As a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) student, you’ll have access to a broad range of courses taught within the College of Liberal and Professional Studies and the School of Arts and Sciences. Upon acceptance into the program, you will be assigned an advisor who will help you choose your coursework.
To earn the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Penn, you must complete the 90-credit, three-year program at PAFA, as well as a minimum of 16 course units (c.u.)* at Penn.
Curriculum requirements at Penn include the completion of four course units chosen from within the History of Art Department and 12 free electives chosen from within Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies and the School of Arts and Sciences. BFA students have the options to select from both campus and online courses while completing their degree.
Penn LPS Online Certificates
As a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree student, you may opt to earn professional certificates by utilizing the flexibility of your free electives. Penn LPS Online certificates are designed to enhance personal or professional skills, whether for career advancement, job transition, or the pursuit of additional learning. They are ideal if you would like to earn an additional credential while completing your bachelor’s degree.
Minors
As a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree student, you may opt to complete a minor by utilizing the flexibility of your free electives. Students may select from most minors available within the School of Arts and Sciences. If you would like to explore the possibility of minoring, please be sure to consult with your academic advisor in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies. Students will also be assigned a department minor advisor who will provide guidance in the appropriate selection of courses to meet requirements.
Participation in the joint Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program is a unique opportunity designed with specific curricular goals. As a result, some types of courses cannot be counted toward your degree. These include:
- Other Penn courses outside the School of Arts & Sciences (Penn Engineering, the Wharton School, Penn Nursing, etc.)
- Studio-based courses offered by or cross-listed with the Fine Arts department at Penn
- Courses from any other educational institution
