TROY|Department of Art and Design

Admission to BFA Program

Application Process

Students applying or transferring into the BFA degree program are required to submit a portfolio for review by the faculty of the Department of Art and Design.

This application process is separate from admission to the university and may be done before or after admission to Troy. Students who do not feel prepared for this application process may declare a Bachelor of Science degree and apply for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program after arriving at Troy.

Entrance into the BFA program is not guaranteed and students who fail to gain acceptance should make alternative plans. Academic advisors are able to assist students in this situation.

Portfolio Requirements

Portfolios will be evaluated by the Department of Art and Design Portfolio Review Committee. The committee will examine the applicant’s portfolio based on the following criteria:

• Perceptual Skills-ability to draw from direct observation
• Composition- formal organization of the work to define space
• Craftsmanship- technical knowledge and skills in media as well as presentation
• Conceptual Skills- use of the formal elements of design to express ideas

Students Applying to the Studio Art Program

The portfolio may be submitted in slide, digital or original form. We prefer viewing actual portfolios. However, should student wish to apply by mail, portfolio will be accepted in slide or digital form (CD or DVD) only. If submitting slides, they should be in a clear plastic slide sheet. Each slide must be clearly labeled with the student’s name. Please indicate the top of the image and number each slide to correspond to the annotated work list.*

The portfolio must contain (12) examples of the best original artwork that reflects the student’s development in the areas of design, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and digital media.

You can submit any combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional work but at least (6) pieces must be from direct observation such as still life, landscape, interior spaces, portraits, and figures. Additionally, the Department of Art and Design may give you a “take home” test or project to gain further evidence of the applicant’s ability to think strategically and creatively. We discourage using subject matter such as heavy metal imagery, Japanimae, and T-shirt art.


*Annotated Work List

On a separate piece of paper be sure to include a typed list of the artwork in the portfolio. The annotations should include: name, size, medium, execution date, and a brief statement explaining the purpose/intent of the individual work.

Written Statement

Along with your art portfolio, you will need to submit a written statement. You must explain your intent and desire to enter the professional Bachelor of Fine Arts degree here at TROY University. Your written statement will need to be 500 words minimum and should address the following issues in a well-written fashion:

• Discuss how pursuing the program will achieve the goals necessary for
  a career in the arts.
• Discuss your preferred medium/media.
• Choose your strongest piece in the portfolio and write a critique using art vocabulary (elements and principles of art).
• Select a piece from your portfolio that best expresses a concept or idea and explain.

Application Submission

The application form may be obtained from 132 Malone Hall or it can be downloaded from the web site. It needs to be filled out in its entirety and included in the portfolio.

Portfolios submitted by mail must include a self-addressed stamped envelop for return. Work submitted in person should not exceed 32” x 40” and should be enclosed in a portfolio case. Drop off portfolios between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Office of the Department of Art and Design, in Malone. The written statement, annotated list, and application form should be placed inside the portfolio.