Bachelor of Fine Arts
The
Bachelor of Fine Arts, usually abbreviated
BFA, is the standard
undergraduate degree for students seeking a professional education in the
visual or
performing arts. Also named in some countries the
Bachelor of Creative Arts or
BCA.
The degree differs from a
Bachelor of Arts degree in that the majority of the program consists of a practical studio component, as contrasted with lecture and discussion classes. A typical BFA program consists of two-thirds study in the arts, with one-third in more general
liberal arts studies; for a BA in Art, the ratio might be reversed.
The
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), which accredits BFA programs in the United States, states that "the professional degree (BFA) focuses on intensive work in the visual arts supported by a program of general studies," whereas "the liberal arts degree (BA) focuses on art and design in the context of a broad program of general studies."
A BFA degree will often require an area of specialty such as:
acting,
musical theatre,
ceramics,
creative writing,
dance,
drawing,
fiber,
film production,
graphic design,
illustration,
industrial design,
interior design,
metalworking,
new media,
painting,
photography,
printmaking, or
sculpture. Some schools instead give their students a broad education in many disciplines of the arts.
Although a BFA is traditionally considered a four-year degree, a BFA program may take longer to complete because of the amount of studio course work required.
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Bachelor of Arts*
Master of Fine Arts*
Art school*
Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design
