DEGREE OPTIONS AND CURRICULUM GUIDES
Like every degree program, the Department of Art & Design asks its majors to complete a specific set of course requirements. This page can serve as your guide to those requirements, providing a four-year plan and course checklist to outline what it takes to graduate with an Art degree.
What’s the Difference Between a BA, a BFA, and a Minor?
BA – Bachelor of Arts
A BA is a 120-credit-hour degree that includes 50–60 credit hours in Art or Design coursework. This path offers flexibility, making it a great choice if you’re interested in:
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Double majoring
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Adding a minor
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Exploring other academic interests alongside your creative studies
The BA allows you to build your portfolio while keeping your options open.
BFA – Bachelor of Fine Arts
A BFA is also a 120-credit-hour degree, but it includes 80+ credit hours in Art or Design coursework. This means:
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More studio time
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More intensive creative development
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A stronger, more comprehensive portfolio
The BFA is ideal if you want to immerse yourself deeply in your discipline and graduate with a highly competitive body of work.
Minor in Art + Design
All Art + Design minors are 18 credit hours focused on a specific discipline. A minor is perfect if you:
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Want to complement another major
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Add creative skills to your career path
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Explore art or design without committing to a full degree
Which Path Is Right for You?
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Choose a BFA if you want to fully dedicate yourself to creative problem-solving and art-making while building a robust portfolio.
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Choose a BA if you want academic flexibility while still developing strong creative skills and portfolio work.
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Choose a Minor if you want to add design thinking and visual communication skills to another major.
CURRICULUM GUIDES
BFA in Art with Teacher Education (Art Education) option
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art with an option in teacher education (art education) suggested study plans for students entering Eastern Illinois University in Fall 2026:
BA, BFA, and minor in Art with Graphic Design option
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art, and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (BFA) with option in Graphic Design suggested study plan for students entering Eastern Illinois University in Fall 2026:
BA 2d studio + grapHic design dual major
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art, Graphic Design, and 2D Studio Art, suggested study plan for students entering Eastern Illinois University in Fall 2026:
BA, BFA, and minor in Art with Studio Art option, 2D emphasis
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art with an option in studio with 2D emphasis suggested study plan for students entering Eastern Illinois University in Fall 2026:
BA, BFA, and minor in Art with Studio Art option, 3D emphasis
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art with an option in studio with 3D emphasis suggested study plan for students entering Eastern Illinois University in Fall 2026:
BA and minor in Art with Art History option
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art with an option in art history suggested study plan for students entering Eastern Illinois University in Fall 2026:
BS and minor in Fashion Merchandising option
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Fashion Merchandising, emphasis suggested study plan for students entering Eastern Illinois University in Fall 2026: