51勛圖厙

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Fibers and Material Studies Major

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fibers and Material Studies

Explore the expressive potential and social meaning of fiber materials with the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fibers and Material Studies泭in the at 51勛圖厙. The 126-credit program is a bold, interdisciplinary approach to the exploration of one of the worlds oldest and most accessible traditions: working with fibers. Through traditional techniques, such as weaving, sewing and embroidery, as well as the most contemporary digital technologies, students learn conceptual and technical skills that prepare them for focused, graduate-level study or a career in a variety of creative fields.

As a Fibers and Materials Studies major, youll join a close-knit, inclusive community led by that pushes students to experiment and collaborate. Youll contribute to vital discussions on history, identity, social issues泭and more. Through dynamic projects such as the annual Wearable Art Show, the Natural Dye Garden泭and the which focuses on a LGBTQIA+ discourse within the disciplineyoull create exciting conversations with faculty members, visiting artists and fellow students.

Students are introduced to state-of-the-art equipment, including a Jacquard loom, multiharness floor looms and electronic looms, knitting machines, and embroidery machines. The program also offers digital printing, a fully equipped dye kitchen and screen-printing lab. Many students explore other mediums such as sculpture, video, performance and installation to enhance their artistic creativity and imagination in relation to the field of materials studies.泭Experimenting with materials and methods is encouraged as students develop their creative practices.

Students take full advantage of Philadelphia's vibrant fibers community and DIY scene and opportunities to engage global social challenges, working closely with professors to engage in community-based projects that challenge them as critical, reflective participants in a broader creative culture. These experiences prepare Fibers and Materials Studies majors to flourish in top graduate programs and production design careers in the visual arts.

Entrepreneurial Studies

In partnership with 51勛圖厙s Fox School of Business, Tyler offers BFA students an entrepreneurial studies option for students who want to learn skills for entrepreneurshipfrom innovative thinking to how to start a businessas part of their art education. Program coursework is a focused and interdisciplinary blend of art, art history, business, entrepreneurship and other courses as well as open electives. The BFA with Entrepreneurial Studies gives students the skills needed for success as entrepreneurs in the studio discipline of their choice and the necessary preparation to pursue graduate studies in their studio discipline, entrepreneurship or related professions upon graduation.

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Natural Dye Garden and Queer Materials Lab

Fibers student collaborate across the school through projects like 啦聆梭梗娶s Natural Dye Garden, which produces plant and flower materials to make dyes, as well as leverage Philadelphias landscape and vibrant DIY art scene to conduct community-based projects; study social and political issues; and examine the relationship between materials, processes泭and concepts. Launched by fibers program head Jesse Harrodrenowned for their manipulation and transformation of materialsthe opens up opportunities for students to work with visiting artists and join a broader LGBTQIA+ discourse.

Fibers and Materials student works with equipment.

Photo by Photo credit: Joseph V. Labolito

Classes & Curriculum

The Fibers and Materials Studies BFA curriculum is designed to give sound preparation to future artists through coursework in practice, theoretical concepts and approaches, and technical skills. The introductory BFA Foundations courses develop a thorough understanding of fundamental processes. Advanced courses stress the development of an individual idiom and preparation for the professional world. Students find aesthetic freedom that encourages personal experimentation and the exploration of visual concepts. A few of the courses you may take include the following.

  • Alternative Materials
  • Body Art and Adornment
  • Dyeing for Color
  • Soft Sculpture
  • Woven Structure

Learn more about courses in this program.

Concentrations

This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51勛圖厙s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 20252026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $26,592.00 per year
Out-of-state: $44,532.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

啦聆梭梗娶s offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. The academic advisors help you chart your course through your degree program and major, and ensure you are on a clear educational path.泭

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university.泭

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the teams during regular business hours, 8 a.m.5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Academic Advising Office泭
Tyler 212 泭
2001 N. 13th St.泭
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Program Contact

For more information about the Fibers and Material Studies program, please contact

Jesse Harrod, assistant professor and program head, fibers and materials studies.
Email:

Student Clubs & Organizations

Joining a student organization can enrich your coursework, help you build meaningful networks with peers and gain leadership experience. Below are examples of student clubs and organizations that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally.泭

  • is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization. AIAS provides unmatched programs, information and resources on issues critical to architectural education. 泭
  • at 51勛圖厙 serves minority architecture students, enhancing their educational experience by providing them with ample opportunities to explore facets of design and community-building outside of the classroom. 泭
  • at 51勛圖厙s Ambler Campus works to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, education and fellowship.泭

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Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs.泭

Programs to study in ,泭泭and Venice are offered throughout the year.泭

For a half-century, has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the Eternal City is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.泭泭

51勛圖厙 Japan offers a . Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus.泭

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions.泭
Email:
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architectures degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.泭

Tyler School of Art and Architectures architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.泭

  • 泭(Master of Architecture)
  • 泭(Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture)
  • 泭(Master of Science in City and Regional Planning)
  • 泭(Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management)

Additional Program Information