BFA Fine Arts Programs in Tampa, Florida

Getting a BFA Fine Arts Degree in Tampa, Florida

Pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Fine Arts degree in Tampa, Florida, opens a pathway to a career in studio art, creative education, and professional artistic practice. A BFA program typically combines rigorous studio work with a broad liberal arts curriculum. Art programs in Tampa offer diverse fine arts education paths, including invitation-only programs, transfer-friendly options, and specialized concentrations in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and more.

About Tampa

Tampa is a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and a burgeoning arts scene. The city is home to numerous public art installations, creative districts, and cultural institutions that cultivate artistic expression. For more on local initiatives and city information, visit the official City of Tampa website. Landmarks such as the Tampa Riverwalk and historic Ybor City further enrich the artistic and cultural atmosphere of the area.

BFA Fine Arts Programs in Tampa, Florida

Below is a list of local schools offering BFA Fine Arts programs, along with additional nearby options when necessary:

  1. University of Tampa (UT)

    • Program: BFA in Art (invitation-only)
    • Address: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606 (Downtown Tampa)
    • Description: UT’s BFA program offers concentrations in Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture. Admission requires a portfolio review (ART 299) with a minimum “B” grade and foundational courses such as Drawing and 2-D Design.
    • Website: University of Tampa BFA Program

  2. University of South Florida (USF)

    • Program: BFA in Studio Art
    • Address: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620 (North Tampa)
    • Description: USF offers a diverse range of concentrations including Animation, Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Video. The program requires prerequisite courses (ART 2201C and ART 2203C) and a minimum GPA of 3.25 in major courses. An internship component (ART 4940) further enhances practical experience.
    • Website: USF BFA in Studio Art

  3. St. Petersburg College (SPC) – Transfer Pathway to BFA

    • Program: Studio Art Associate Degree and Transfer Plan to USF’s BFA program
    • Address: 2801 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 (Downtown St. Petersburg)
    • Distance: Approximately 23 miles from Tampa
    • Description: SPC provides an AA degree pathway designed for students planning to transition into USF’s BFA program. This transfer-friendly option offers a solid foundation in studio art coupled with an efficient route to complete a fine arts degree.
    • Website: SPC Studio Art AA Transfer Plan

Art Institutions and Galleries in Tampa

Tampa boasts several institutions that celebrate fine arts and offer opportunities for engagement and professional development:

  • Tampa Museum of Art

    • Address: 120 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602 (Downtown Tampa)
    • Description: The Tampa Museum of Art hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops, and artist residencies. It serves as a hub for both established and emerging artists.
    • Website: Tampa Museum of Art

  • Tampa Arts Alliance

    • Description: This organization supports local arts through funding, advocacy, and community events. It provides benefits such as discounted admission and invitations to special art events.
    • Website: Tampa Arts Alliance

  • Hillsborough County Arts Council

    • Description: The Council supports the local arts community by providing grants and organizing cultural events. It plays a significant role in funding and policy-making for arts initiatives in the region.
    • Website: Hillsborough County Arts Council

Prerequisites for BFA Fine Arts Programs

Prospective students should prepare for a competitive application process by meeting typical prerequisites, which may include:

  • Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Portfolio Requirements: Submission of a portfolio demonstrating proficiency in drawing, painting, or other art forms.
  • Prerequisite Courses: For UT, foundational courses such as Drawing and 2-D Design; for USF, courses like ART 2201C (Concepts and Practices I) and ART 2203C (Concepts and Practices II).
  • Entrance Examinations and Reviews: UT requires a portfolio review (ART 299) with a minimum “B” grade, while USF evaluates academic performance with a minimum 3.25 GPA in major courses.

BFA Fine Arts Degree Requirements in Florida

Aspiring fine artists in Tampa must navigate both academic and regulatory requirements specific to the state and local environment:

  • City-Level Regulations:

    • City of Tampa Department of Cultural Affairs
      • Purpose: Promotes arts and culture through grants, public art projects, and community engagement.
      • Contact: (813) 274-8447
      • Website: City of Tampa Cultural Affairs

  • County-Level Support:

    • Hillsborough County Arts Council

  • State-Level Oversight:

    • Florida Department of Education

  • Federal Oversight:

  • Program-Specific Degree Requirements:

    • University of Tampa (UT)
      • Curriculum: Requires 18 credits of foundation courses, four studio core courses, and a capstone project (ART 498).
    • University of South Florida (USF)
      • Curriculum: Demands 42 credits in Studio Art, additional general education courses, and an internship (ART 4940).

  • Accreditation:

    • Both UT and USF are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Prospective students are encouraged to verify accreditation through the NASAD Accredited Programs List.

For detailed career insights, review the job outlook for fine artists on the BLS Fine Artists Job Outlook Page.

Get Started Today

With a robust network of educational institutions and local art organizations, Tampa provides a comprehensive environment for future artists. Explore your options, review requirements, and prepare your portfolio to take the next step in your artistic journey. Contact your chosen school directly through the forms on their website to begin crafting your future in fine arts.