Tyler School of Art

Founded 1935 
Hester Stinnett, Acting Dean 

Elkins Park Programs
7725 Penrose Avenue
Elkins Park, PA 19027

Main Campus Programs
1947 N. 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

(215) 782-ARTS
www.temple.edu/tyler
tyler@temple.edu 

• Goals and Objectives
• Accredititation
• History
• Special Programs
• Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Student Organizations
• Advising
• Policies and Regulations
• School Requirements
• Requirements
• Program Descriptions
• Faculty
• Course Descriptions

The Tyler School of Art provides a comprehensive curriculum in fine arts, crafts, design, art education, art history, and architecture. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) professional programs are offered in Ceramics /Glass, Fibers /Fabric Design, Graphic and Interactive Design, Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM, Painting/Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and BFA Studio with Teaching Certification on the Tyler Elkins Park Campus.  A concentration in Digital Imaging is available to BFA studio majors.  The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art (with a concentration in Studio Art, Visual Studies, or Digital Media), the BA in Art History, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Art Education, BS in Architecture and the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) professional program are offered on Temple University’s Main Campus. Summer classes and weekend workshops are available.

ACCREDITATION

An accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.  The Architecture Program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture. 

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HISTORY

Stella Elkins Tyler donated her estate to Temple University in the early 1930s. With an interest in progressive education and a deep appreciation of her mentor, the sculptor Boris Blai, Mrs. Tyler offered her estate with the expressed wish that, through Boris Blai, it would become an environment for the advancement of the fine arts, scholarly study in the arts, and individual creativity.

As founding Dean of Tyler School of Art, Blai instilled Tyler School of Art with a commitment to progressive education emphasizing the student’s mastery of technique within the framework of a liberal arts curriculum.  Dean Blai insisted upon individual attention to each student’s needs as the basis of successful teaching.  During his 25-year tenure Dean Blai shaped the school into one of the finest visual arts centers in the country, and his founding ideals still remain paramount to Tyler’s educational philosophy.

In 1960 Dean Charles Le Clair succeeded Boris Blai.  During this period the Tyler campus was improved with construction of a residence hall, and two studio/classroom buildings.  In 1966 Dean Le Clair founded the Tyler Study Abroad program in Rome, Italy.  Tyler’s Rome campus thrives today as one of the most respected fine arts study abroad programs in Europe.  The program has expanded to include a full range of liberal arts, architecture, business, and law courses with an emphasis on those relating to Rome, Italy, and the European Common Market.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Tyler’s curriculum continued to grow in response to new definitions of art-making and the role of art in society.  New programs and modern facilities in design, ceramics, glass, metals, and photography were added.  During this time, Tyler developed the Art and Art Education department and the Art History department on Temple’s Main Campus.  These departments serve majors seeking the BA degree with a major in art or art history, the BS degree in art education and non-majors throughout the University.  Today, the curriculum at Tyler continues to address contemporary needs by incorporating digital technology, video, installation and performance. 

From its modest enrollment of 12 students in the first freshman class in 1935, Tyler now boasts a student body of over 1,200 and serves another two to three thousand students each year in elective and core curriculum courses.  Today, Tyler is a dynamic organization, serving students at its Elkins Park campus, as well as Temple’s Main Campus, the Ambler Campus, and the Temple University Rome and Tokyo campuses.  For over 65 years, the foundation of Tyler’s program has been a faculty of practicing artists and scholars teaching highly talented and motivated students.  

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Rome

Juniors may elect a year or semester abroad. Housed in the Villa Caproni, facing the Tiber River just north of the Piazza del Popolo, the school offers courses in painting, drawing, graphic and interactive design, photography, printmaking, sculpture, architecture and art history. Facilities include a library, an art gallery, private work areas, and full equipment in studio disciplines. Art history is taught through direct observation of original works and historic sites. The student also may elect courses in Italian, anthropology, history, or literature. For more information about Study Abroad options, see International Programs and Study Abroad.

Scotland

In conjunction with the Glasgow School of Art, the Crafts Department of the Tyler School of Art offers an interdisciplinary studio program in Scotland. The program consists of four weeks of traveling and intensive studio workshops in a variety of media while exploring the art, culture, and geographic beauty of Great Britain.

Japan

Art, Media, and Design Summer Workshop in Japan is offered at the Temple University Japan campus in Tokyo.  The summer workshop course incorporates lectures, site visits, readings, and discussions as well as a workshop component. 

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs

Entering undergraduates are admitted to the Tyler main campus programs by the Director of Admissions of Temple University based on a review of the applicant's academic credentials. This procedure requires the applicant to file all records and test scores in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions of Temple University on the Main Campus. No portfolio is required for freshmen entering the BA or BS programs. See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Transfer Students

To receive transfer credit for studio credits taken at other institutions, a student must present a portfolio for each course.  An evaluation will determine whether equivalent, elective, or no credit is to be awarded.  The department will accept a maximum of 24s.h. of transfer studio credit towards the major.  Transfer evaluations are conducted in the Fall and Spring semesters only.

September admission applications should be filed no later than March 31 of the previous academic year. For January admission, application should be made prior to November 15 of the previous semester. After the priority deadline dates, applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis.

Applications and application materials may be obtained by calling: (215) 782-2828 or (215) 782-2875 or writing: Office of Admissions, Tyler School of Art of Temple University (801-00), 7725 Penrose Avenue, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027.

Architecture Program

Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the Architecture Program.  Admission will be granted to those students with strong academic credentials.  While not required, a portfolio is recommended.  All students are initially admitted into the Architecture Basic Studies Program and, if desired, apply for admission to the accredited Bachelor of Architecture (5 year) Professional Program during the fourth studio semester. 

Students seeking advanced placement in architecture design studio will be evaluated by portfolio.  Students not presenting a portfolio of work will automatically be placed in first year design studio, regardless of previous credits.  Contact the Architecture Program at 215/203-8813 for further information.

A maximum of 12 semester hours of credit will be allowed by the Program in relevant work experience, Advanced Placement, or CLEP examination.  Matriculated, enrolled students may apply for work experience through the Director of Academic Services.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Program

Entering undergraduates are admitted to Tyler by the Director of Undergraduate Admissions of Temple University after consultation with Tyler's Assistant Dean for Admissions following the review of the student's academic record and art portfolio. This procedure requires the applicant to file all records and test scores in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions of Temple University on the Main Campus. See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

September admission applications should be filed no later than March 31 of the previous academic year. For January admission, application should be made prior to November 15 of the previous semester. After the priority deadline dates, applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis.

Applications and application materials may be obtained by calling: (215) 782-2828 or (215) 782-2875 or writing: Office of Admissions, Tyler School of Art of Temple University (801-00), Beech and Penrose Avenues, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027.  Email: tyler@temple.edu.

Portfolio Review

In addition to satisfying academic requirements, all freshman applicants are required to present a portfolio for evaluation. Regularly scheduled portfolio reviews are held on the Tyler Campus. Applicants living at a considerable distance from Tyler may elect to submit a portfolio in 35mm slide form instead of appearing for an in-person interview. Those who live in or near the Philadelphia area, however, are expected to present a portfolio of original work during a review day. This is an occasion when applicants and their families may see the campus and discuss Tyler's educational program with faculty, staff, and students. Transfer applicants must submit a slide portfolio via the U.S. mail and must include a sturdy, self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of the slides.

While the application to Tyler is being processed by Temple University, an interview by a member of the Tyler faculty or by the Admissions Staff must be arranged. All work included in the portfolio should have been completed during the previous year and should represent as broad a selection as possible: drawings from life, work in both color and black and white media, design examples, photography, prints, crafts, or sculpture. Portfolios must include five strong examples of drawing from observation regardless of the major the applicant wishes to pursue. No work that is copied from photographs or magazines should be included. It is not necessary to mat or frame any of the art work for this presentation. If slides are used, they are best shot outdoors in the shade using daylight film. Original work must not be sent through the mail. Instead, between fifteen and twenty pieces of work should be brought in for the portfolio review. 

The freshman applicant is advised to submit work done independently as well as under instruction. The transfer student should submit work that is representative of the college level studio work completed to date. 

In order to complete the application, an 81/2" x 11" self-portrait, in pencil from a mirror reflection, must be sent to Tyler. The application is not considered complete without the self-portrait; it becomes a permanent part of the application and is not returned. This self-portrait should not be framed or matted. Please refer to the Tyler catalogue for more information.

Transfer Students

To enroll with advanced standing, applicants must fulfill the admission requirements of Temple University as well as the special requirements of the School of Art. Applicants should demonstrate a level of art performance appropriate to the year for which they are applying. Usually this requires completion of a proportion of studio and academic courses comparable to that taken by Tyler students, as well as a comparable portfolio of 20 slides. The slides should represent all studio coursework taken, as well as work towards a specific major. The slides must also include five strong examples of drawing from observation regardless of the major the applicant wishes to pursue. 

All transfer students must submit a slide portfolio through the U.S. mail instead of an in-person review of art work.  The slides must be accompanied by a detailed description list and a sturdy, self-addressed stamped envelope.  To be as fair and precise as possible in making transfer decisions it is necessary to consistently apply a uniform standard to all applicants. A transfer committee comprised of Tyler faculty and the Assistant Dean for Admissions will review the slide portfolios and academic records of each application to determine the best placement level possible. However, we strongly encourage all transfer applicants to visit the Tyler campus and to schedule a campus tour. 

Tyler accepts transfer students from accredited institutions of higher education and strives to keep any loss of credit to a minimum. The transfer student will be required to complete a minimum of 30 studio credits as a full-time student on the Tyler campus. In order to be transferable to the B.F.A. degree, studio credits must have been completed within the last 10 years. 

If the transfer student has not completed the equivalent of Tyler's Foundation Program, the deficient courses must be taken beginning with the first semester enrolled at Tyler. 

Transfer students are admitted at a specific studio level (second semester sophomore, first semester junior, etc.) which is determined by transferable courses, academic performance, and the portfolio evaluation by Tyler faculty.

Readmission Policy

All students who have attended Tyler School of Art of Temple University who wish to be considered for readmission to Tyler must fill out a readmission application available through the Associate Dean's office. For those students who left Tyler in good academic standing, who apply for readmission into a semester within three years of the last completed semester, no portfolio review or interview is required. A slide portfolio is required for those students who have not attended Tyler for more than three years from the semester in which they intend to apply for readmission. A slide portfolio is also required for all students who are dismissed from Tyler. Students who are dismissed from Tyler must also prove readiness to reenter the program by successfully completing a semester's worth of transferable credits (15) with a 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. from a fully accredited college or university. Any student who attends another college or university and has taken studio art credits must send in slides that represent studio coursework completed in order to have those credits considered for transfer credit into the Tyler BFA program. 

All slide portfolios must be sent to the Assistant Dean for Admissions who will present them to the Transfer Committee for review. The slides of readmission applicants with 36 or more total studio credits which have been satisfactorily completed within the 10 years prior to the semester for which they seek admission will also be sent to the area chairperson or senior faculty for review. The final decision regarding readmission will depend on both the recommendation of the transfer committee as well as the review of academic credentials by the Associate Dean. 

Slide carousels, videos, binders, photographs, and original work are not to be sent through the US mail, and if sent, will not be returned. 

Any student applying for readmission must be aware that Tyler will not accept studio credits from transfer or readmission applicants that are more than 10 years old into the BFA curriculum regardless of where those credits were completed. 

Academic credits will be accepted into the BFA program as determined by Temple University policy for the semester in which the student is applying for readmission.

FINANCIAL AID

Entering freshmen, transfer students, and currently enrolled students may apply for financial aid. The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be considered for any aid.  Financial aid awards are based on financial need, availability of funds, the number of eligible applicants, and scholastic promise. A typical financial aid package may include grants, loans, and work-study. 

Financial aid is processed on an annual basis. The student is responsible for obtaining and submitting all necessary applications by the established deadlines once each year in order to reapply for financial aid, including loans for the next year. If the student has a bachelor's degree or equivalent, s/he is not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, PHEAA State Grant, Temple Grant, or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.  The student may be eligible for Federal Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) and/or Federal Parent Loan (PLUS) programs if s/he has not exhausted eligibility in those programs.

The student is required to maintain satisfactory academic progress (both credits and grade point average) in the course of study in order to renew financial aid awards. Federal regulations require the completion of a specific number of credits each semester or year, and maintenance of a satisfactory grade point average (GPA) for financial aid purposes. 

This information is accurate as of June 2002. Subsequent changes in federal regulations may affect the terms and conditions of certain financial aid programs. 

Detailed information can be found on at www.temple.edu/sfs. Applications for financial aid (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) are available through the Student Financial Services office at Tyler (215) 782-2769 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, or through the main campus (215) 204-2244.

Grants 

Grants are available based on financial need and other factors and do not have to be repaid. The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress to reapply.

Federal Pell Grants 
Federal Pell Grants are for students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program for at least six credit hours per semester. These grants are administered by the federal government. Grant amounts can range from approximately $200 to $3,000 per year, and the amount is determined by the federal government.

PHEAA Grants 
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Grants are for Pennsylvania residents who are enrolled at least half-time (six credits or more) in an undergraduate degree program. PHEAA Grants range from approximately $100 to $2,900 per year, and the amount is determined by the Pennsylvania State Grant Agency.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are federal funds administered by the University. The amounts are awarded by the Financial Aid Officer based on financial need and other grant requirements. They can range from $200 to $2,400 per year. The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress to renew the grant.

Temple University Grants
Temple University Grants are institutional funds awarded to full-time students and used to supplement other sources of aid. The amount is determined by the Student Financial Services Office. The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress to renew the application.

Loans
Loans are based on financial need and must be repaid. The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress to reapply.

Federal Perkins Loans
Federal Perkins Loans are five percent interest loans available through the University from the federal government. They can be awarded as part of the financial aid package. As a loan, the principal and interest must be repaid to Temple University with repayment beginning six months after graduation or leaving school. Sample repayment schedules are available from the Student Financial Services Office. The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress to renew the loan.

Federal Stafford Student Loans
Federal Stafford Student Loans are available to students enrolled at least half-time per semester (six credit hours for undergraduates). The student  must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for a Federal Stafford Loan. More information on loans can be found at www.temple.edu/sfs.

Federal Work-Study Program
Federal Work-study is a federal part-time employment program for those students who have demonstrated financial need and who require the wages from employment to pursue their studies. Unlike other types of aid, money earned through work-study is not deducted from the tuition bill. Instead, the student receives a weekly paycheck for the amount of hours worked. If awarded work-study, s/he can arrange to work at school or off-campus at non-profit organizations. The amount of money to be earned each semester is determined by the Financial Aid Office. Summer work-study is also available. A separate application filed by the deadline date is required. The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress to renew this award. 

Scholarships
Tyler offers merit based and merit/financial need-based BFA scholarships dependent upon available funding.  Generally, between ten and sixteen portfolio scholarships ranging from $1000 to full tuition are awarded to undergraduate students entering in the fall semester. Some of these scholarships may continue dependent upon available funds, cumulative grade point average, and/or demonstrated financial need.  All scholarships and guidelines for consideration are printed on the Scholarship List form available in the Tyler Admissions Office and posted on the Tyler website.  Students who wish to compete for portfolio scholarships must follow the deadlines and application procedures indicated on the Scholarship List form.  BFA applicants submit a slide portfolio along with a sturdy self-addressed, stamped envelope that must be received by the published deadline. 

In addition to portfolio-based scholarships, a number of scholarships are awarded through Temple University to Tyler School of Art students based on academic achievement. These awards typically range from $1000 to full tuition.  For more information about these awards, please contact the Temple University Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Emergency Grants and Loans
Funds donated by alumni and friends of the school are available to students in the form of emergency grants and loans. Two such funds are the Boris Blai Memorial Tyler Student Aid Fund and the Stella Elkins Tyler Short Term Student Loans. Information about these funds is available through the Financial Aid Office and the Business Office at Tyler.

Awards and Prizes
Annual cash awards are given to graduating students who have excelled in art, demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement, or distinguished themselves in a particular department. Among these awards are the Alec Abels Memorial Award in Painting, the Rudolf Staffel Award in Ceramics, the Boris Blai Memorial Award in Sculpture, the Wayne Becker Scholarship, the Jane D. Bonelli Art Education Award, the Kristin Huggins Memorial Award, the Allen Koss Memorial Awards, the Raphael Sabatini Memorial Award in Printmaking, the Herman Gundersheimer Award for Academic Excellence, the Essie Baron Memorial Award for outstanding scholastic and artistic achievement, the Carmela Corso Scholarship Prize, the Edith Weil Hecht Memorial Awards in Painting and Sculpture, the Lester and Violet Hecht Award in Printmaking, the Bertha Lowenburg Prize for excellence in art, the Nathan Margolis Award in Ceramics, the Dorothy H. Ward Memorial Award, the Philadelphia Print Center Award, the Plastic Club Award, and the Philadelphia Water Color Club Award.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Student Government 
Two elected representatives from Tyler take part in the larger Temple Student Government, attending meetings at Main Campus. This provides an integral link with students at all other campuses and assures an ongoing dialogue with the administration.

Student Alliance 
Elected officers serve as liaisons between the Student Government, the general student population, and faculty and administration to insure that the needs of the Tyler student body are fulfilled.  The Student Alliance further provides an open forum for campus concerns and issues.  A faculty member may be selected and act as resource person and/or adviser to the group.

The Black Art Alliance
Student founded and run organization geared toward the exploration of Afrocentricity in the arts.

CATS (Craft Association of Tyler Students)
Students and alumni work to produce semi-annual fairs for the exhibition and sale of their craft works.

CFS Committee and Program Board (Creative Expressions Series)
Interested students organize, generate, and plan culturally diverse and entertaining extracurricular programs open to the Tyler community as well as the general public. 

GAF Steering Committee Representative (General Activities Fee)
Each year a student is appointed by the Director of Student Services and Activities to represent Tyler on the University’s GAF Steering Committee.  The committee oversees the equitable distribution of GAF money for the University/campus-wide programs, special events, and activities.

The Intellectual Heritage Society
Based around a philosophically historical course offered as part of Temple’s core program, this group of student philosophers meets on a weekly basis to discuss topics ranging from world affairs to ideas raised in their everyday lives.

Beech Hall Dorm Senate
Students discuss residence life rules and regulations, as well as the planning of recreational events.

Adult Student Support Group
Older students discuss issues and topics specific to their life situations.

ACADEMIC ADVISING INFORMATION

Tyler/Elkins Park Campus: Office of the Academic Coordinator
207 Tyler Hall 
(215) 782-2780 

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment 

Main Campus: Office of the Academic Adviser for Architecture, Art, Art Education, Art History
College of Engineering Building, Room 909
(215) 204-6389

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment 

Major Advising

Architecture (Main)

CEA Building, Room 909

215-204-6389

Art and Art Education (Main) 
Anderson Hall, Room 311 
215-204-7191  

Art Education (Tyler/Elkins Park) 
Tyler Hall, Room 304 
215-782-2730  

Art History (Main) 
Ritter Annex, 8th Floor 
215-204-7837  

Crafts (Tyler/Elkins Park) 
Penrose Hall, Room 305 
215-782-2868  

Graphic Arts and Design (Tyler/Elkins Park) 
Penrose Hall, Room 302 
215-782-2869  

Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture (Tyler/Elkins Park) 
Penrose Hall, Room 303 
215-782-2870  

Tyler /Elkins Park Campus Advising

Advising is provided, individually and in groups, to full-time matriculated students enrolled in Tyler School of Art. Additionally, the Wednesday before the start of telephone registration is set aside each semester for advising purposes, at which time students receive their DARS and meet with an adviser. First year students are advised by the Academic Coordinator and are automatically registered by the Tyler Office of Registration and Records. Studio advising is provided in the second year by sophomore studio advisers as assigned in each area. Major advising is by studio advisers in the student's area with academic advising provided by the Academic Coordinator. 

Freshmen are automatically scheduled for both their fall and spring semester classes. Midway through their second semester, freshmen are advised both individually and in groups by the Academic Coordinator and designated assistants on policies, methods, and procedures to assist them in self-registration for their first sophomore semester.

Sophomores also meet with the Academic Coordinator and selected advisers who will help them register for their second sophomore semester. When sophomores register for their junior year, they are assigned to a major adviser, who will be a faculty member from the major they enter and will continue to advise the student during her junior and senior years on studio matters.

Transfer students should consult the Academic Coordinator for advising.  

Additional Advising Services

The Academic Coordinator (Tyler Hall, Room 207; 215-782-2780) should be contacted if there are questions concerning English 50 (College Composition), Intellectual Heritage, and other Core curriculum requirements, or developmental courses in English and mathematics. The Coordinator meets with all students on academic probation or designated "at-risk" by virtue of multiple mid-term deficiency notices; is responsible for specific adjustments due students with disabilities; and is available on a regular "drop-in" basis to students with problems impacting on their academic and collegiate progress.

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (Tyler Hall, Room 200; 215-782-2780) is available for advising that cannot be handled through normal channels, or to help with special problems.
 

Main Campus Advising

Architecture, Art & Art Education and Art History

Advising is provided to matriculated students enrolled in the Architecture, Art & Art Education and Art History programs on the Main Campus by the Director of Academic Services and the major undergraduate advisers in the departments. 

The week before the start of telephone registration is set aside each semester for advising purposes, at which time students can obtain their DARS report and meet with an adviser.  Major advising is by advisers in the student's area with academic advising provided by the Academic adviser. The Director of Academic Services meets with undeclared students who are interested in various Tyler majors.

The Academic adviser should be contacted if there are questions concerning English 50 (College Composition), Intellectual Heritage, and other Core curriculum requirements, or developmental courses in English and mathematics. The adviser meets with all students on academic probation or designated "at-risk" by virtue of multiple mid-term deficiency notices; is responsible for specific adjustments due students with disabilities; and is available by appointment to students with problems impacting on their academic and collegiate progress.

The Associate Dean of Tyler Main Campus Programs (CEA Building, Room 810, 215-204-4302) is available for advising that cannot be handled through normal channels, or to help with special problems.

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

The University policies and regulations generally apply to all undergraduate students and provide a framework within which schools and colleges may specify further conditions or variations appropriate to students in their courses or programs. 

Courses Inapplicable to Graduation

Credits earned in ENG 40 & 41, Mathematics 0015 (formerly Math 0001) and Military Science are not included in the minimum number of credits required for graduation. Mathematics 0045 (formerly Math 0002) may be included only when taken as an elective. Courses transferred from other institutions or taken at Temple University which do not satisfy studio, art history, or core curriculum requirements, are elective and inapplicable toward degree completion.  In the Architecture Program, no math course below Math C075 will be credited towards graduation. 

Honors

Each semester, those undergraduates who have a 3.50 average (3.2 for Architecture Program) in 15 or more credit hours for the previous semester are placed on the Dean's List.  Upon completing the undergraduate degree, a student with a 3.25 average is graduated cum laude; 3.50, magna cum laude; 3.75, summa cum laude. 

Minimum Grade Point Average

Matriculated students in the Tyler School of Art must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or may be subject to academic action including warning, probation, and dismissal from the University.  Higher minimum GPAs are required by the Bachelor of Architecture Program  (2.5) and the B.S. in Art Education program (3.0). 

Loss or Damage

Temple University is not responsible for loss of property of any student or other individual due to fire, theft, or other cause. The University may require dormitory students to present proof of insurance against loss by fire, theft, or other cause before assignment to any dormitory facility. 

Student Art Work

The School reserves the right to keep art work submitted for course credit. In practice, this privilege is exercised sparingly but, in certain studio areas, the selection of one piece by each graduating student contributes to an important instructional collection. When the student art work is reproduced in Tyler publications, either in print form or electronic form, every effort will be made to give credit to the student artist.

GENERAL COLLEGE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students in the Tyler School of Art must meet all degree requirements mandated by Temple University CORE and individual departments and programs.  Students are responsible for following the course requirements and department policies as listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin and in departmental handbooks, curriculum and advising publications.      

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Tyler's curriculum is designed to give sound preparation to the future artist while at the same time avoiding narrow vocational goals. The freshman foundation program and introductory courses in each studio area develop a thorough understanding of fundamental processes and information. Advanced courses in the majors stress the development of an individual idiom and preparation for the professional world. At Tyler, art students find an atmosphere of aesthetic freedom that encourages personal experimentation and the exploration of visual concepts. 

The BFA with Teaching Certification program leads to certification for teaching art in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students must complete BFA requirements along with a three-year department core in Education and Art Education that begins in the sophomore year. Because of increased requirements, four years plus one summer session are usually necessary to fulfill all requirements.

Freshman Year

The Foundations Program is highly structured and intensive; it forms the base that establishes the fundamental studio practice and principles for all visual art expression.  In addition to presenting traditional vocabulary, theory, media, and technique, the Foundation Program develops creative thinking and problem solving, visual thinking, and perceptual and imaginative abilities.  Faculty members from all areas of the school teach the Foundations courses, assuring a broad range of experience and diverse viewpoints.

Sophomore Year

Sophomore studio electives serve as prerequisites to enter the major, of which one specific course is required in each major. The sophomore year also offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of studio areas. This experience gives the necessary background with which to make an informed selection of a major and adds to the overall breadth of the educational experience. Requirements are six 0100-level studio courses (18 s.h.) not to exceed three courses from any one major area and to include at least one course from three different major areas. Additional credits in Art History electives and/or University Core Curriculum. 

Junior and Senior Years

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is completed after a final two-year concentration in a major studio area. Work in the major stresses the development of an individual idiom and preparation for the professional world. Because expressive work is often achieved by synthesis of disparate media, a substantial amount of studio work outside the major is allowed Requirements are eight specified 0200 - 0300 level major courses (24 s.h.); minimum grade of C- required in each course. Seven studio electives which may be taken outside the major or as additional major (21 s.h.)  Additional credits in Art History electives and/or University Core Curriculum.

BFA Degree

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 132 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Curriculum

Three Requirement Areas 

Four Year Sequence

* May be taken in either the Fall or Spring semester

Sophomore                          

Junior                          

Senior                          

BFA Degree with Teaching Certification

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Teaching Certification may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 148 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Curriculum

Five Requirement Area  

Four Year Sequence

Freshman                                                             Fall           Spring

* May be taken in either the Fall or Spring semester

Sophomore                          

Junior                          

Summer Session - Main or Ambler Campus  

Senior                          

Bachelor of Arts in Art

(Studio, Digital Media, or Visual Studies Concentration)

The BA in Art with a Studio concentration offers students a strong focus in visual art practice within a liberal arts context. The curriculum is devised to offer students a rich range of choices in other academic disciplines to augment their studio studies. The faculty approaches the teaching of studio art from the viewpoint of its connection to a wide sphere of interests, such as psychology, literature, philosophy, mathematics, biology, and physics. Students graduating with this major are well prepared to pursue graduate studies in the fine arts, work as professional artists, or work in galleries or museums.  The requirements for the degree are 123 total credits. Forty-five credits are in studio art, six to eight credits in Art History, eighteen credits in upper level Liberal Arts, ten to seventeen credits in other Electives, and thirty-five to forty-four in the University Core Curriculum. 

The BA in Art with a Digital Media concentration a enables students to focus on the use of computer technologies as offered in courses throughout the University, including those in the programs of Art, Architecture, Film and Media Arts, Music, Theater, Dance, etc.  This wide range of courses fosters the development of an interdisciplinary approach to image-making that considers both the aesthetic and technical sides of this genre.  Students graduating with this concentration are able to pursue graduate studies in the fine arts, work as professional artists, find employment in the numerous computer-based fields of art and communication, or work in galleries or museums.  The requirements for the degree are 123 total credits. Thirty-nine credits are in digital studio, twenty-one credits in studio art, six to eight credits in Art History, fifteen credits in other Electives, and forty-two in University Core Curriculum.

The BA in Art with a Visual Studies concentration enables students to organize multiple approaches to visual thinking that cut across various disciplines into a logical whole. Students will analyze visual communication from a variety of aesthetic, theoretical, scientific, sociological, and historical viewpoints. Analysis will include the consideration of the medium, its impact on the image and message, and its social and cultural context. While the majority of course work is in academic disciplines, the recognition that the making of images is closely aligned to their analysis requires that students take studio courses. This major provides a sound basis for pursuing graduate study in art history, art theory and criticism, or visual anthropology.   The requirements for the degree are 123 total credits. Thirty credits are in visual studies courses, twenty-four credits in Studio Art, fourteen credits in Art History, eighteen credits in Electives, and thirty-seven credits in University Core Curriculum.

Students with a major in art must take at least 68 semester hours in College of Liberal Arts courses. 

Bachelor of Arts candidates must complete the University Core requirements with the following difference: For the Core Language or International Studies requirement, candidates for the B.A. degree are required to complete both an International Studies and a Language requirement:  Complete the third semester of a language (course number C061, except in Critical Languages) and one international studies course or   complete the second semester of a language (course number 0052, except in Critical Languages) and two international studies courses, at least one of which must be "Third World/Non-Western." 

Courses taken in the major count toward the requirement to take 45 semester hours in upper-level courses. 

To receive transfer credit for studio credits taken at other institutions, a student must present a portfolio for each course. An evaluation will determine whether equivalent, elective, or no credit is to be awarded. The department will accept a maximum of 24 s.h. of transfer studio credits toward the major. 

BA Art Degree with Studio Concentration  

The Bachelor of Art degree with a concentration in Studio Art may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 123 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Curriculum

Five Requirement Areas

Four Year Sequence

Freshman Year                                             Fall             Spring  

Sophomore Year                                            Fall            Spring

Junior Year                                                   Fall             Spring

Senior Year                                                   Fall            Spring

BA Art Degree with Digital Media Concentration

The Bachelor of Art degree with a concentration in Digital Media may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 123 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. 

Curriculum

Five Requirement Areas

Four Year Sequence

Freshman Year                            Fall            Spring

Sophomore Year                          Fall            Spring

Junior Year                                 Fall              Spring

Senior Year                                 Fall             Spring

BA Art Degree with Visual Studies Concentration

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Visual Studies may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 123 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Curriculum

Five Requirement Areas

Four Year Sequence

Freshman Year                                     Fall          Spring

Sophomore Year                                    Fall         Spring

Junior Year                                           Fall           Spring

Senior Year                                           Fall          Spring

Minor Requirements

To minor in art, a minimum of seven courses (3 credits each) must be successfully completed, including the following:

One of the following Printmaking courses: 

Two additional studio electives at the 0100 level: 

To receive transfer credit for studio courses taken at other institutions, a student must present a portfolio for each course. An evaluation will determine whether equivalent, elective, or no credit is to be awarded. The department will accept a maximum of 6 s.h. of transfer studio credits towards the minor.

Bachelor of Science in Art Education

The Art Education program ensures a fully rounded preparation for the elementary and secondary school teacher. This program provides content study for art teacher preparation and teacher certification to teach art in kindergarten through twelfth grade. 

The requirements for the degree are 128 total credits. Forty-two credits are in studio art, nine credits in Art History, twenty credits in Art Education, eighteen credits in Education, and thirty-nine to forty-five in the University Core Curriculum. 

To receive transfer credit for studio credits taken at other institutions, a student must present a portfolio for each course. An evaluation will determine whether equivalent, elective, or no credit is to be awarded. The department will accept a maximum of 24 s.h. of transfer studio credits toward the major. 

BS Art Education Degree

The Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 128 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.

Curriculum

Five Requirement Areas

Four Year Sequence

Freshman Year                            Fall            Spring

Sophomore Year                          

Junior Year                          

Senior Year                          

Bachelor of Arts in Art History

The Art History curriculum includes lecture courses and seminars in Western and non-Western art history from ancient to modern: special concentrations include Aegean and Greek art; Etruscan and Roman art; Indian, African, and Oriental art; Early Christian art; Medieval art and architecture; Renaissance and Baroque painting and sculpture; European and American art of the Romantic era; and the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It also introduces the student to a wide variety of critical methods and approaches (connoisseurship, historiography, iconography, topography, and art theory and criticism). This major provides a sound basis for pursuing graduate study in art history, art theory and criticism, or work in museums or galleries.

Art History courses may be used to fulfill the Arts area of the Core; specific courses may be used to fulfill international studies or American Culture Core curriculum requirements. 

Bachelor of Arts candidates must complete the University Core requirements with the following

difference: For the Core Language or International Studies requirement, candidates for the B.A. degree

are required to complete both an International Studies and a Language requirement: Complete the third semester of a language (course number C061, except in Critical Languages) and one international studies course or  Complete the second semester of a language (course number 0052, except in Critical Languages) and two international studies courses, at least one of which must be "Third World/Non-Western." 

Requirements in Liberal Arts: A minimum of 45 semester hours in CLA upper level courses (numbered 0100 and above) must be completed with a passing grade. All of the upper-level Art History classes will be counted towards the 45 semester hour minimum. Students will also need to fulfill CLA upper-level distribution requirements.

Major Requirements

Two introductory Art History courses from C051, C055, C056 or H095. One advanced lecture course of four semester hours from five of the following six groups: (1) Ancient, (2) Medieval, (3) Renaissance, (4) Baroque, (5) 19th Century, (6) 20th Century; a minimum of 12 additional hours in Art History to be approved by the adviser; and one studio art course. One of the upper level courses must be a writing intensive course. 

Departmental honors requires completion of the major requirements with a 3.5 or better GPA.

Minor Requirements

19 semester hours in Art History, including one introductory course (C051, C055, C056 or H095) and four upper- level courses (0100 or above) with a grade of C- or better, with the approval of the undergraduate Art History adviser. 

Tyler School of Art BFA students with a minor in Art History: 24 semester hours in art history, including two introductory courses (0055 and 0056) and four upper level courses (0100 or above), with the approval of the undergraduate Art History adviser. 

BA Art History Degree  

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 123 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Curriculum

Five Requirement Areas

Four Year Sequence

Freshman Year                                    Fall            Spring

Sophomore Year                          

Junior Year  

Senior Year                          

Bachelor of Architecture

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

The Architecture curricula share a common two-year basic studies program. Upon successful completion of this preparatory program, students may either continue in the Bachelor of Science in Architecture Program or may apply for acceptance to the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited Bachelor of Architecture professional program. 

The five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) professional degree program prepares students for the practice of architecture in entry-level positions, and is part of an intern development program which leads to professional registration. This curriculum is designed to enable students to learn theories and methodologies of architectural design as well as to understand the social, economic, political, and technological forces which shape the built environment. The principal educational component of the Program is a coordinated series of studio courses in which creative design talents and management skills are developed. Holders of this degree may, upon completion of postgraduate work experience, be admitted to the architectural licensing examinations offered in each state, through which they may become registered architects. 

The four-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S. in Architecture) degree is designed to develop a strong base in architectural theory and practice upon which students may develop additional areas of special competence. Graduates are qualified for a variety of positions in architecture and related fields for which a professional degree and registration are not requirements for advancement. Additionally, students may utilize this degree toward the goal of architectural education at the graduate level. 

Following matriculation into the Architecture Program, only transfer credits from accredited four-year institutions are admissible.  Students must receive permission in advance to take courses at another institutions. All University policies governing this process will be enforced.

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