What you will study
As an undergraduate student in the University of Central Missouri’s Sculpture program,
you’ll learn foundational art techniques such as figure construction, along with art
history and theory and general education courses for context and breadth.
As you progress through the Sculpture program at UCM, you’ll spend increasing amounts
of time in art studio classes, learning to express your vision with different media.
By the time you reach your senior year, you’ll be ready for your portfolio to be reviewed
by professional artists and graduate school admissions.
Your Studio Art BFA with a Sculpture concentration includes many elective courses
and ample studio time. Craft the learning experience that best suits your creative
needs while still receiving a well-rounded undergraduate education with courses that
include:
- Art History: Choose from classes like Global Arts & Culture, History of Furniture and Interiors
and Contemporary Art and Design.
- Ceramics: Learn the fundamentals of multiple pottery-making techniques, including throwing on
the wheel and kiln firing.
- Sculpture II: This intermediate studio course introduces 3D techniques, materials and media, and
provides training in how to solve artistic problems.
- Figure Construction: Study the human body, both by learning about its structure and by drawing from life,
to better understand movement and proportion.
Excellence in Sculpture
- A Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for Fine Arts (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for Fine & Studio Arts (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value College for Fine Arts (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in the Sculpture program
Your Studio Art BFA will give you the technical and theoretical training to fully
express yourself in your medium, but what sets us apart from other undergraduate Sculpture
programs is our focus on experiential learning. Get a different perspective outside
of the classroom with hands-on learning opportunities that will broaden your artistic
horizon.
- Learn by doing: Instruction takes place in the studio as much as in the classroom. Master multiple
hand and power tools. Use a furnace, gas kiln and slurry mixer in our foundry for
creating bronze sculptures. Harness the power of MIG welders, plasma cutters, TIG
welders and other tools for metalwork. Operate a variety of woodworking equipment,
such as a table saw, band saws, an oscillating spindle sander and more.
- Study abroad: Take advantage of UCM’s annual, two-week art history tours through Europe or spend
an entire semester learning in a different country to ignite your creativity in a
global context.
- Exhibit your work: Every spring, submit your artwork to our juried Citation Student Show to earn prizes
and recognition from the local art community.
What can you do with a Studio Art BFA in Sculpture from UCM?
All sculpture programs should prepare you to study your art form at the graduate level.
At the University of Central Missouri, we pride ourselves on giving our students the
tools to succeed no matter what path they choose after college.
Graduate from our Sculpture program with strong communication skills and a solid foundation
in arts education. You’ll be excellently prepared to obtain an advanced degree, such
as an MFA. You’ll also have the real-world experience you need to exhibit your work
in galleries and museums or to be included in private collections.
Explore careers for a BFA in Sculpture
Media and visual arts continue to be a cultural driver, leading to diverse job opportunities.
Use the interactive tool below to learn more about leveraging your Sculpture BFA into
a satisfying career.
Financial assistance options for your BFA in Sculpture
The University of Central Missouri has been recognized by LendEDU for its commitment
to minimizing student debt. We offer an affordable fine arts education while maintaining
a high standard of academic and artistic integrity.
UCM also offers many resources to help you finance your education. Studio Art majors specializing in Sculpture programs may also be eligible for:
- Portfolio-based scholarships for incoming students
- Endowed scholarships for current students
- Cash prizes at the annual, juried Citation Student Show
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
A Supportive Community
Putting students first
The University of Central Missouri’s Studio Art BFA programs draw students interested
in a close-knit, collaborative artistic community. Our student-centered, hands-on
approach to learning supports you while you explore and refine your unique visual
language.
24/7 Access to Sculpture Studio
Work when inspiration strikes
UCM has dedicated 3,000 square feet of studio space to our undergraduate Sculpture
program, outfitted with a wide variety of tools and material. Work through a problem
or play with an idea on your own schedule with around-the-clock access.
Network and Gain Exposure
Connect with professional artists
The Kleppe Visiting Artist Lecture Series brings outside artists to UCM to share their
work, process and insights with our students. With access to faculty mentors, externally
juried art shows and nearby Kansas City’s thriving art and design scene, you’ll emerge
from our Sculpture program with a broad understanding of what it takes to be a working
artist in today’s world.
Meet Our Faculty Artists
Gain International Perspective
Study abroad to expand your horizons
To enrich your art with a first-hand understanding of global context, join one of
UCM’s opportunities to learn abroad. Get inspired on one of our popular two-week tours
of Europe or take your UCM experience overseas for a semester.
Take a Look at Studying Abroad
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Accreditation
The University of Central Missouri’s art programs are accredited by the National
Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). UCM has been continuously accredited
since 1986. Learn More about this accreditaion.
Laptop Requirement
There are technology requirements for this major. Learn more about those requirements.
