Bachelor in
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Visual Technology
George Mason University
Key Information
Campus location
Fairfax, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 4,897 / per semester **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Aug 2023
* freshman non-binding early action deadline; February 1 - freshman regular decision deadline
** in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Introduction
This intensive 120-credit studio production program emphasizes analytical, creative, and experiential aspects of design, studio, and new media art. The BFA AVT is designed to prepare students professionally as visual artists or for graduate study in the arts. Students devote a significant portion of their college careers to an in-depth study in their concentration. In addition to completing the university-wide general education requirements and electives, BFA AVT majors must complete Studio Foundations Experience, studio core and research practicum courses, art history, and critical theory requirements, interdisciplinary studio course electives, Professional Practice, and a capstone. Students choose a concentration in either Graphic Design or Studio Art.
Curriculum
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 120
Mason Core
Foundation Requirements
- Oral Communication 3
- Quantitative Reasoning 3
- Information Technology 3
- ENGH 101 Composition (Mason Core) 3
- ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core) 3
Core Requirements
- Literature 3
- Arts 3
- Natural Science 7
- Western Civilization 3
- Global Understanding 3
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
Total Credits 37
AVT Major Requirements
Studio Foundation
- AVT 104 Two-Dimensional Design and Color (Mason Core) 3
- AVT 105 Three-Dimensional Design and Beyond (Mason Core) 3
- AVT 110 Digital Design Studio (Mason Core) 3 or AVT 180 New Media in the Creative Arts (Mason Core)
- AVT 222 Drawing I (Mason Core) 3
Foundation Electives
Select three courses from the following: 9
- AVT 215 Typography (Mason Core)
- AVT 217 Introduction to Web Design
- AVT 232 Painting I (Mason Core)
- AVT 243 Printmaking I (Mason Core)
- AVT 252 Darkroom Photography I (Mason Core)
- AVT 253 Digital Photography I (Mason Core)
- AVT 262 Sculpture I (Mason Core)
- AVT 280 Introduction to New Media Arts
- AVT 272 Interdisciplinary Arts (Mason Core)
- AVT 496 Special Topics
Art History
- ARTH 374 Art Now 3
Select one from the following: 3
- AVT 318 History of Graphic Design 2 or AVT 410 Experiential Design History
- Any ARTH 200-400 level course
Critical Analysis & Contemporary Practice
- AVT 307 Aesthetics 3
- AVT 395 Writing for Artists 3 or AVT 396 Writing for Designers
- AVT 472 Critical Theory in the Visual Arts 3 or AVT 408 Visual Communication Theories
Select one from the following: 3
- AVT 204 Visual Thinking
- AVT 305 Creative Processes
- AVT 309 Art as Social Action
- AVT 370 Entrepreneurship in the Arts
- AVT 371 Visual Perception and the Arts
- AVT 372 Hip Hop Culture
- AVT 374 Sound Art I
- AVT 380 Thinking Through Animation
- AVT 407 Advanced Aesthetics
- AVT 408 Visual Communication Theories
- AVT 595 Introduction to Art Teaching and Learning
Studio Core & Research Practicum
- AVT 101 New Majors Colloquium 3
- AVT 202 Sophomore Core 3
- AVT 303 Junior Core 3
- AVT 404 Senior ProSeminar 2
Professional Practices
- AVT 413 Professional Design Practices 3 or AVT 453 Professional Practices
Synthesis
- AVT 497 Senior Project (Mason Core) 3 or AVT 498 Senior Design Project (Mason Core)
Total Credits 56
Concentrations
Select one concentration and complete the requirements therein:
- Graphic Design (GD)
- Studio Arts (SA)
Graphic Design (GD)
All AVT BFA majors concentrating in graphic design must complete AVT 215 Typography (Mason Core), AVT 217 Introduction to Web Design, and AVT 252 Darkroom Photography I (Mason Core) or AVT 253 Digital Photography I (Mason Core) under Foundation Electives (above).
- AVT 311 Graphic Design Methods and Principles 3
- AVT 313 Editorial Design 3
- AVT 414 Brand Identity Design 3
Select 15 credits from the following: 15
- AVT 319 Mobile App Design
- AVT 327 Illustration
- AVT 341 Comics
- AVT 344 Book Arts: Books Enclosures
- AVT 346 Digital Printmaking
- AVT 357 Photobook: Concepts Form
- AVT 409 User Experience Design
- AVT 411 Motion Design
- AVT 412 Advanced Typography
- AVT 415 Web Design and Usability
- AVT 416 Advertising Design
- AVT 417 Package Design
- AVT 419 Topics in Graphic Design
- AVT 420 Advanced Web Design
- DSGN 101 Introduction to Design Thinking
Or other courses as approved by the graphic design director.
Total Credits 24
Studio Arts (SA)
300-400 level AVT studio courses 24
Or other courses as approved by the director.
Total Credits 24
General Electives
Select 3 credits from General Electives 3
Total Credits 3