M.A. Applied History and Public Humanities
The M.A. in Applied History and Public Humanities at The University of Akron combines h...
B.F.A. Sculpture
Akron, Ohio
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.F.A. Sculpture program at The University of Akron offers students a comprehensive education in three-dimensional art forms, focusing on sculpture as a medium of creative expression. The program combines traditional techniques with contemporary practices, emphasizing conceptual exploration, technical proficiency, and artistic innovation.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in sculptural techniques and concepts. Students begin with foundational courses covering materials, tools, and methods used in sculpture, including modeling, carving, casting, and construction. Advanced coursework allows for specialization in areas such as installation art, public sculpture, mixed media, and digital sculpture. Studio-based learning is central to the program, fostering experimentation, collaboration, and the development of a cohesive body of work.
Research Focus: The program encourages students to explore personal and social themes through research and artistic experimentation. Faculty mentorship supports independent projects, thesis development, and critical discourse on contemporary sculptural practices. Students are encouraged to integrate interdisciplinary approaches and innovative uses of materials to push the boundaries of traditional sculpture.
Industry Engagement: The University of Akron fosters strong connections with the arts community and industry professionals, providing students with opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and exhibitions. Guest artists, visiting scholars, and workshops enrich students' learning experiences and expose them to diverse perspectives and practices within the field of sculpture.
Global Perspective: The program integrates a global perspective by examining cultural influences on sculptural traditions worldwide. Students have opportunities to study abroad, participate in international residencies, or collaborate with artists from different cultural backgrounds. This global exposure enhances students' understanding of global art movements, aesthetic traditions, and contemporary issues in sculpture.
Location
Akron, Ohio
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 20961
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 71 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 95.
- SAT: Not required for undergraduate admissions.
The University of Akron (UA) offers a variety of scholarships to support international students financially. These scholarships are designed to help alleviate the cost of tuition and support academic excellence.
Merit Scholarships: Merit scholarships at UA are automatically considered for all incoming first-year students. These awards are based on a comprehensive review of the applicant’s academic transcripts, curriculum, and cumulative GPA.
Williams Honors College Scholarships: First-year, transfer, and continuing students who meet specific academic qualifications can apply for the Williams Honors College Scholarships. These scholarships range from $1,500 to $2,000 and require an application to the Williams Honors College, including an interview.
Provost’s Scholarships for Transfer Students: These scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, are available to students transferring from another regionally accredited college or university. Transfer students are automatically considered for these awards upon applying for admission.
International Student Scholarship Opportunities: International students can also benefit from various specific scholarships offered by different departments and programs within the university. For instance, the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences offers numerous scholarships for students pursuing majors within their disciplines. These range from awards for academic merit to those supporting specific fields of study.
Graduates of the B.F.A. Sculpture program from The University of Akron are equipped with versatile skills and artistic vision that prepare them for various career paths within the art and design industries.
Professional Sculptor: Many graduates pursue careers as professional sculptors, creating original artworks for exhibitions, public installations, private commissions, and art collections. They work with a variety of materials such as metal, wood, stone, clay, and mixed media, developing a unique artistic style and conceptual approach.
Public Artist: Public artists create site-specific sculptures and installations for public spaces, parks, urban environments, and architectural settings. They collaborate with city planners, architects, and community stakeholders to create artworks that enhance public spaces and engage with local communities.
Art Educator: Some graduates become art educators, teaching sculpture techniques, art history, and conceptual thinking at schools, colleges, universities, or community art centers. They inspire and mentor students, fostering creativity, technical skill development, and critical thinking in the next generation of artists.
Gallery or Museum Curator: Curators specialize in organizing exhibitions, managing collections, and interpreting artworks for galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. They may curate sculpture exhibitions, showcasing contemporary sculptors, historical pieces, or thematic collections.
Studio Manager: Graduates may work as studio managers or assistants in sculpture studios, overseeing daily operations, material sourcing, tool maintenance, and client communications. They support artists in production and project management, ensuring smooth workflow and efficient studio practices.
Art Consultant: Art consultants provide expertise to clients, collectors, or businesses on acquiring and managing sculpture collections. They advise on artists, market trends, conservation, and investment opportunities in the art market, facilitating acquisitions and sales.
Freelance Artist: Many graduates work as freelance sculptors, taking on commissions for public art projects, private collectors, galleries, or corporate clients. They manage their own studios, market their work through exhibitions, art fairs, and online platforms, and build relationships with collectors and patrons.
Art Installer or Technician: Sculpture technicians work in galleries, museums, or art institutions, handling installation, maintenance, and conservation of sculptures and artworks. They ensure artworks are displayed safely and effectively, following best practices in handling and display.
Art Administrator: Graduates may pursue careers in arts administration, working for nonprofit organizations, galleries, or cultural institutions. They manage operations, marketing, fundraising, and program development to support artistic initiatives, exhibitions, and community engagement.
Foundry Technician: Foundry technicians specialize in metal casting and fabrication techniques used in sculpture production. They work in foundries, art studios, or fabrication shops, assisting artists in the casting process, metalworking, and finishing techniques.
