements. Note that the Humanities category is satisfied for art students who meet all B.F.A. in Art requirements by taking two of the following three courses:

ARTH 2010 - World Art I Credit Hours: (3)
ARTH 2020 - World Art II Credit Hours: (3)

The Major (79 hours)

Major Core (Foundation in Art) (12 hours)

ART 1210 - Foundations Studio I Credit Hours: (3)
ART 1215 - Foundations Studio II Credit Hours: (3)
ART 1311 - Drawing I Credit Hours: (3)
ART 1314 - Drawing II Credit Hours: (3)

Concentrations

Art majors must be formally accepted into a concentration. Admission to the University and completion of foundation art courses do not guarantee placement in a concentration. Admission is selective and is based on a portfolio evaluation that reflects professional standards and meets concentration expectations. Space availability may also affect admission decisions. A concentration entrance application and a portfolio should be submitted upon completion of foundation courses (ART 1210, ART 1215, ART 1311, ART 1314) plus additional concentration-specific courses (see concentration areas for these courses). The portfolio includes, but is not limited to, artwork from these courses. Guidelines and application forms for concentration admission are available in the department office and from faculty advisors. Consultation with a faculty adviser is recommended before or during portfolio preparation. Transfer students must meet concentration entrance requirements. After review, the department notifies the student of one of the following: (1) acceptance, (2) recommendation to correct deficiencies and reapply, or (3) denial of admission

Graduation

For the B.F.A. in Art, a total of 120 semester hours is required, 85 of which must be in professional course work that includes two courses from among ARTH 2010, 2020 or 2030. A minimum of 42 upper division semester hours is required for the degree. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for the major and all required courses for the Art major must have a minimum grade of “C-.”