Students graduating from the BFA program conceptualize, create, and refine an original thesis to be presented at the end of their senior year, though the journey varies across each area of study.
Graphic Design and Digital Media
The students begin their final year by selecting a design-related topic. They research and analyze their subject, interview prominent practitioners, and write an original thesis paper. Graphic Design students use this content to design and produce a print publication and a poster. Digital Media Design students translate their thesis paper into a multimedia installation, which can either take shape as a rich media interactive experience, or a linear or non-linear motion/video narrative.
Photojournalism and Fine Art Photography
The student work displays learning, experimentation, and growth developed over the students' tenure at the Corcoran. Preparation begins at the end of their junior year with research and shooting occurring during the summer months. By the fall semester, ideas are refined and expanded through in-class discussions, short gallery shows, and group critiques. In late February, a show in Gallery 31 allows for their penultimate critique. Three weeks later, works are installed for the final exhibition.
Fine Arts
Through one-on-one critiques, many group critiques, and two "thesis preview" shows, Fine Art students create, revise, and finalize the concepts and execution of their final projects. Thesis statements are crafted to express the intention of the work, its position in the art world, and a description, which are then published in the exhibition catalogue.
Faculty Bios:
