BFA
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Arts: Graphic Design
The BFA in Digital Arts: Graphic Design provides an intensive program of study in contemporary design strategies and theory. The curriculum includes design and typography courses with an emphasis on mobility, strategic branding and social media in a network economy. This degree major capitalizes on a strong base in fine arts and innovative design courses where students will master a strong foundation in design and become proficient designers sought by multiple disciplines, industries, and professions.
FIU Application and BFA Portfolio Deadlines
Spring 2026 Deadlines
Spring 26 Deadline: November 1, 2025
Fall 2026 Deadlines
Fall 26 Deadline: February 25, 2026
Applicants seeking a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Arts: Graphic Design must submit a portfolio along with their FIU Admissions application. Portfolios are submitted via SlideRoom (fiuart.slideroom.com).
Degree Program Hours: 120
- FIU Undergraduate Admissions: – Apply Online
- SlideRoom Portfolio Submissions: fiuart.slideroom.com
- Prerequisite info FIU Transfer and Transition Services :Transfer Guides
- Degree requirements and courses: DIART:BFA
FIU’s Art + Art History Department is a member of the National Portfolio Day Association. Students wishing to learn how to create their best portfolio may find more information Click Here
SlideRoom Portfolio Submissions: fiuart.slideroom.com
Portfolio submission fee $30 charged by SlideRoom
20 Artworks uploaded to SlideRoom
- Images must be .jpg at the highest available quality (must be under 8MB each)
- Videos: excerpts or preferably complete works (max. 3 minutes total runtime).
- Videos hosted on YouTube or Vimeo can be shared through url link.
- Audio: excerpts or preferably complete works submitted as .mp3 (max. 3 minutes total runtime).
- Each individual file should be less than 30 MB.
- Audio files hosted on SoundCloud can be shared via url link.
- The following label information must be entered in SlideRoom for each artwork uploaded.
- Title
- Dimensions / Duration (video/audio files)
- Medium
- Date Produced
- Additional notes in the “Description” textbox.
Artist’s Statement
Your statement should be approximately 500 words maximum. Write with attention to grammar, spelling, and clarity.
Your statement should tell us about the work you have submitted. Why did you make it and what inspired you? How and with what? Describe your artistic process. Share why you’ve chosen to work using certain materials and processes. Have you participated in exhibitions or other art-related events? How have specific experiences contributed to the way you make art?
Incoming Transfer applicants are required to upload a copy of their unofficial transcripts.
The Department will review your unofficial transcripts to determine whether you have completed the following Common Prerequisite Courses with a minimum combined GPA of 2.75:
- ART1201C – DIMENSIONS: Surface (2D Design)
- ART1203C – DIMENSIONS: Space (3D Design)
- ART2300C – DIMENSIONS: Perception (Beginning Drawing)
- ART2330C – Beginning Figure Drawing
Applicants who have not completed these prerequisite courses, or who do not meet the GPA requirement, will be considered ineligible for the BFA. All portfolios are reviewed by a committee of faculty members. Decision notifications are typically sent within one month of the portfolio deadline.
BFA Academic Progression Requirements
To remain in good standing within the BFA program, students must complete the following five foundational studio courses (15 credits) with a minimum GPA of 2.75, in no more than two attempts per course:
- ART1201C – DIMENSIONS: Surface (2D Design)
- ART1203C – DIMENSIONS: Space (3D Design)
- ART2300C – DIMENSIONS: Perception (Beginning Drawing)
- ART2608C – DIMENSIONS: Time (Digital Media Foundation)
- ART3820 – Research + Development – GL
Important Notes:
- Withdrawals after the add/drop period (DR grades) are considered unsuccessful attempts.
- A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required across all studio courses (designated with a “C” in the course number).
- Students who do not meet these standards will be advised to pursue other academic paths, such as the BA in Art History or the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Eligibility to Apply to the BFA as a Current FIU Student
FIU students currently enrolled in a different major who wish to apply to the BFA must:
- Meet all Academic Progression Requirements listed above (completion of the five foundational courses with the required GPA and attempt limits)
- Have earned fewer than 75 total credits at the time of application.
Only students who meet these criteria may submit a portfolio for review by the faculty committee.
| Common Prerequisite Courses | 24 Credits |
|---|---|
| MAC 1105 College Algebra | 3 |
| ARH 2050 Art History Survey I | 3 |
| ARH 2051 Art History Survey II | 3 |
| ART 1201C DIMENSIONS: Surface (2D Design) | 3 |
| ART 1203C DIMENSIONS: Space (3D Design) | 3 |
| ART 2300C DIMENSIONS: Perception (Beginning Drawing) | 3 |
| ART 2330C Beginning Figure Drawing | 3 |
| CGS 2518 Computer Data Analysis or COP 2250 Java Programming | 3 |
For a list of all state-approved common prerequisites, including alternatives, visit https://cpm.flvc.org.
| Upper Division Requirements | 60 Credits |
|---|---|
| ARH 4450 Modern Art | 3 |
| ARH 4470 Contemporary Art – GL | 3 |
| ARH 4724 History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 2602C TECHNOLOGY: Alteration (Digital Imaging) | 3 |
| ART 2608C DIMENSIONS: Time (Digital Media Foundation) | 3 |
| ART 3820 Research & Development | 3 |
| ART 3822 Creative Practice | 3 |
| ART 4660C Documentation + Presentation | 3 |
| GRA 2106C Typography | 3 |
| GRA 2111 Graphic Design I | 3 |
| GRA 2151C Illustration | 3 |
| GRA 3803C Design for Mobility | 3 |
| GRA 3817 Graphic Design II | 3 |
| GRA 4818 Graphic Design III | 3 |
| GRA 4189C Thesis I/Portfolio | 3 |
| GRA 4940 Graphic Design Internship | 3 |
| PGY 2800C Beginning Digital Photography | 3 |
| Advisor Approved Electives | 9 |
FIU is committed to excellence in student success, research and teaching, regardless of the challenges.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Department of Art + Art History
Department of Art + Art History
Florida International University
VH 216, Modesto A. Maidique Campus – Miami, Florida 33199
Tel: (305)-348-2897
Christopher Rodriguez Barake
Sr. Coordinator of Academic Support Services
Department of Art + Art History
Office: 305-348-6648 Email: crodri@fiu.edu
Maida Purdy
Academic Advisor III
Department of Art + Art History
Office: 305-348-7500 Email: mapurd@fiu.edu
Lauren Gentile
Academic Advisor II
Department of Art + Art History
Office: 305-348-7500 Email: lgentile@fiu.edu
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