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Sculpture

Sculpture Park

Sculpture today encompasses diverse materials and contexts for the expression of ideas in space. Within this broad description, students are encouraged to develop the technical skills that will help them expand their ideas into thoughtful individual expression.

We embrace a breadth of vision and experience, which will challenge students to investigate and respond to contemporary issues through problem-solving.

A full range of traditional and non-traditional media are available in specific courses and through individual mentoring. By blending required and elective courses and independent study, students can experience a curriculum that responds to their particular needs and direction.  Apply now.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree requires 67 hours of coursework (or 22 courses) in the major area while the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree requires 36 (or 12 courses). Students will be advised by faculty with respect to which degree fits their interests. Generally, the BFA affords a larger portfolio due to considerably more studio experiences. A candidate for a BFA also has the opportunity to pursue a year-long, self-driven thesis project. B.F.A. entrance will be based on a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher in the seven core courses. The seven core courses must be completed before taking the B.F.A. studio seminar. Faculty-taught sections are mandatory for majors. See the Bachelor of Fine Arts course requirements. 

Bachelor of Arts

The BA is more suited to students who wish to double major or desire to create a custom experience combining sculpture with other art studios, art history, marketing, psychology, athletics…and more. For studio art majors (B.A. program) specializing in sculpture, the following courses are recommended studio electives. See the Bachelor of Arts course requirements. 

Basic Courses

  • 2D Foundation (taken first)
  • Wood Sculpture
  • Metal Sculpture
  • Metal Foundry I
  • Ceramics Sculpture

Art History Recommendations

  • History of Sculpture
  • History of Design
  • Modern Art I
  • 20th Century Art II

Recommended Studio and Design Courses

  • Industrial Design: Digital 3D
  • Artists Books & Papermaking

Studio Minor

The minor in studio art is intended for the student who wishes to add studio art experience to their undergraduate studies. The minor requires 15 hours, or 5 courses in studio art. Before being able to declare a minor, a student must be enrolled in or have already taken one of the following: Drawing I, 2D Foundations, or 3D Foundations.

As with the major, students seeking the minor may elect either a general or focused course of study; that is, students may take the four studio courses selected from among any of the studio disciplines (Ceramics, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture) or they may take four studio courses from within a single discipline. Because the Department offers multiple entry-level courses, students are able to enter the program at a variety of points.

Study Abroad

Thinking of perhaps London or Rome to take an Art History course requirement? Students are encouraged to spend a semester abroad to get credit towards their degree in visual communication. Your academic advisor will help with options and scheduling.

Contact for Advising

Contact Director of Undergraduate Studies, Elyse Speaks, for general questions about the various Art, Art History & Design programs. If you have specific questions about sculpture, feel free to contact a faculty member directly.

Visit the Program

If you are planning to visit campus, please stop by Riley Hall while you are here. Riley hall houses all the studio arts in the department. If you are considering studying sculpture at Notre Dame, feel free to contact our department office and staff members will arrange for a tour.

Apply

Considering sculpture as a major? Visit the department's main office: 306 Riley Hall of Art and Design. General questions about majoring in studio art can be sent to the Department of Art, Art History & Design at art@nd.edu. Apply now.