I am an art student in college, is a B.F.A. better than a B.A?
A.C.Cobra asked:
I go to school at the University of Hartford. I am working on a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in ceramics. However, I want to transfer and some of the schools I am looking into only offer a general Bachelor’s of the Arts in studio art. Does it really matter that much to have the F in BFA?
I go to school at the University of Hartford. I am working on a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in ceramics. However, I want to transfer and some of the schools I am looking into only offer a general Bachelor’s of the Arts in studio art. Does it really matter that much to have the F in BFA?
May 18th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I graduated with a BA in fine arts, also emphasizing in ceramics. I also debated with getting the BFA. If you ever plan on getting your MFA in fine arts, I would recommend continuing on with your BFA. If you want to pursue your livlihood as a practicing artist running your own studio, I would also recommend getting your BFA (you will get more exposure to more experienced artists, you will have more opportunities to set up a gallery show, you will have more time to develp your skills as a ceramic artist). I don’t think it matters so much when you graduate and people ask you what type of degree you have…but if you want to pursue your MFA, I would definitely recommend it.
May 21st, 2009 at 6:00 am
To the academics it means a lot. To your artwork it doesn’t mean a fine thing.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts states that your work is in the fine arts, a Bachelor of the Arts could mean the art of picking your nose. Who would know? They will only assume it is a post secondary education at a university level.
If a B.F.A. will make your ceramics that much better than it is better, if it doesn’t add a whit to your ceramics then what does it matter?
It is your art that counts. Not the degree you count on.
May 24th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
It’s my understanding that any Arts degree is worthless unless you want to teach. An MFA is of value if you want to teach at the college level.
If you want to become a more proficient ceramic artist, you’d be better off taking classes or workshops in your art.
Access Clayart. It’s free; they have archives with more answers.
May 25th, 2009 at 3:40 am
When it comes to art, focus more on what you create. You will still have a degree and you should take good photographs of your work, put them in a portfolio and show what you have actually done.
As for only being able to teach when studying art, well that is just not true. I am getting a BFA in Graphic Design and there is plenty more out there than just being a teacher….