Key Takeaways:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) are two common degrees found at art schools and larger, more generalized universities.
- B.A. programs prioritize a wide breadth of knowledge with less emphasis on specialization.
- BFA programs focus on studio time and hands-on skill building over general knowledge.
- Neither degree is better than the other. They each serve different needs for different types of learners.
Every learner is looking for something different in their education. Some students are looking for a comprehensive, deep dive into one subject. While others want their education à la carte, picking and choosing from a variety of topics to wade in ankle-deep in each. In this blog, you will learn the similarities and differences between a B.A. and a BFA, and which degree path might be right for you!
As you likely know, B.A. stands for Bachelor of Arts and BFA stands for Bachelor of Fine Arts. However, do you know the difference between these two degrees? While they both empower students to learn more about their areas of study, each degree has distinct differences.
Understanding the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
A lot goes into the design of a bachelor’s degree; the Bachelor of Arts requirements emphasize a diverse range of topics. Students in this type of program are likely to appreciate the variety this degree offers.
Curriculum Focus
U.S. News and Report describes a B.A. degree as “the standard liberal arts degree, emphasizing the development of a well-balanced base of knowledge in the humanities.” Liberal Arts education “emphasizes a broad course of study in a variety of academic disciplines, while providing students with the necessary tools to develop critical thinking and communication skills.”
With roughly two-thirds of coursework in a B.A. program being liberal arts courses and electives, students can expect to take courses in geography, anthropology, composition, and mathematics. The last third of a B.A. curriculum is focused on the specifics of a student’s chosen major.
Areas of Study
Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program have a wide array of options when it comes to fields of study. This can include endeavors inside or outside of the arts. Some institutions may even offer a B.A. and a BFA on certain art-related topics such as graphic design or art history.
Understanding the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
What is a BFA degree? A Bachelor of Fine Arts or BFA has much in common with a B.A. However, the curriculum prioritizes a more specialized learning style with hands-on opportunities.
Curriculum Focus
BFAs emphasize the importance of creation in and outside of the classroom through studio time. While BFA programs still incorporate liberal arts courses, they are more focused on a student’s specific path of study, often requiring hours of studio time. U.S. News and Report states that the liberal arts courses in a BFA program make up roughly one-third of credits, while two-thirds of credits are completed within a student’s major. According to Coursera, BFA programs are also more likely to be in-person with synchronous classes, although online BFA programs are becoming increasingly common. BFAs give a deeper dive into a single discipline.
Areas of Study
In keeping with the program’s emphasis on creation, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree presses the importance of students making some form of media, such as a painting, a dance, or a song. Many programs require studio hours where students have a certain number of hours to create original work. This is ina additional to traditional class time. According to Coursera, BFA fields of study are specific to art, such as film, ceramics, and music theory.
Key Differences in Educational Approach
There is a big difference between a B.A. and a BFA education. Students looking at graduation requirements will need to know how their degree is designed.
Course Structure and Requirements
Admission requirements may differ between the two degrees, even at institutions that offer both degrees. As US News states, “It’s also common for B.A. and B.F.A. programs to have different admissions requirements… B.F.A. programs often require prospective students to submit a portfolio of their artwork or audition.”
Depth vs. Breadth
Depending on what a student is looking for in their education, they may desire the depth of a BFA or the breadth of a B.A. When deciding between these two learning styles, students should consider their career goals after graduation. Depending on the field, a student may prefer to be a jack of all trades or a master of one. Many positions collaborate with members of different industries or departments, thus having a wide range of knowledge can be helpful. At the same time, being a specialist in your field of work may also prove advantageous.
Career Paths and Opportunities
When prospective students select a degree pathway, one of the biggest considerations is how it will affect their employment beyond school.
Careers with a B.A.
Students can receive a Bachelor of Arts in several areas, such as journalism or history. Therefore, not all B.A. graduates are even artists. When beginning a career, not all B.A. graduates are qualified for the same positions. These students instead share educational fundamentals, which might include math, anthropology, or english. B.A. degree careers vary widely from person to person.
Careers with a BFA
The specialized education that BFA graduates possess may be ideal for a candidate who knows exactly which field they want to pursue, as BFA degree careers are more specific to the visual arts. When applying for careers in their industry, BFA graduates will likely have more experience in that field.
Choosing the Right Degree for You
Choosing a B.A. vs. BFA can be overwhelming. A vital question for students to answer is: how focused do they want to be on one subject? If they prefer to be a jack of all trades, then B.A.’s may offer the desired variety. However, their focus lies in one area, and they want to be the most knowledgeable person in the room about that topic then a BFA can offer that added level of specialization.
Factors to Consider
Consider how B.A. curricula and BFA curricula have different liberal arts requirements. A four-year degree means hundreds of hours spent studying, so students must choose the appropriate path for themselves.
Student Pathways
Most colleges and universities allow students to enroll as undeclared, which means they have yet to declare a major by the time coursework begins. This is a good opportunity for students who are still determining a major. For undeclared students or even just those who are uncertain, liberal arts education exposes them to an array of options. Alternatively, many college freshmen know exactly the degree they want.
Educational Outcomes and Further Studies
The impact any degree will have on a graduate extends far beyond the classroom.
Graduate Studies Options
When it comes to deciding on a bachelor’s degree, an important consideration for students might be whether or not they intend to pursue a more advanced degree later in life. Most graduate programs look for “A bachelor’s degree in your subject area (some institutions are flexible about specializations)” says Coursera, meaning what a student studied is often more important than the type of degree they received. Finally, students can’t forget to work on their portfolio; regardless of their art degree, students should always be thinking about how their education influences their work.
If a student believes a master’s degree is in their future, they may want to specialize in their pursuit early on in their education and get a BFA. However, that same student may prefer a B.A. to get more out of their liberal arts education before specializing in their graduate program. Similarly, for those looking to pursue an advanced degree, you can receive a Master of Arts (M.A.) or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), which have similar breadth and depth to their bachelor’s counterparts.
In the end, only you can decide which type of degree is best for you. Consider the factors of curriculum, graduate studies, and career options, but most of all, research individual programs at each college or university you are considering applying to. Every program is different and there are dozens of unique considerations you will face.
What’s right for you, a B.A. or a BFA?
Looking to start your creative career? At Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, you can receive a world-class education in the arts with any of our 11 program paths. With accredited BFAs on-campus or online, you could pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art education, photography,interior design, and more. RMCAD also offers a new BA degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Request information today!
FAQs: B.A. vs BFA
Q1: Which degree is better, a B.A. or a BFA?
- Neither program is better or worse than the other. Instead, they each require differing amounts of coursework in the liberal arts, studio arts, and major courses.
Q2: Which areas of study are available in Bachelor of Arts programs vs Bachelor of Fine Arts programs?
- Most areas of study are available in the format of B.A. such as criminology or communication. While BFA programs are largely reserved for the arts. However, some schools may offer B.A.s and BFAs on the same topics such as graphic design.
Q3: What are liberal arts courses?
- Liberal arts courses provide a broad educational foundation required for most bachelor’s degrees, helping students build the essential critical thinking skills needed for their specific majors.
Q4: Do both B.A. and BFA programs have mandatory Liberal Arts courses?
- Yes, both B.A. and BFA programs have mandatory Liberal Arts courses. However, on average, a Bachelor of Arts degree will have approximately twice as many liberal arts credits.
Q5: Are B.A. and BFA programs the same length?
- Yes, both programs tend to take four years to complete, but can be completed slower or faster depending on the student’s needs.
