Choosing Between a B.A. and B.F.A. Degree

As you look ahead to college, you may already be thinking about your future career as an aspiring filmmaker, author, or actor–or perhaps you’ve already dedicated years to your art, whether as a dancer, visual artist, or musician. If you have a creative passion, you might be wondering: how do I choose between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)?

There’s no one answer to this question–your ideal degree path is just as personal as your art itself! But a good way to begin exploring whether a B.A. or a B.F.A. is right for you is by considering your strengths, your interests, and your goals. Read this to learn about the basics of choosing a college major.

What are the similarities between a B.A. and a B.F.A.?
Whether you pursue a B.A. or a B.F.A., you will graduate with a four-year degree, having completed at least some coursework in your creative field, as well as at least some coursework in more general liberal arts.

What are the Differences Between B.A. vs. B.F.A.?
The main differences between a B.A. and a B.F.A. can be found in the program’s academic focus and intensity, the opportunities available to its students, and the kind of academic and artistic goals it supports.

Focus and Intensity
In a B.A. program, roughly 60-70% of your coursework will focus on the liberal arts, with the remaining 30-40% dedicated to your creative field. You can explore a wider variety of your academic interests–from calculus to classics–alongside your creative field. Typically, B.A. students receive a more “well rounded” education.

In a B.F.A. program, these percentages are reversed. You’ll likely find yourself in the studio or on stage more than in a lecture hall–60-70% (or more) of your coursework will focus on your creative field, with the remaining 30-40% (or less) dedicated to general education requirements. As a B.F.A. student, you’ll receive a more in-depth, intensive, and rigorous education in your creative field. From day one of your B.F.A., you’ll be focusing first on your art.

Opportunities
While every school has something to offer, B.F.A. programs simply have more to offer their students, from facilities to faculty to performance and showcase opportunities.

For example, as a B.A. Music student, you might perform in an annual concert, practice in on-campus rehearsal spaces, and collaborate with fellow majors. On the other hand, if you pursued a B.F.A. in Music, especially at a conservatory, you would likely have access to more frequent performance opportunities, newer and better rehearsal and recording spaces, prestigious guest instructors, and a larger alumni network to support you after graduation.

Goals
Think ahead: where do you see yourself beyond graduation?

You might love dance, but feel unsure about pursuing it as a professional career. Perhaps you’re interested in a range of careers, from arts administration to marketing to entrepreneurship. To have the greatest range of options post-graduation, a B.A. may be the best choice.

On the other hand, you might be fully dedicated to your dream of being a working actor or a published author, and willing to accept the more limited job prospects and unpredictability of a creative field. To receive the best training and the greatest support towards this goal, a B.F.A. may be the better option for you.

Should I choose a BA or a BFA?
There’s no one who can answer that question better than you! However, it’s important to take an honest look at your abilities.

B.F.A. programs are often far more competitive, both during the admissions process and beyond–do you feel ready for this kind of rigor, or do your skills need a little more time to develop?

B.A. programs will require you to balance your creative explorations with coursework in other academic fields –does this kind of interdisciplinary learning interest you, or do your strengths really center on your art?


No matter which degree you choose–a B.A. or a B.F.A.–don’t lose sight of what college will offer you: a new and exciting chance to learn, develop, and grow as an artist.