The Sculpture Program provides a course of study that fosters the development of students' individual interests, with an emphasis on concept and innovation, critical thinking skills, familiarity with current art theory and practice, and visual and cultural literacy, as well as professional skills and habits that allow students to establish a unique, self-directed studio practice.All of this is within the context of a premier research university that provides a broad range of educational experiences that promotes writing and language skills, and provides access to STEM fields, social sciences, and design practices.At the Sophomore level, Sculpture students are introduced to basic skills and concepts of 3-D design and fabrication, mold making, and other techniques. Students also experiment with a variety of materials in order to explore and understand strategies for expressing meaning as they gain knowledge and familiarity in the use of the wide variety of materials that are part of contemporary art.As Juniors and Seniors, students are introduced to recent and current theories of art and culture while they develop verbal and written skills leading to the BFA Thesis and Thesis Exhibition. Students develop a self-directed studio practice in their own studio spaces, housed in a communal studio building, while they have access to a diverse faculty with expertise in a wide variety of conceptual, material and technical strategies for making art, including traditional Painting and Drawing, installation art, 3-D and Sculpture, and other strategies taught in the School of Art and Design. The studio situation provides the basis for a strong, vibrant community of student-artists working together as they establish their interests. The mission of the Sculpture Program is to foster students' growth into working artists with an understanding of the professional art world that will prepare them for advanced study in studio art, for careers in museums, galleries, arts agencies, as critics and theorists, and as professional studio artists.