BFA
Earn a BFA in
ELECTRONIC DESIGN
APPLICATION & MULTIMEDIA
PACKET AND AT THE CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK
Division of Humanities & the Arts, Department of Art
PORTFOLIO The Robinson Center for Graphic Arts &
Communication Design
with courses in INTENSIVE, INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION
TYPOGRAPHY
DESIGN FOR PRINT STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES
PRINT PRODUCTION INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION
DESIGN FOR THE WEB INTERNSHIP MENTORING
DIGITAL VIDEO
MULTIMEDIA ACTIVE STUDENT COMMUNITY
3D MODELING AND
ANIMATION AFFORDABLE COST
BFA APPLICATION OVERVIEW
APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT A PORTFOLIO THAT FOLLOWS THE BFA GUIDELINES LISTED BELOW
PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES
ADMISSION TO THE BFA IS A SEPARATE PROCEDURE
IN ADDITION TO ADMISSION TO CITY COLLEGE. Students are strongly encouraged to apply to the program before
completing 65% of credits toward the major. Failure to do so may
A portfolio review is required for admission to the BFA program. negatively impact the chance of acceptance.
The portfolio should demonstrate aptitude; finished, professional work
is not a criterion. The committee is looking for raw ability, ability to think The BFA has a GPA requirement of 2.5 for current and transfer
critically, talent and motivation. students.
HOW TO APPLY Applications to the BFA are considered in Fall and Spring: deadlines are
1. Complete the Art Department BFA Electronic Design & Multimedia February 15th for Fall (September) admission, and October 1st for
application and follow the procedures for submitting your portfolio. Spring (February) admission.
2. Contact the Admissions Office, (212) 650-6977, for information on You can download the BFA application from the EDM website.
admission and application procedures to City College and CUNY. http://edm.arts.ccny.cuny.edu/edm/
3. Applicants to the BFA program should list the code number for the Information regarding City College Admissions please contact
BFA in Electronic Design & Multimedia (0127) as their first choice on the the Admissions Office at: (212) 650-6448 or admissions@ccny.cuny.
CUNY Freshman Application. edu. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at (212) 650-5819 for grant,
scholarship, and loan information.
revised: 9.11.2020
You may be accepted into City College and not be accepted into the
BFA Program after a portfolio review. The Art Department does not have any role in admissions to CCNY /
A student may enter the BA program, and then transfer to the BFA after CUNY. Contact the Admssions office if you have questions about your
completing level 10000 and 20000 courses in the major and developing admission to The City College. General information about admissions is
a portfolio. However BFA admissions are competitive, and transfer from at: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/admissions
the BA to the BFA is not automatic or guaranteed.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRONIC DESIGN & MULTIMEDIA BFA?
Frequently
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Electronic Design and Multimedia is a professional specialization in design for
print and interactive media which integrates a variety of digital media into all stages of design and production.
Asked HOW IS THE BFA DIFFERENT THAN THE BA?
City College offers a BFA in Electronic Design & Multimedia as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts with a
Questions Digital Design concentraiton. Every course (with the exception of the BFA Thesis course) can be taken by any
CCNY student who has fulfilled the pre-requisite courses.
The BFA (Bachelors in Fine Arts) is a 75-credit (approximately 24-course) major whereas the BA in Studio Art is a
45-credit (approximately 15-course) major. It is possible to complete either degree in four years, but students in the BFA program usually are not able
to take many electives outside of the Art Department offerings.
BA students’ diplomas with indicated that they have earned a “Bachelor of Arts” degree, whereas BFA students’ diplomas indicate a “Bachelor of Fine
Arts in Electronic Design & Multimedia.”
Unlike the BFA major, BA in Studio Art majors is not a portfolio application (though the Art Department does require BA students to maintain a 2.5 GPA
and take a couple of art courses prior to declaring the major). Further details about the two programs can be found at www.ccny.cuny.edu/art
WILL HAVING A BFA IMPROVE MY JOB OPPORTUNITIES?
Most employers care more about your portfolio than the specific degree you have earned. However, the BFA’s intensive requirements and capstone
thesis project [a 15-week self-directed project] do help you build and put into practice the skills necessary to reach your full potential and put together
the best possible portfolio.
WHEN CAN I APPLY & HOW?
We review applications twice a year. The submission deadline for Spring admission is October 1st and the deadline for Fall admission is
February 15th. Please see the application steps on the following page. We DO NOT review applications after deadline.
DO I HAVE TO APPLY TO BOTH CITY COLLEGE AND THE EDM PROGRAM?
Yes. To enter the EDM BFA you must be admitted to both City College and the program itself. These are two separate application processes.
This document explains the EDM BFA application process. For details on applying to City College please visit www.ccny.cuny.edu/admissions or call
the Admissions Office at (212) 650-6977.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO ADMIT TO THE BFA PROGRAM?
Our primary considerations are:
1) The applicant’s portfolio demonstrates working with concepts (not just technique), a personal artistic “voice,” and
a sense of design. Portfolios that primarily show technical skills (e.g., ability to use Flash, Photoshop, HTML, etc.)
without demonstrating concept & design skills are not looked upon favorably.
2) The quality of the assigned portfolio artworks (see the next page for details) are an important determining factor.
3) The applicant’s transcript(s) showing the ability to maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average.
4) The applicant’s writing skills as demonstrated in the application essay.
5) The presentation of the application materials (organized and well-designed).
We do not pre-screen portfolios. We are also considering your judgement in how you put your portfolio together.
WHEN WILL I FIND OUT IF I’M ADMITTED?
We contact our applicants 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.
WHAT I AM ADMITTED TO CITY COLLEGE, BUT NOT TO THE BFA PROGRAM?
You can still enter City College and take art and design courses with the intention of reapplying to the BFA program or entering becoming a BA in
Studio Arts major. It is not uncommon for students to apply multiple times before being accepted to the program. However, students are strongly
encouraged to apply to the program before completing 65% of credits toward the major. Failure to do so may negatively impact the chance of
revised: 9.11.2020
acceptance. If the bulk of your credits are in another discipline like CS, engineering or architecture, we can be flexible about the 65% credit limit.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS?
Professor Mark Addison Smith can be contacted at msmith4@ccny.cuny.edu
The acceptance to the BFA program is based on the portfolio you submit as well as your transcript
and essay. Portfolios are examined for evidence of aptitude and potential.
PORTFOLIO Some applicants may have previous preparation in high school or college, others may be self-taught.
SUBMISSION
Consideration is given to students who show evidence of talent, energy and motivation regardless of
prior formal preparation.
GUIDELINES There are several ways to submit your portfolio:
Upload to DropBox with a link to mark.smith78@login.cuny.edu
Also send a direct email to msmith4@ccny.cuny.edu to notify us that you have submitted on
DropBox. You can also submit on a DVD-ROM, or a USB drive, although DB is preferred.
Your portfolio should consist of 8-10 pieces of artwork done on your own or in class, PLUS three projects from the assignment list below.
Optionally, a text document or printout can give details about any of the artworks.
You can include artwork done for class assignments, but sometimes assigned class work does not best demonstrate the applicant’s personal voice and
creativity. We look at the concept of the work as well as the visual design and use of typography. Select works that are conceptually strong.
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR APPLICATION, ESSAY AND TRANSCRIPT IN THE DROPBOX.
OPTION 1: DIGITAL SUBMISSION by DropBox, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM or USB drive [DropBox preferred]
Do not submit a portfolio in the form of a website, Powerpoint file, or Flash file. The portfolio should consist of 8-10 artworks (plus 3 assigned works,
see below) that are formatted as follows:
• The digital files should be in a single folder on the disc.
The folder should be named with the applicant’s last and first names separated by an underscore (e.g., Doe_Jane).
• Still images must be either JPEG or TIFF files, maximum dimensions of 1920x1200.
• Images must be correctly rotated for viewing. JPEG and TIFFs that are larger than 3 MB will not be opened or reviewed.
• Students wishing to submit a website as one of the portfolio items should put the website in subfolder (under the main folder with the
applicant’s name) or supply a URL.
• Other print documents may be submitted as a PDF. If the PFD size is large, resave as a ‘Reduced Size PDF.’
• Video can be submitted in QuickTime format or as MP4.
• Flash can be submitted as a .swf file.
• CD/DVD files must be submitted on a Macintosh and Windows readable disc or USB drive with the “BFA application,” the applicant’s name,
and the date written directly on the disc.
• Discs WILL BE DISCARDED after being reviewed and WILL NOT BE RETURNED. USB drives will not be returned.
OPTION 2: PRINTED PORTFOLIO [we DO NOT encourage print portfolios]
• 8-10 artworks (plus 3 assigned works, see below) submitted on 8.5” x 11” print-outs
• Submit ONLY if the prints are high quality. Poorly printed images may negatively impact the applicant’s chance of acceptance.
• DO NOT submit original works. Print Portfolios WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
REQUIRED PORTFOLIO ASSIGNMENTS
Portfolios must ALSO include THREE of the four possible assignments:
A. A self portrait in any media, digital or traditional
B. A poster promoting travel
C. A 2-color logo for a music company
D. A visual representation of transparency
REQUIRED ESSAY
ALL students must provide a brief (250 word) essay printed out or included as a .doc or pdf file.
The essay should discuss a work of art or design that has had a significant impact on you, but DO NOT DISCUSS YOUR OWN WORK.
Please describe the work, explain how it affects you personally, and how it relates to the kind of artwork or design you would like to do.
revised: 9.11.2020
THE CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK // DEPARTMENT OF ART
ELECTRONIC
DESIGN
& MULTIMEDIA
BFA: BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN
ELECTRONIC DESIGN AND MULTIMEDIA (EDM)
• Admission to the BFA is separate from admission to the College. EDM REQUIREMENTS
• BFA admissions require a portfolio review and evaluation of a writing
sample. Faculty evaluations also consider motivation and work habits. EDM MAJOR REQUIRED COURSES (39):
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to completing ART 29500: Typography 1; 3 cr.
65% of the major’s requirements. ART 29510: Graphic Design Concepts; 3 cr.
• Students in the BFA must complete a Senior Thesis project ART 29520: Illustration; 3 cr.
and an internship as a graduation requirement and maintain a 2.5 GPA. ART 29526: Computer Imaging and Illustration; 3 cr.
ART 39510: Electronic Design I; 3 cr.
ART DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS ART 39512: Digital Media Production; 3 cr.
Art Department CORE Requirements ART 39540: Design for the World Wide Web I; 3 cr.
ART 39552: Programming for Artists 3 cr.
These two courses are required by the Art Department, but their
ART 39560: Digital Video; 3 cr.
credits are counted as part of the CORE/CLAS requirements.
ART 39590: Critical Issues in Design, Technology, and New Media; 3 cr.
ART 49590: Digital Design Portfolio; 3 cr.
WORLD ARTS (prerequisite to Art 20000 courses and ART 49598: Senior Thesis; 6 cr.
required of all Art Majors) ART 10000 3cr.
TOTAL EDM REQUIREMENTS ( 39 )
WRITING REQUIREMENT (CLAS writing requirement,
required for all Art Majors to be taken after ENG 11000)
ART 21000 or other 20000/level writing course BFA EDM STUDIO ELECTIVES (15)
Choose five (5) studio and design electives at the 20000-level or above.
Of the 5, at least two electives must be from 400-level courses
ART HISTORY REQUIREMENTS ( 12 cr )
ART 21067 History of Design OR ART 21068 History of Graphic Possible electives include (but are not limited to):
Design PLUS three Art History courses at the 20000 level or above. ART 29530: Digital Photo 1; 3 cr.t
1/Group I, 1/Group II and 1/either Group I or Group II ART 39500: Typography 2; 3cr.
ART 39520: Illustration 2, 3cr.
ART DEPARTMENT STUDIO REQUIREMENTS ( 9 ) ART 39522: Vector Illustration, 3cr.
ART 10100: 2-D Design 3 cr. ART 39528: 2D Animation Principles; 3 cr.
ART 39530: Digital Photo 2; 3 cr.
2-D Design Group: Choose one from among
ART 39544: UX/UI Design, 3cr.
ART 10200: Intro. Drawing, ART 10400: Intro Photo
ART 39568: Concept Research, 3cr.
or ART 10500: Intro. Painting
ART 39570: 3D Imaging 1; 3 cr.
3-D Design Group: Choose any 10000-level 3D media course ART 39580: Game Workshop 1; 3 cr.
TOTAL ART HISTORY & STUDIO REQUIREMENTS ( 21 ) ART 49510: Electronic Design 2; 3 cr.
ART 49518: Publishing Projects; 3 cr.
ART 49528: Topics in Animation; 3 cr.
ART 49540: Design for the Web 2; 3 cr.
ART 49552: Topics in Web Programming 3 cr.
ART 49560: Digital Video 2; 3 cr.
ART 49558: Multimedia Projects; 3 cr.
ART 49570: 3D Imaging 2; 3 cr.
revised: 9.11.2020
TOTAL EDM ELECTIVES ( 15 )
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS ( 75 )
TOTAL COLLEGE CORE ( 30 )
REMAINING COLLEGE ELECTIVES ( 15 )
CREDITS FOR GRADUATION ( 120 )
THE BFA IN ELECTRONIC DESIGN & MULTIMEDIA
ADMISSIONS APPLICATION
Application for Fall ______ Spring ______
(year) (year)
Name_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
last first middle
Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________
street
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
city state zip
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
phone email website
Freshman Application______ Currently Attending CCNY______ Transferring From Another College______
ACADEMIC HISTORY
High School(s)______________________________ Date of Attendance____________ Date of Graduation______
College(s)___________________________________ Date of Attendance____________ Date of Graduation______
DEADLINE
Application deadlines are October 1st and February 15th
Application packets must arrive at City College on or before the deadline. Be sure you include a copy of this application form, your
essay and unofficial transcript in your DropBox file
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Please see the earlier pages in this document for details about the application materials.
[ ] Transcript (transcript may be Unofficial. We do not see transcripts provided to CUNY, so you must send us a copy)
[ ] Portfolio of 8-10 images art plus 3 assignments.
[ ] Digital images are submitted per the guidelines (No Photoshop, or Illustrator files, correct size, etc.)
[ ] Essay
[ ] Application form
IMPORTANT: If you are not already a City College student, you must apply to the school in addition to applying to the EDM BFA program.
For details about applying to City College please call The Office of Admissions at (212) 650-6977.
Upload your files to Dropbox with a share to mark.smith78@login.cuny.edu
For backup also send a confirmation email to msmith4@ccny.cuny.edu so we know you submitted to DropBox.
If you are mailing a DVD or Flash Drive address your application to:
APPLICATION
Electronic Design and Multimedia
Professor Mark Addison Smith
Department of Art
City College of New York
160 Convent Avenue for the BFA in
New York, NY 10031
ELECTRONIC
revised: 9.11.2020
Alternatively the packet, labeled “Attention: Professor Mark Addison Smith,” can be dropped off at the
Art Office in room 109 in Compton-Goethals Hall. (but not during the COVID-19 shutdown) DESIGN &
APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE NOT RETURNED. DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL ARTWORK OR ANYTHING MULTIMEDIA
THAT YOU WOULD WANT RETURNED.
