Furniture Design
The BFA in Furniture Design is a professional undergraduate degree for students desiring extensive studio experience with an emphasis in Furniture Design. Students in the program develop critical thinking skills, refine their intellectual and creative processes, and learn both traditional and contemporary aspects of the furniture designer's craft.
Herron School of Art and Design has established a tradition of providing a rich and stimulating environment for aspiring studio art furniture makers. The Furniture Design Program curriculum provides students the framework for their development as designers and makers. The Furniture Design Program's commitment to excellence is reflected in the high standards of professionalism achieved by its graduates.
Courses are taught by experienced and accomplished faculty. Students have the use of a well-equipped and maintained woodworking shop/studio. Introductory courses stress the importance of drawing, conceptualizing skills, design research and development, construction techniques and technologies, model making, art furniture history, and the completion of full-size furniture prototypes.
Intermediate and advanced courses challenge students to continue to develop their technical skills and begin to forage personal design aesthetic. Career goals and strategies are explored and developed. Classes are augmented with visiting artists, field trips, student/professional design competitions and shows, and other pertinent professional activities.
For the most current curriculum, please see the Herron website. For the recommended four-year plan of study, please refer to the IU Indianapolis degree map. The BFA degree requirements meet the standards established by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design for professional undergraduate degrees in the Fine Arts.
Degree requirements
General Education
30 credits corresponding to IU Indianapolis' Indiana College Core
Foundation Studies
19 credits
Art History, Theory, and Criticism
18 credits distributed as follows:
• HER-H101 History of Art I (3 cr.) (may be used to fill Arts/Humanities General Education requirement)
• HER-H102 History of Art 2 (3 cr.) (may be used to fill Arts/Humanities General Education requirement)
• HER-H205 Introduction to Contemporary Art (3 cr.)
• HER-HXXX Art History electives (6 cr.)
Professional and career preparation
HER-X201 Professional Practice in Visual Arts I
HER-X301 Professional Practice in Visual Arts II
HER-X410 Senior Capstone Focus
Major Studio Requirements
33 credits distributed as follows
• HER-Q241 Furniture Design 1 (3 cr.)
• HER-Q242 Furniture Design 2 (3 cr.)
- HER-Q341 Furniture Design 3 (6 cr.)
• HER-Q342 Furniture Design 4 (6 cr.)
• HER-Q441 Furniture Design 5 (6 cr.)
• HER-Q442 Furniture Design 6 (6 cr.)
Studio Art Electives
27 credits, of which 3 must be N208 Integrative Studio Lab: Rotating Topics (3 cr.)
Non-Studio requirements
6 credits
• Academic elective (3 cr.)
• English Literature Course (3 cr.)
Total: 125 credits
Last update: March 2024
