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Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts

With a B.F.A., you’ll develop and refine your craft and prepare for a successful career in the arts.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts, you’ll hone your skills and build a strong portfolio as you cultivate your passion to pursue graduate school or a career as a professional artist. You’ll forge a strong background in studio practice and art history to prepare your mind, practice, and portfolio for a vibrant career in the arts. You’ll explore ways images and art can serve culture in rich and diverse ways—whether as practical designs for business clients or as artistic expressions of spiritual meaning.

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Why should I study art at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Art and Design, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and invest in your success. You’ll experience: 

  • Faith-fueled learning
    You’ll learn to use your God-given talents to go into the world and serve with purpose, whether that means making your impact in creative industries or embarking on your own artistic endeavors.

  • Versatile classwork
    Develop hands-on skills in various mediums, from painting and drawing to graphic design and sculpture.

  • Personalized mentorship
    Learn from experienced artists and educators, guiding you to refine your artistic voice and vision.

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Ceramic artworks displayed on pedestals in an art gallery.
Visitors viewing vibrant paintings at an art show.
Close-up of a student painting a ceramic mug.
Students painting ceramics in a pottery studio.

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Interested in learning more about Bethel's bachelor of fine arts major?

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By pursuing a B.F.A, you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded artist.

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Studio mastery

Refine your skills in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and more as you hone your artistic voice and vision.

Professional practice

Develop skills for a successful career as a professional artist. You’ll learn to write grants and exhibition proposals, build a web presence, and how to develop project applications.

Creative problem-solving

Explore innovative approaches to artistic challenges, fostering originality and adaptability.

Communication skills

Effectively convey ideas and emotions through visual mediums, and engage in conversations with artists.

Critical thinking

Analyze, interpret, and critique art, and understand physical and conceptual aspects of making art in two and three-dimensions.

Cultural competence

Learn about historical and contemporary art movements, theory, and expand your artistic perspective and cultural sensitivity.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, study abroad, apply what you’ve learned, and gain. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Exhibitions and recognition

Showcase your artwork in exhibitions such as "Raspberry Monday," student-curated shows, and senior exhibitions. Earn recognition and awards, including opportunities for professional exhibition features and publication in esteemed art magazines.

Professional networking

Connect with artists on a regional and national level, receiving valuable mentorship and building relationships that can shape your artistic career.

Study abroad opportunities

You’ll be able to study around the world through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. One great example is Textura, a collaborative project trip where you’ll research, write, and photograph for an award-winning magazine. You have the chance to study art abroad in diverse locations, experiencing and learning from new cultures and artistic traditions.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with a bachelor of fine arts degree?

You’ll invest in studio practices and art history required of the B.F.A. to form a strong base for graduate school and a professional life as a working artist.

Thrive as a professional studio artist

Prepare for a fulfilling career as a professional studio artist. Your intensive training in various media and techniques will equip you to create impactful and meaningful art.

Graduate school

Your comprehensive studio practice and art history knowledge will set you apart in competitive graduate programs. Follow in the footsteps of alumni who have studied at prestigious grad schools.

Diverse creative industries

Pursue exciting careers in animation, architecture, fashion design, film and video production, furniture design, liturgical art, product design, and entrepreneurship.

Academic and teaching opportunities

Leverage your expertise to teach, shaping the next generation of artists and creators. You can add a second major in teaching or pursue an advanced degree in education.

Unique career paths

Explore unique career opportunities in intellectual property law, music and entertainment, and other creative industries.

Skills for any field

Your art background, combined with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, will make you a valuable asset in diverse professional environments.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success.

Department of Art & Design


Location

Clauson Center (CC) 206

Contact

Amanda Hamilton

Jeffrey Wetzig

Amanda Hamilton

Amanda Hamilton

Professor of Art

Bio >

Jeffrey Wetzig

Jeffrey Wetzig

Professor of Art

Bio >

Jessica Henderson

Jessica Henderson

Professor of Design

Bio >

Kenneth Steinbach

Kenneth Steinbach

University Professor of Art

Bio >

Lex Thompson

Lex Thompson

Professor of Art

Bio >

Michelle Westmark Wingard

Michelle Westmark Wingard

Professor of Art and Gallery Director

Bio >

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Jon Henderson

Adjunct Instructor of Art and Design

Bio >

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Evelyn Kim

Adjunct Instructor of Art and Design

Bio >

Elizabeth Roddy

Elizabeth Roddy

Adjunct Instructor of Art and Design

Bio >

Laura Wennstrom

Laura Wennstrom

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Art

Bio >

Kirk Freeman

Kirk Freeman

Professor of Art Emeritus

Bio >

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Dale Johnson

Professor of Art Emeritus

Bio >

George Robinson

George Robinson

Professor of Art Emeritus

Bio >

Wayne Roosa

Wayne Roosa

University Professor of Art History Emeritus

Bio >

Top 50

graphic design degree in the country

- Intelligent.com

6

exhibits each year featured in our 2 on-campus galleries

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

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Art Major

Bachelor of Arts

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Art Therapy Major

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Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements