What Types of Art Degrees are There? Understanding Different Art Degrees and What You Can Do With Them

For students passionate about pursuing a career in the creative arts, choosing the right art degree is a crucial first step. Art degrees are varied, ranging from studio-intensive programs that hone specific skills to more theoretical studies in art history and criticism. This article explores the different types of art degrees, the majors they offer, and the career paths that follow.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a highly specialized degree that focuses on developing practical artistic skills. This degree is designed for students who want to immerse themselves in studio work and gain hands-on experience in the creative process. As Dr. Lisa Gomez, an art educator, explains, “The BFA is considered the most professional undergraduate degree for artists, often emphasizing intensive training in a specific artistic discipline” (Gomez, 2017).

Majors Offered:

• Painting and Drawing

• Sculpture

• Printmaking

• Photography

• Digital Arts and Animation

• Graphic Design

Career Opportunities:

• Studio Artist: BFA graduates often pursue careers as independent artists, creating work for galleries, museums, and private collections.

• Illustrator or Animator: Those who specialize in digital arts or illustration can work in animation, gaming, advertising, or film.

• Art Educator: With additional certification, BFA graduates can teach art in K-12 schools or work in community art programs.

• Exhibition Designer or Curator: Many BFA holders find roles in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions, curating exhibitions or designing installations.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art provides a more broad-based education, combining liberal arts coursework with a focus on the visual arts. While the BA also offers hands-on artistic training, it incorporates more general education classes compared to the BFA, making it ideal for students who want to explore a variety of academic interests. “The BA in Art offers more flexibility, making it a good option for students who might want to combine their art studies with another discipline,” says Dr. Karen Liu, an expert in art education (Liu, 2016).

Majors Offered:

• Art History

• Studio Art

• Art Education

• Art Therapy

Career Opportunities:

• Art Teacher: Many BA graduates choose to pursue teaching art at the elementary, middle, or high school level, often requiring additional certification.

• Museum Curator or Gallery Manager: Graduates with a focus on art history or curation may work in museums or galleries, managing collections and organizing exhibitions.

• Art Therapist: With further education and certification, BA graduates can work in hospitals, schools, or community centers using art as a form of therapy to help individuals process emotions and trauma.

• Arts Administrator: Graduates can also work behind the scenes, managing arts programs, coordinating events, or promoting arts organizations.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is the terminal degree for many creative disciplines, making it the highest qualification an artist can earn. MFA programs offer advanced training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of art. According to Dr. Emily Carter, an MFA program director, “The MFA allows artists to refine their techniques while developing their own voice and body of work” (Carter, 2019). The MFA is also necessary for those looking to teach at the college level.

Majors Offered:

• Painting

• Sculpture

• Photography

• Ceramics

• Performance Art

Career Opportunities:

• College or University Professor: Many MFA graduates pursue teaching at the college level, where the MFA is typically required for tenure-track positions.

• Professional Artist: MFA holders often focus on advancing their careers as professional artists, exhibiting their work in galleries, museums, and public spaces.

• Art Director: In fields like film, theater, or publishing, an MFA can lead to roles as art directors, overseeing the visual elements of productions and publications.

Bachelor of Design (BDes)

A Bachelor of Design (BDes) focuses on design thinking and the practical applications of design across various industries. Unlike the BFA, which is more studio-art oriented, the BDes prepares students for careers in industries where design is essential, such as product design, web design, and fashion.

Majors Offered:

• Graphic Design

• Industrial Design

• Interior Design

• Fashion Design

• Web Design

Career Opportunities:

• Graphic Designer: BDes graduates often work in advertising, marketing, or publishing, designing everything from logos to digital media.

• Product Designer: In industrial or product design, graduates can work on creating and improving the design of everyday products.

• UX/UI Designer: Specializing in user experience (UX) or user interface (UI) design prepares graduates for careers in web development, creating intuitive and visually appealing interfaces for websites and apps.

  
  

Bachelor of Arts in Art History

An art history degree focuses on the study of art from a cultural, historical, and critical perspective. This program is more academic and theoretical, perfect for students interested in research, criticism, or curation. As Dr. Michael O’Reilly explains, “Art history degrees offer students an in-depth understanding of art’s cultural significance, helping them become scholars, critics, or curators” (O’Reilly, 2018).

Career Opportunities:

• Art Critic or Writer: Graduates may write for art journals, magazines, or websites, analyzing and critiquing contemporary and historical art.

• Museum or Gallery Curator: Art historians often work in museums or galleries, curating exhibitions and conducting research on collections.

• Cultural Heritage Manager: Art history graduates may work with historical societies or cultural institutions, managing and preserving art and artifacts.

Art degrees offer a wide range of specializations, each leading to diverse career opportunities in fields such as education, design, therapy, curation, and more. Whether you're drawn to the practical aspects of studio art or the theoretical explorations of art history, an art degree can equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a creative and fulfilling career.

References:

• Gomez, L. (2017). Art and the BFA: A Professional Path. Cambridge University Press.

• Liu, K. (2016). Broadening Horizons: The Role of Liberal Arts in Art Education. Yale University Press.

• Carter, E. (2019). Advanced Studies in Fine Arts: The MFA Experience. Routledge.

• O’Reilly, M. (2018). Art History as a Critical Discipline. Thames & Hudson.