General Studies Major in Communications and Fine Arts
Draft Version
This is a DRAFT catalog for review and advising purposes. Items in this catalog draft are subject to change until the catalog for 2024-2025 academic year will be officially published on August 19th, 2024. The statements set forth in this catalog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and this institution. Should changes in a program of study become necessary, those changes will be applied liberally by the institution while the catalog is in draft mode.
Faculty: Associate Dean, Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts, (Chair) and faculty representing the Department of Art, Communication, Interactive Media, Music and Theatre Arts.
The General Studies Major in Communications and Fine Arts is an interdisciplinary degree program that provides students the opportunity to design a course of study based upon personal preference and career goals while meeting Bradley University’s graduation requirements for a B.A. or B.S. degree. A General Studies Major in CFA holds the same value as all Bradley University degrees.
The curriculum for the General Studies Major in Communications and Fine Arts encourages free and creative thought, critical analysis, and exposes the student to a variety of social and scientific issues that are the basis for a well-rounded education. The knowledge gained through a firm grounding in the arts prepares the student for many different highly competitive job fields, and teaches skills applicable in every area of life. This general studies major assists students in demonstrating an awareness of the role that communication and fine arts play when combined with other unique courses of studies thus developing a creative and emerging career focus.
Students declare the general studies major in the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts. The core of the General Studies Major in CFA is an area in communication or fine arts combined with two or more academic programs outside of the college that are incorporated into an individualized major. Students declaring a General Studies Major in CFA develop a coherent proposal for their specialized major. This proposal is prepared with the advice of an academic advisor. The detailed prospectus identifies career goals and objectives, and details how the interdisciplinary plan of study supports the proposed major
Students without definite academic plans should register in academic exploration rather than in the General Studies Major in Communications and Fine Arts Major.
Major Requirements
The Associate Dean and a committee of faculty in the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts must approval all General Studies Major in CFA proposals and serve as academic advisors. Students must consult with the Associate Dean of the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts in all phases of the major through graduation. Students must complete all Bradley University requirements for a B.A. or B.S. degree. The self-designed major must not duplicate existing majors at Bradley University.
Approved self-designed majors in the General Studies Major in CFA require a course of study consisting of minimum of 48 hours with at least 50 percent of the courses based in CFA. An internship or experiential-learning opportunity is a required component of the major.
Students write a proposal for a General Studies Major in CFA that clarifies specific intellectual ideals and goals for an academic plan, indicates a proposed list of courses, and demonstrates that the program does not duplicate existing majors at Bradley University. The program assists students in demonstrating an awareness of the intricate role of communications or fine arts when combined with other unique courses of studies. The proposed program should specify the departments collaborating with the major and include a list of the courses from each of those departments. Transferred courses can be used. Proposals meeting the requirements are not guaranteed acceptance, but will be reviewed by the program committee.
Examples of possible careers:
- Museum Educator
- Communication Designs
- Art Therapist
- Fashion Communication
- Sports Recreation
- Public Relations and Event Planning
- Sports Sales
Application
Students should submit the following application to the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts Dean’s Office:
- An official record of their past and present courses.
- A written statement of their intellectual ideals and career goals.
- A detailed plan of the courses from the academic catalog the student plans to take as part of the General Studies Major.
- A rationale explaining how these courses facilitate the proposed course of study and the achievement of the student’s ideals and goals.
Eligibility: Students are eligible for the program if they are at least second-semester freshmen with a minimum of 15 earned hours from Bradley University and have a grade point average of 2.25 or higher.