Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metals, Jewelry, CAD-CAM

Establish your creative practice in metal fabrication with Temple’s STEM-designated Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metals, Jewelry, CAD-CAM from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. This 126-credit undergraduate degree program is the largest in the nation and is distinguished by its focus on CAD-CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing), integrating advanced STEM principles into artistic practices.

Explore traditional techniques, theory and the forefront of digital practices in jewelry and metals, including computer-aided design and 3D printing, taught by faculty who are active, practicing artists. Design and craft jewelry and objects of beauty and utility using state-of-the-art tools and a variety of materials such as gold, silver, aluminum, bronze, titanium, resin and plastics.

Practice a broad range of approaches, including traditional metalsmithing, extensive and experimental use of digital fabrication technologies, large-scale electroforming, casting, and laser welding. The faculty’s extensive professional networks connect students to internships and other opportunities throughout the local and national metals and jewelry communities.

Philadelphia is a premier center of jewelry-making and a home base for exploring museums and galleries. This, coupled with Temple’s resources and research facilities serve as a strong foundation for students’ conceptual exploration and advancement of their craft. Students can explore a range of other studio areas as well, learning the fundamentals of studio practice and principles for all visual art expression in addition to traditional vocabulary, theory, media and techniques. 

Foundations

All undergraduate first-year students at Tyler begin with a yearlong immersion in our foundations program. Foundations is a multidisciplinary curriculum through which students gain knowledge in essential concepts and theories; established principles and practices; and time-honored skills and techniques in the study of art, design and the built environment. Students develop a global understanding of artistic traditions and the role of art and design in society before choosing a major in their second year at Tyler.

In the art programs, including graphic and interactive design, students begin with focused study of drawing, 2D design and 3D design. They explore diverse materials, processes and perspectives—from the traditional and low-tech to the innovative and experimental. This bachelor's degree program is highly structured and intensive, and imparts fundamental studio practices for all visual art. Through the foundations coursework, students gain an academic grounding in the forms, techniques, styles, subjects and symbolism represented in art, architecture and design. Faculty members from across the art and design areas teach the foundations courses, assuring a broad range of experience and diverse viewpoints.

Learn more about the foundations program at Tyler.

Entrepreneurial Studies

In partnership with Temple University’s Fox School of Business, Tyler offers BFA students an entrepreneurial studies option for students who want to learn skills for entrepreneurship—from innovative thinking to how to start a business—as 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.

Learn more about Entrepreneurial Studies at Tyler.

Classes & Curriculum

Metals, Jewelry, CAD-CAM Bachelor of Fine Arts students work closely with experienced faculty to understand the fundamental concepts of design, learn technique, and process and leverage design software and other tools to find their unique creative voice.

A few courses you can anticipate taking include

  • 3D Modeling and Printing,
  • Casting,
  • Electroforming Workshop,
  • Jewelry,
  • Lapidary & Stone Setting,
  • Production Processes, and
  • Senior Metals & Plastics.                                                                                       

Learn more about the coursework for the Metals, Jewelry, CAD-CAM Major.

Minors

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Concentrations

You can focus on Metals, Jewelry, CAD-CAM or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Art Education
A professor assists a student in the Metals studio.

Tuition & Fees

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

Tuition rates 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 Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $25,848.00 per year
Out-of-state: $43,032.00 per year

TA-METL-BFA

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