Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM

This program stresses the use of traditional techniques and materials in relation to their historical significance while encouraging the use of new technologies in the advanced courses. The assignments are focused on the design and creation of jewelry, functional forms, tableware, furniture, lighting, toys, and product design, to name a few. Along with teaching studio practices centered around the utilization of metal, plastics, and composite materials, the curriculum integrates the technologies of digital practices as they relate to three-dimensional form realization, and includes computer-aided-design, computer-aided manufacture and 3D printing technologies. Students are challenged to explore the broad cultural and historical contexts in which their disciplines are made, exhibited, and experienced. They are encouraged to pursue their individual visions with an attitude of curiosity and imagination. The end goal of the curriculum is the education of a Crafts artist who will be creatively active throughout their lives, contributing to the enrichment of not only the communities in which they live and work, but the world community as well. Upon graduation, students go on to careers in art education, design, the arena of not-for-profit and commercial galleries, and the professional practice of a studio artist. Many students go on to graduate school in order to receive further training and research for their eventual professional careers.