The BFA program is dedicated to the practice of creativity as a means of achieving increased awareness of personal identity and connection to meaningful work in the world. We're creating new ways for art to serve the world - re-discovering ancient ways to connect art and spirit.
The program combines studio practice and development of skill, with other activities - spiritual practice, ritual, academic research and intensive self-inquiry. We're here to support and affirm each other's uniqueness as well as our connection to the universal. In the BFA program, students begin their careers as artists who search for truth and meaning in their lives and in their culture.
The BFA in Studio Art is designed for people who have already completed a significant amount of college level work, and have some background in the arts. The BFA is designed to help move experienced students to a deeper level of self-inquiry, technical skill and cultural connection through art. The program is a bridge to either the MA in Transformative Arts or the MFA in Studio Arts - extremely successful degree programs which have made Arts and Consciousness one of the world's most innovative and dynamic arts programs. The BFA program provides an excellent foundation for continued artistic development on one's own or in a graduate program.
Students who have already undergraduate degrees in fields outside of the arts or who feel they need some extra work on development of a portfolio before attempting graduate work in art, can take great advantage of the BFA program. Of course, it's also intended for those seeking their first post-secondary degree. In addition to technical and creative growth, BFA students gain important insights into how they fit into the constantly changing worlds of contemporary art, healing and community transformation.
Curriculum
The BFA requires the completion of 189 units of undergraduate credit. Of these, 60 units will have been completed at another college. These credits are normally completed prior to enrolling in the BFA program, but in some cases may be completed concurrent with enrollment at JFK University. Current course offerings in the School of Education and Liberal Arts form the core of the BFA program's academic requirements and are offered at the Berkeley campus as well as at the Pleasant Hill and Campbell campuses. Arts and Consciousness courses, offered only at the Berkeley campus, include special studio intensive courses in the following media:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Digital Media
- Photography
- Sculpture and Installation Art
- Improvisation, Movement and Poetics
Other A&C courses required for the BFA include a special academic course,
Visual Culture A/B; a two quarter sequence of courses which explore culture, identity, art and spirituality. Studio elective classes aimed at increasing personal creativity and expression are an important part of the BFA. A special course introducing new students to self-inquiry techniques using the creative process,
Art, Archetype and Creative Process is required in the first quarter of the program as are a rich variety of courses which combine studio, academic and experiential learning.
The JFK University Berkeley Campus
All Studio Arts classes required for completion of the BFA program are offered at the JFK University, Berkeley Campus, located at 2956 San Pablo Ave, at Ashby Ave. Normally classes meet once weekly for two and one half hours. Academic courses are frequently offered on the Pleasant Hill campus. Classes are offered in pre-designated periods ranging from 9 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Most courses however are held during afternoon or evening hours. Several classes each quarter also meet for extended periods on Saturday and Sunday.
The Berkeley Campus located in a converted factory building, has spacious studios, exhibitions spaces, and a library. It has two group studio spaces and two large lecture classrooms as well as smaller advising and lounge spaces and staff offices. Technical facilities include a group darkroom and digital media center which supports work in digital photography, video, sound art and digital image processing. The Arts and Consciousness Gallery offers an ambitious array of student exhibits and work of outside artists throughout the year.
Admission
Students are admitted to the BFA program based on faculty review of academic credentials, statement of intent and portfolio of original artwork. To be admitted you must submit these materials to the admissions office. An admissions interview with an Arts and Consciousness Faculty member or advisor is required. The purpose of the admissions process is to make sure that A is the right program for you. It's not about who's good enough or who makes the right kind of artwork - we're trying to help you make a decision that will profoundly affect your life. We all need to know that A&C is the right choice for you. In the admission process we try hard to see the "real you" in your artwork.
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Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art Requirements
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Units
|
| Lower Division Prerequisite Courses |
60 |
|
Communications |
6 |
|
Humanities |
9 |
|
Natural Science |
3 |
|
Math |
3 |
|
Social Science |
6 |
|
Studio Art |
9 |
|
Open Electives |
24 |
| General Education |
47 |
|
Writing & Research |
6 |
| COR3100 |
Critical Thinking & Writing |
|
| COR3145 |
Research Writing |
|
| Humanities Electives |
6 |
| Social Science Electives |
6 |
| Philosophy & Religion |
8 |
| HUM3405 |
World Religions |
|
| PHR4412 or 4413 |
Intro to Meditative Practice |
|
|
Elective |
|
| General Education Electives |
21 |
| History of Art |
15 |
| A&C 4022 |
Art of the World |
3 |
| A&C 4024 |
Modern Art |
3 |
| A&C 4020 |
Contemporary Art |
3 |
|
Art History Electives |
6 |
| Studio Arts |
67 |
| A&C4510 & 4520 |
Intro to Visual Culture A/B |
6 |
| A&C4530 |
Image/Process/Archetype |
3 |
|
BFA Critique Seminar |
12 |
| Media of Sacred Arts Electives |
9 |
| A&C4670 |
Electives |
|
| Studio Arts Electives |
33 |
| Final Project |
4 |
|
Group Exhibition and Senior Thesis |
|
| Total Units |
189 |
How to Apply
Follow this check-list of procedures:
- Complete and send-in JFK University Application for Admission with $ 50 non-refundable application fee for BFA applicants ($20 for non-degree applicants) An additional $50 fee is required for international applicants. (available online at www.jfku.edu)
- Two sets of academic transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Transcripts of assessment examinations such as CLEP, AP or DANTES (DSST) may be submitted. SAT and ACT examinations are not required. Applicants to the BFA program are normally expected to have completed at least 60 quarter units at another college prior to admission.
- Pre-Admission Interview with an Academic Advisor. To schedule an interview, contact the JFK University Berkeley Campus, Department of Arts and Consciousness at 510.649.0499 or by e-mail at, arts@jfku.edu. Applicants who live outside the Bay Area may arrange an interview by phone.
- Portfolio Review. A portfolio of 10-15 original artworks in any media, completed within the past two years, must be submitted. This may occur during the pre-admission interview or through the mail, in the following forms: 35mm slides in a slide sheet, with an accompanying list of the artworks, media, dimensions and the year completed; CD or DVD of photographs of artwork; DVD or VHS format videos of installations or time-based artwork, such as movement or performance art. Written material such as conceptual documentation, poetry or other forms of written expression are appropriate for inclusion in the portfolio. Online portfolio submissions may also be made.
- Personal Statement. A typewritten 3-5 page essay describing the applicant's artistic background and interests as well as the reasons for applying to the BFA program. References to sources of artistic inspiration, personal history and interests in spiritual practice and philosophy, or community interaction are appropriate subjects for discussion in the personal statement.
- Advising Meeting. Upon admission to the BFA program an additional meeting with an advisor is required to discuss transfer credit, degree requirements and to develop an individualized education plan for the completion of the BFA program. Courses are selected and approved for the next available quarter for entry into the program. Registration may then occur at the designated registration period either on site at the Berkeley campus, the Pleasant Hill campus or by phone.
We're looking forward to welcoming you to the Department of Arts and Consciousness - the leading edge of art and cultural transformation.
