The B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Art) is a professional degree. It is designed to facilitate the development of artists, and their art, for those who desire to enter the field of fine art professionally or to further develop their abilities, and their work, at the graduate level. We desire to discover the creative strengths and interests of each individual and guide students' optimal development. A broad knowledge base comprised of Christianity, philosophy, media, culture, art history, and world history is encouraged for developing understanding and self-awareness as it pertains to the artist's personal content and form. An art history background, covering four major art periods, is necessary in preparation for entrance into a graduate program. Individuals working toward the B.F.A. are required to have a high level of commitment and integrity toward the creative process and the production of their body of work (portfolio). Students learn, in a studio setting, about the materials and methods of art making. Traditional media is the primary focus, but experimentation with non-traditional and new media is encouraged. All fine art majors are expected to have a Solo Senior Exhibit prior to graduation. This is conditional; they must have demonstrated a commitment to their own growth as artists and consistent/contiguous focus on the production of their artwork resulting in no less than twenty (20) original works.