Dec 06, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Department of Fine and Performing Arts


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Chair:   Tewodross M. Williams
     
Professors:   Bob Bartlett, Dr. Marymal Holmes, Gina M. Lewis & Tewodross M. Williams
     
Associate Professor:   Jennifer Dorsey, Kathryn Kawecki, Dr. Gilbert Pryor, Dr. William E. Smith, Elena Velasco and Arthur Vidrine
     
Assistant Professor:   Billy Bennett, Danielle Brown, Ogechi Chieke, Dr. Truly Davis, Tamara DeSilva, Brandon Felder, Janell Pryor and Michael Simmons
     
Lecturers:   LaTonya Wrenn 
     

Overview 

Build your talent to create, connect and inspire. The visual and performing arts are highly competitive fields and having a strong foundation of professional training is critical. In Bowie State’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, students prepare for success in the Fine and Performing Arts Center-a beautiful space featuring a movement studio, band room, only Steinway piano rooms and rehearsal studios, a recital hall, a multimedia recording studio, digital media labs, Studio Ayoka Chenzira, a stop-motion animation studio powered by Laika; fashion design studio and costume shop, MOCAVI-XR, an VFX, SFX, film/video editing, compositing and mocap suite powered by Adobe; digital music production lab, visual arts and design studios for painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and more, as well as the Dionne Warwick Theater and Black Box Theater. Additionally, our award-winning faculty provides a holistic education that produces empowered graduates prepared to meet the challenges of their discipline, stay abreast of technology, and embrace diversity.

Mission

Consistent with the University’s overall mission, the Department of Fine and Performing Arts provides a comprehensive and holistic education that will produce empowered graduates prepared to meet the challenges of their discipline, stay abreast of technology, and embrace diversity. The Department fosters community outreach that perpetuates an overall appreciation of visual arts, media arts, design, music, dance, and theatre and their recognition of the arts in academe.

Vision

To be recognized as a higher education leader in producing quality artists who are diverse and grounded in the knowledge and experience of creativity, progressive research, and community service.

Core Values

• Promoting the highest quality in teaching, creative expression, research, and service in the arts

• Encouraging, with integrity and ethics, individual expression, interpretation, and experimentation

• Perpetuating a spirit of collaboration with various communities through the arts • Encouraging diversity in faculty, students, staff, and departmental experiences

• Facilitating critical thinking, technology fluency, and information literacy

Goals

1. To provide a progressive and rigorous curriculum with activities that ground students in the arts holistically, as well as in their specific areas of concentration.

2. To recruit, retain, and graduate academically sound and diverse student populations.

3. To encourage individual creativity and experimentation in interdisciplinary activities, in arts as a business, and in overall aesthetics.

4. To cultivate critical thinking through individual and collective examinations of quality in the arts and aesthetics.

5. To offer the most current technological advances employed in art, design, media arts, visual communication, music, dance, and theatre.

6. To expose students to a variety of cultural experiences that enhances their artistic repertoire and develops their appreciation for diversity.

7. To increase departmental support and visibility, through partnerships, alliances, and/or collaborative experiences,

8. To foster an appreciation of the arts as a cultural force in society, on the campus, and in surrounding communities.

9. To strengthen viable human and fiscal resources and maintain accountability to both the university and the public. 

 

Objectives 

1. To offer courses that stimulate students to learn about art and creative self-expression, as a part of their cultural growth.

2. To foster an appreciation for the value of art experiences.

3. To acquaint students with Fine and Performing Arts practices of various cultures, from prehistoric times to the present.

4. To show the relationship of the fine and performing arts to other fields of learning.

5. To encourage students who demonstrate interest and potential for artistic growth to continue the study of art in its various forms.

6. To provide students with a solid foundation in visual and performing arts, design, media arts, research, entertainment, technology, and professional performance and exhibition.

Department of Fine & Performing Arts Programs

The Department of Fine & Performing Arts (DFPA) offers three bachelor’s degree programs, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BA) with concentrations in Art (Studio Art) with tracks in 2D, 3D, Photography, and Integrated Studios; Music, and Music Technology. The DFPA offers a Bachelor of Science in (BS) Theatre Arts (with tracks in Acting & Directing, and Dance & Movement Studies). There is also a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts (VCDMA), with concentrations in Advertising Design, Animation & Motion Graphics, Digital Cinema & Time-Based Media, Digital Media Arts, and Fashion Design. The maximum number of credit hours required for each of these degree programs is 120-122. Upon selecting a major and concentration, students should consult with the appropriate program coordinator and an advisor.

General and application requirements

The student officially declares Fine Arts, Theatre Arts, or VCDMA, as a major, along with their concentration, by entering it on his/her initial application for admission or by submitting the Declaration of Major/Program Form. All majors must earn at least a grade of “C” in all required core courses taken in the major; otherwise, the course must be repeated. Some majors in the DFPA require auditions, recitals, portfolio reviews and other assessments upon entry and/or throughout the program. Please consult with an academic advisor or program coordinator for more details and instructions. Majors demonstrating a fundamental weakness in an area of study may be required by the Department Chair to take additional study in the deficit area. All students applying for admission as majors in the Department are expected to demonstrate their skills via portfolio or performance, as appropriate. Students are encouraged to take additional courses during the winter/summer semesters to have a manageable semester load. The Department reserves the right to specify suitable general education courses for its majors, in keeping with COMAR.


Special Requirements for BA students

Students pursuing the BA in Fine Arts (Studio, Music and Music Technology) must take 12 semester hours of a foreign language. Twelve (12) credits in Arts and Humanities and General Education Electives listed under general education (SPAN, FREN or others) must be in a foreign language.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are expected to present/maintain a comprehensive portfolio, demo or repertoire or examples of their work prior to acceptance in the department. Transfer students must meet with the appropriate program coordinator and complete a transfer credit evaluation and portfolio review (if available).

 

VISUAL COMMUNICATION & DIGITAL MEDIA ARTS (BS)

Mission

The Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts (VCDMA) enables and empowers students for a career in visual communication, design and media arts. Students who follow this concentration are introduced to opportunities in graphic design, digital filmmaking, animation, motion graphics, fashion design, digital art and imaging, and the entertainment industry.

Currently, this program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in VCDMA. The VCDMA program offers (5) five concentrations in Advertising Design, Animation & Motion Graphics, Digital Cinema & Time-Based Media, Digital Media Arts and Fashion Design. The minimum number of semester hours required for the (BS) Bachelor of Science degree is 120-122 credits, depending on the concentration.  

Students who choose to concentrate in a particular area must consult with a VCDMA faculty advisor.  Additionally, students from other departments may seek to minor in VCDMA and an area of concentration and should develop a course scheme with faculty in VCDMA.

Program Goals and Objectives
 
  • To strengthen students’ knowledge, demonstrative skill, and application of visual communication, digital art, and the elements and principles of art & design, principles of animation; filmmaking and production techniques and successful concepts in fashion design
  • To produce students that are highly qualified for various opportunities and careers in visual communication, animation, film, digital/media arts, entertainment and fashion design
  • To provide the global community with visual artists, designers, animators, filmmakers, and producers that are critical thinkers, problem solvers and are also socially, culturally and environmentally conscious
  • To provide majors a survey of courses in design, advertising, animation, motion graphics, filmmaking including media arts, fashion design, and product design
  • To assist students in career and future educational pursuits by networking with the professionals in the visual communication, entertainment and media industry
  • To provide students access to state-of-the art technology and equipment for design, digital media, fashion, film and animation production
  • To provide students the opportunity to conduct research and participate in collaborative, sustainable and interdisciplinary projects
  • To introduce students to visual and media artists, filmmakers, designers, content producers and especially those of color who have contributed to the field of technology, art/design, film, animation and media arts
  • To further introduce contemporary visual artists/designers and producers incorporating technology into their creative work as well as innovation in their various industries
     

What Students Learn

The VCDMA program’s multidisciplinary curriculum merges art, design, digital media production, technology, and business/marketing. Additionally, strategic partnerships with other academic programs at Bowie State and professional organizations in the community enhance the learning experience for our students. Students will:

  • Strengthen their skills by applying the key principles of art and design, animation, cinema, and fashion designdesign.
  • Study the artists, innovators, animators, filmmakers, and designers who have contributed to the fields of design, technology, entertainment, and media arts.
  • Conduct collaborative research to broaden your technical expertise in visual art, media arts, and design.
  • Explore art and self-expression to enhance your cultural and artistic growth and appreciate culture and diversity.


Career Opportunities

The Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area is a major center for the arts, entertainment, technology, and business, both nationally and internationally. This rapidly expanding area will allow graduates to find employment and research opportunities in visual arts, design, film, fashion, media arts, animation, and related fields. Additionally, our faculty actively assists students with obtaining internships and employment opportunities in the field. Careers for visual communication and media arts graduates include, but are not limited to:

Animator
Art director
Creative director
Entrepreneur
Digital production artist
Digital marketing and social media designer
Fashion designer
Visual merchandiser
Filmmaker
Film editor
Graphic designer
Illustrator
Motion graphics designer
Projection/Multimedia designer
Concept artist
Museum curator
Photojournalist
Stylist
Transmedia producer
User experience designer
Video game design artist
Visual artist
Visual effects designer
Web designer
Social media designer/Content Producer

 

Admission Requirements

The student must officially declare VCDMA as a major (and select one of the (5) five concentrations) by entering this information on his/her initial application for admission or by submitting the Declaration of Major form. Students in VCDMA are entered as pre-majors and then after passing appropriate portfolio reviews, coursework, etc., and then students move on to becoming majors.

 The Concentrations/Subplans under VCDMA are:

  • ADVD: Advertising Design
  • AMGR: Animation & Motion Graphics
  • DCTM: Digital Cinema & Time-Based Media
  • DMA: Digital Media Arts
  • FASH: Fashion Design

Students are entered as pre-majors and then after passing appropriate portfolio reviews, coursework, etc. Students then move on to become majors in VCDMA and then when successful in meeting program and course requirements, they “advance” to candidacy for their degree.

All students applying for admission to visual communication and digital media arts are expected to demonstrate their skills via a portfolio that highlights ten (or more) examples of foundation and basic skills such as observational drawings, 2D/3D design, sculpture or ceramics, photography, and painting; digital art or examples of graphics only if applicable. This should be submitted online via an online portfolio and/or CD-ROM or thumb drive with images and examples. Work should be labeled with a title, brief description, medium, and dimensions.
The work samples or portfolio should demonstrate successful usage, application, and understanding of the elements and principles of art/design.


Transfer Students

Transfer students are expected to present/maintain a comprehensive portfolio of their work prior to acceptance in the department, meet with the VCDMA academic advisor, and complete a transfer credit evaluation and meeting. Contact the DFPA’s office or the registrar’s office for more information. Transfer students should submit their complete transcripts to the university. They should also provide a portfolio (work samples) after acceptance into BSU and send it to the VCDMA coordinator/advisor for review.

All VCDMA students are required to maintain a comprehensive portfolio of their work for periodic inspection; to participate in student art exhibitions, and faculty reviews to proceed to the junior level and graduation. Students who transfer in with 12 credit hours or more are not required to take Freshman Seminar but will need an additional (3) three-credit, transfer course to count for this GEN ED course; and one course that is not being used elsewhere in the major.


Note: Not all courses and course levels (example 100, 400, etc.) will transfer or will be applied to the major and will be evaluated and reviewed by the department and program coordinator for accuracy. Contact the department and program coordinator for more information.
 

Advising

All VCDMA majors must work closely with a faculty advisor within their program, requirements, follow the advisement checklists based on their specific concentration and adhere to the BSU undergraduate catalog. Failure to do so could prolong matriculation through this program.

 

Facilities

The Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC) at Bowie State University is a beautiful space  with spaces for performance and visual arts including a main stage theater, movement studio, black box theatre, band room, Steinway piano rooms and rehearsal studios, recital hall; a multimedia recording studio, digital media labs, art, costume shop/fashion design studio, design, media, stop-motion animation studio, film/video editing and compositing suite; and digital music lab.

VCDMA provides students access to state-of-the art digital media computer labs, an art resource room, green screen/stop-motion animation studio, film/video edit suite, fashion design room and costume shop, design studios and classrooms. Students also have access to a photo studio, darkroom and traditional art studios for painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, photography and more. The FPAC also has a student lounge with Wi-Fi access. We invite you to a tour of the FPAC and campus. In addition, there is a darkroom and digital media (computer) labs. In the labs/studios we offer but are not limited to:

  • Apple MacPros, IMac Pros and and Powerbook laptops
  • Large format color printers and fashion digitizers and plotter
  • DSLR &  Digital cinema cameras
  • Wacom One tablets
  • Digital Video/Film production equipment; slider, dollies, jib-crane and more
  • Fashion design equipment, sewing machines, tables, dress forms, mannequins; digitizer, plotters
  • Digital video editing
  • VR headsets
  • Studio Ayoka Chenzira stop-motion animation suite powered by Laika
  • MOCAVI-XR High-end Video Editing and Compositing Suite (VFX,SFX)
  • High-end Video Editing and Compositing Suite
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Final Cut Pro
  • CLO 3D Fashion software
  • ToonBoom Harmony
  • Storyboard Pro
  • Celtx (screenwriting)
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Cinema 4D
  • Dragonframe

Students also have access to the latest technology and equipment in digital video production, stop-motion animation, visual effects, lighting and digital photography, green screen, and backdrops. Students also have access to research, printing, scanning and full Wi-Fi internet access in the VCDMA digital media arts lab, during the week with some limited evening and weekend lab access (subject to availability); as well as materials including books, professional and industry journals dedicated to art/design, visual communication, hip-hop studies, visual culture, animation, fashion, film design, media studies, etc. both in the lab and in the undergraduate library and Art Resource Center. The DFPA provides access to studios for design, fashion design, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, traditional, visual arts & crafts, and ceramics. There is also access for students to digital media and computer labs, traditional and digital photography equipment, and darkrooms as well as green screen, fashion design/costuming and film/video editing studio.


Library & Research

Students in VCDMA have access to research materials from a variety of sources such as art and design periodicals, journals, resources, and more, that cover various software training and tutorials, including subscriptions such as Business of Fashion and other professional art/design, animation, history, theory & criticism, fashion design, media arts, books, DVDs, films, magazines, and online resources. The Thurgood Marshall Library is an excellent resource at Bowie State University. The Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC) also provides an Art Resource room for students to conduct research, prepare portfolios and demos, have meetings and more.



Graduation Requirements

Students concentrating in VCDMA, or art must earn at least a grade of “C” in courses taken in the major (this includes Business, Marketing classes and all Studio Arts, VCDMA, music, music technology, and theatre courses within the DFPA; otherwise, the course(s) must be repeated. The coordinator will require students who show evidence of fundamental weakness in an area of study, advisor and/or department chair to take additional course work in that area. Students must follow the program scheme and take courses and prerequisites, and in order as advised and per the program.


Juried Student Art Exhibitions and periodic portfolio review/assessment

VCDMA students are required to present/maintain a comprehensive portfolio of their work for periodic inspection and to participate in all juried student art exhibitions, demonstrate evidence of research and work during advisement and faculty reviews to be successful in this program.

** Students should consult the ART/VCDMA portfolio tips and guidelines and request this information from their advisor or program coordinator.
 

Art & Design History and Visual Culture Course Requirements

Students must also complete a minimum of (12) twelve credit hours in art/design history (ART and VCDM) with a mandatory requirement of ART 404 History of Modern Art/VCDM 367 Design History/VCDM 365 Fashion History/VCDM 394 History of Animation or VCDM 407 African American Cinema, based on specific concentration (see advisement sheet and or a VCDMA academic advisor for details).


Portfolio Requirement

All students are required to maintain a professional portfolio and other examples of documentation, research and evidence of matriculation have regularly scheduled portfolio reviews and assessments with faculty. A final and successful exhibition and portfolio review is required to graduate. Transfer students are expected to present a comprehensive portfolio of their work prior to acceptance in the department. VCDMA students are expected to keep a comprehensive portfolio of their work for periodic inspection; to participate in student art exhibitions, and faculty reviews in order to proceed to the junior level and graduation.


Portfolio Reviews, Assessments and Senior Thesis Exhibition

Upon completion of foundation courses and no later than the end of their sophomore year, students are to submit a portfolio and participate in their first mandatory faculty portfolio review and evaluation. By the end of their senior year students will participate in their second mandatory faculty review and evaluation.

VCDMA students are required to develop and maintain a comprehensive portfolio of course work and independent art projects for periodic inspection and evaluation throughout their matriculation. This begins in the freshman year and MUST be successfully maintained up to and until graduation. VCDMA students are required to participate in a minimum of two (2) scheduled faculty reviews to:

  • Advance to candidacy and 300/400 level art courses (proceed to the junior level)
  • Meet requirements for graduation, and submit work for senior thesis course/proposal and final exhibition
  • Be approved for an internship, in addition to other prerequisites


VCDM 219 Portfolio Review & Assessment I (Basic/foundation skills)

VCDMA students should sign up for and successfully pass VCDM 219 Portfolio Review & Assessment I and then, VCDM 419 Portfolio Review and Assessment II. Both courses will be used to capture in the academic record, the student successfully passing of both mandatory portfolio reviews. Students would take and pass these courses as zero “0” credit (Pass/Fail option). These assessments will be repeatable up to no more than (2) two times. The review in VCDM 219 will consist of a demonstration and 10 or more samples of foundation artwork and studies such as observational drawings, (gesture drawing, still life, landscape); 2D/3D design, sculpture, painting, photography and demonstration of the elements and principles of art/design and composition.

In addition, students will also submit a basic writing sample in MLA format, this should be a successful essay, or research paper from previous Art history, history, English or other course at Bowie State University. This must demonstrate format, citations, be free of grammatical errors and a sample that received a grade of “C” or better. Students must also submit their senior thesis proposal for review and approval.

See the VCDMA program coordinator for format, requirements, and details. They are required to first pass their first portfolio review (VCDM 219) and submit a minimum 2-page, typed proposal (with additional sketches, maquettes, storyboards, mood boards or fashion patterns, etc., online, and physical portfolio, blog, documentation, evidence of research/creative work, sketchbook).

VCDMA Students are also required to submit to faculty for approval for their senior thesis exhibition no later than their sophomore year (2nd semester). Students should also consult and refer to the VCDMA Senior Thesis Proposal Guide and the VCDMA Senior Thesis & Exhibition Requirements. These are available via the VCDMA webpage and from the academic advisor and/or program coordinator. This proposal should be submitted no later than the end of the first portfolio review and assessment. Transfer students will also need to pass the portfolio review and assessments, submit a senior thesis proposal preferably by their sophomore/junior year whichever is earliest and applies. See Program Coordinator and Advisor for more details


VCDM 419 Portfolio Review and Assessment II (Advanced)

VCDM 419 review will consist of 10-20 or more works (excluding the work from 219) that demonstrates advanced work and focus in their specific area of concentration. This work should consist of work in and especially outside of course work and should not be their senior thesis exhibition. If students do not pass the portfolio requirements, they may be required to take additional coursework to improve their performance. Students are also to meet regularly with faculty and advisor and submit work for their senior art exhibition. These courses lead to being approved in taking VCDM 498 Senior Thesis Exhibition.

The senior exhibition must consist of a cohesive body of work consisting of 15 or more works based on this approved theme and all must be reviewed and approved by VCDMA faculty. The senior thesis proposal and body of work must be approved and completed at least one year before (minimum of (1) one semester) taking VCDM 498 Senior Thesis Exhibition. Students are also required to maintain a sketchbook during their matriculation at Bowie State University. Please refer to VCDMA thesis proposal guidelines and requirements for assistance and directions for typing the thesis proposal.

VCDMA Faculty must approve this proposal before a student can take the course and/or mount their final show. This proposal must demonstrate a specific theme, concept, or area of focus within a student’s given concentration and area of research, and successful mastery in the artwork as well as writing for and about the work; and again, in an area of discipline specific to VCDMA.

These approved items must be submitted with portfolio at least one semester prior to taking VCDM 498 and must be approved by at least (3) three full- time VCDMA faculty members, including the VCDMA Program Coordinator or Academic Advisor.

Students must also plan their final exhibition with permission and approval of Gallery Director and follow all requirements for mounting a professional exhibition in the BSU Gallery and online/virtually (see faculty for details). Students are also required to complete a final assessment of their senior show, exit survey and final portfolio review to meet graduation requirements. Students who fail to adhere to this policy may be in jeopardy of not graduating or in being asked to leave the program.

Note: VCDMA reserves the right to retain student work samples for the archive and for use online via the program website, in print in marketing and in physical galleries. Students may be required to leave 1-2 or more finished works of art/images, fashion, film, animation, design, screenplays, etc. from the VCDMA program, exhibitions, etc. for the promotion and advertising of the program to prospective students and the public.



Final Portfolio 

As part of graduation requirements VCDMA students must submit a final portfolio that consists of 10 or more professional quality works to be proposed for VCDM 498 and their senior exhibition. All work for the final senior portfolio must be submitted early, or no later than the midterm of the preceding semester (before graduation) for review. A portfolio review form must be provided with each digital portfolio on a CD-R or DVD (and online shared drive), as well as a link to students’ online portfolio. Be sure to visit and get useful information on portfolio tips, careers as well as internships and careers on the VCDMA Resource page on the DFPA website.



Senior Thesis and Exhibition Requirements

1.  Senior Thesis Proposal: All VCDMA Students are required to work with VCDMA faculty complete to a senior thesis project based on an approved area of research within their specific major area and concentration and based on a specific area of concentration and based on proposed final exhibition and theme. All VCDMA Students are required to submit a minimum 2-page, typed proposal (with additional sketches, maquettes, storyboards, mood boards or fashion patterns, etc., online, and physical portfolio, blog, documentation, evidence of research/creative work, sketchbook)-based on a specific area of concentration and based on proposed final exhibition and theme before taking VCDM 498.

Students should refer to Thesis Proposal Guidelines & Requirements documents for assistance and directions for typing the thesis proposal. Students should get this information from their advisor or program coordinator.

2. Senior Thesis Exhibition: A final senior show based on the approved proposal and evidence of research (blog), a portfolio is required, and all students must mount/screen a successful senior exhibition and/or screening to complete graduation requirements. The entire body of senior thesis exhibition work must be approved and completed a minimum of one semester prior to taking VCDM 498 one year before; and this is required no later than (1) one semester before the semester taking VCDM 498 and graduation. Students are also required to maintain a sketchbook and blog during their matriculation at Bowie State University. VCDM 498 is offered normally in the spring semester.

VCDMA Senior thesis projects are as follows and students should consult with the program coordinator and professors:
 

  • ADVD (Advertising Design) must create a body of 15-20 (min. of 10) works that explore and solve a specific problem related to but not limited to visual communication, graphic design, typography, layout, color theory, advertising, and more. Perhaps a corporate identity that involves a print or multimedia campaign involving branding, commercials, website, annual report, or product/packaging design; based on an approved, original theme
  • ANMG (Animation and Motion Graphics) must create an “approved” short, animated production, still based on an approved, original theme and should be 1-2 minutes and demonstrates 2D, 3D, Stop-motion animation or motion graphics
  • DCTM (Digital Cinema and Time-Based Media) must create an “approved” short, narrative film of 5-10 minutes in length and still based on an original theme and genre (drama, action, fantasy, horror, comedy, sci-fi, etc.)
  • DMA (Digital Media Arts) must create a body of 10-20 works (10 min.) that explores an approved and original theme and combines both digital media (animation, sound, video, digital art, interactive or multimedia)  and traditional media (drawing, painting, 2D/3D design, sculpture, photography, installation, etc.) and this should be a multi/mixed media project.
  • FASH (Fashion Design) 5-8 “looks” of fashion design, haute couture (men’s, women’s, children’s wear), still based on an approved and original theme

VCDMA Faculty must approve this senior thesis proposal (typed) before a student can take the course and/or mount their final show. This proposal must demonstrate a specific theme, concept, or area of focus within a student’s given concentration and area of research, and successful mastery of the artwork as well as writing for and about the work; and again, in an area of a discipline specific to VCDMA.

These items should be submitted with a portfolio at least one semester prior to taking VCDM 498 and must be approved by at least (3) full-time VCDMA/ART faculty members, including the VCDMA Program Coordinator/Advisor. Students must also plan their final exhibition with permission and approval of the Gallery Director and follow all requirements for mounting a professional exhibition in the BSU Gallery.

Students are also required to complete a final assessment of their senior show, exit survey, and final portfolio review in order to meet graduation requirements. Students who fail to adhere to this policy may be in jeopardy of not graduating or in being asked to leave the program.


Internship and/or Apprenticeship

Students are also required to complete an internship or apprenticeship in their respective field by taking VCDM 491 Internship in Art & Visual Communication, in their respective career field and as a requirement for graduation. It is required for students to complete at least (1) one approved internship in their chosen field. However, 2-3 internship experiences are highly suggested. Students should also seek and develop relationships and network with professional mentors in the industry/major or concentration; students should also attend professional workshops, portfolio reviews, career days, and more on and off campus. Students will work closely with VCDMA Internship Coordinator and BSU Career Services Office, to identify internship and future employment opportunities.

Please note that successfully passing VCDM 491 is a requirement for graduation. Students are required to have completed and passed a successful portfolio review and VCDM 219 Portfolio Review and Assessment I and a minimum of 24 upper-level credits in their area of concentration (300/400 level courses).

Failure to correct any deficiency, maintain a 2.0 or better in all major courses, and/or multiple, failed portfolio reviews will be considered grounds for students to leave the VCDMA program. Also, grounds for failure or not graduating will be based on class performance, demonstration of skills, a successful senior thesis exhibition, internship experience, and final portfolio. Failure to adhere to any of these requirements will be considered as factors in being removed from the VCDMA program and not graduating.           

                                           

Juried Student Art Exhibitions

All VCDMA Students are required to submit quality artwork to the juried student art exhibitions each semester and to participate and be juried into one (1) exhibition per year, for a total of four (4) exhibitions prior to graduation. It also suggested that VCDMA students should also submit digital art, design, videos, films, animation, fashion, media, etc. to various local and national art/design and/or media competitions or exhibitions.



DFPA, VCDMA and related activities and events

Students are expected to participate in DFPA, ART (Studio) and/or VCDMA (on and off-campus) related activities including theatrical, musical, and/or dance performances, lectures, film screenings, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, recitals, etc. as well as career related events such as field trips, conferences, studio/museums/gallery visits and more, that further enrich the academic and artistic experience.

 

Suggested additional coursework

It is also highly recommended (not required) that students take additional courses in English, Business/Marketing, Computer Science and/or Communication, as necessary. For example,
if students pass ECON 212, they could then take additional courses such as MKTG 330 Consumer Behavior or MKTG Retailing, MKTG 341 Entertainment Marketing (not required). These courses will further assist students in developing and mastering technical and research skills, as well as skills in effective written and verbal communication.

Suggested additional courses (not required) 

MKTG 341 Entertainment Marketing (Animation & Digital Cinema), MKTG 335 Retailing and MKTG 350 Fashion Marketing (Fashion Design), MKTG 420 Social Media Marketing (Advertising Design); ENGL 253 Studies in Popular Culture, ENGL 265 Social Identity and Dress in the United States; ENGL 333 Graphic Novels (Animation and Motion Graphics) or others; COMM 336 Advertising Promotion (Advertising Design). Consult with Advisor or Program Coordinator.

 

NETWORKING, STUDENT & PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
 

BSU ARTIST GUILD

The Artist Guild is a creative arts organization for students studying Art and VCDMA but is open to all other students who are interested in promoting the visual arts. One of the guild’s purposes is to raise and maintain a high standard of quality of visual art, design, and visual communication, networking with art and design professionals, and to produce awareness in visual arts on campus, with other institutions and HBCU’s, and throughout the community. Membership in the Artist Guild is highly suggested for all Art/ VCDMA students.
 

PSI RHO ALPHA VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS HONOR SOCIETY

Psi Rho Alpha Visual and Performing Arts Honor Society (PRA) is a national entity committed to recognizing and fostering excellence in the visual and performing arts. mission is to cultivate creative leaders through a holistic approach, emphasizing academic scholarship, intellectual craft, creativity, discipline, community service, personal character, and artistic professionalism. Dedicated to scholarship, research, creativity, discipline, character, and leadership in the arts, the Psi Rho Alpha Visual and Performing Arts Honor Society stands as a beacon of honor for those who aspire to excellence. Bowie State University is the Beta Chapter of the PRA.

THE SOCIETY FOR PERFORMANCE AND VISUAL ARTS

The Society for Performance & Visual Arts (SPVA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering artists and students on their career journey. Their mission is to equip individuals with the tools and resources necessary for success and fulfillment in both their artistic pursuits and in life. They are committed to fostering compassion, promoting artistic excellence, training essential life and work skills, while emphasizing programs in wellness, transferable skills, and financial acumen. This holistic approach enables our members to not only thrive in their chosen paths but also navigate and instill confidence in the face of the often instability of the artist’s career journey. Through collaboration, education, and support, SPVA aims to be the cornerstone of personal and professional growth for aspiring and established artists alike.

AIGA (DC CHAPTER) BSU STUDENT GROUP

Founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design and is now known simply as “AIGA, the professional association for design.” AIGA advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force. As the largest community of design advocates, we bring together practitioners, enthusiasts, and patrons to amplify the voice of design and create the vision for a collective future. We define global standards and ethical practices, guide design education, inspire designers and the public, enhance professional development, and make powerful tools and resources accessible to all. BSU and VCDMA are proud to be an official student group of AIGA (DC Chapter). We invite all VCDMA, ART majors, and others to join AIGA.

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Students are also encouraged to join and participate in regular workshops, meetings, salons, internships, presentations (on and off campus) sponsored by arts/design or media related organizations such as: the American Graphics Arts Association (AIGA) - DC Chapter. Other organizations include: The Art Director’s Club of DC, Black Artists of DC, American Animator’s Association (ASIFA), The National Conference of Artists (NCA), College Arts Association (CCA), Association of Independent Video & Filmmakers (AIVF), Washington Project for the Arts, HBCU in LA, Harlem Fashion Row, DC Fashion Chamber of Commerce, The National Retail Federation, Tapestry (Coach, Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman), Adobe Ambassadors, A & E Networks, The AfroAnimation Summit, The US Postal Service (Design), The One Club and the National Alliance of Artists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (NAAHBCU), SIGGRAPH, Women in Film and Video, Major League Baseball Networks, UnderArmour, Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC), Prince George’s Film Office, Megamind Media, Octet Productions, Gateway Media Arts Lab, The Prince George’s Film Festival, HBCU Con, Laika Studios and many more. Many local designers, digital and traditional artists, animators, and filmmakers regularly visit the VCDMA program and the DFPA to participate in career days, exhibitions, guest lectures, conduct workshops and portfolio reviews

Programs

    Bachelor of ScienceMinorBachelor of Arts

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