Photography, dance, painting, sculpture, and theater are examples of aesthetic subjects covered by fine arts degrees. Many colleges and universities offer a variety of fine arts degrees at various levels; associate’s degrees, which typically take two years to complete, are the most basic. Associate of Fine Arts, or AFA, is the full name of such a degree. A BFA, or Bachelor of Fine Arts, is the next step up. This degree takes four years to complete on average. An MFA (Master of Fine Arts) degree will take two to four years to complete.
Some people who earn an MFA may be able to continue their education by earning a PhD, though academic institutions may not always offer these fine arts degrees. In some cases, an MFA is a terminal degree, implying that no further education is available in that field. If this is the case, an MFA may enable a candidate to teach at the university level or to pursue other high-profile positions in the arts. To obtain such positions, a combination of education and experience is usually required. Obtaining an M.F.A. or Ph.D. in fine arts will necessitate a significant amount of dedication, as these higher level classes will necessitate extensive research.
Fine arts degrees cover a wide range of topics. A general fine arts program might cover the theory and practice of several art forms, whereas a more focused degree program might concentrate on just one aspect of fine arts. For example, a theater degree will almost entirely focus on the history, theory, and practice of theater and theater techniques. A person with a fine arts degree in theater will be prepared for a career in that field; actors, directors, producers, stage hands, light directors, and sound engineers are among the many people who begin their careers with a theater degree.
Students pursuing fine arts degrees at the bachelor’s level are more likely to take coursework beyond fine arts requirements, especially if the degree program is offered by a university. Math and science courses may be required, and the student may be required to take electives outside of the fine arts. This gives the student a more well-rounded education and allows him or her to explore other fields if he or she decides to double-major or pursue a minor or concentration. Students at liberal arts or fine arts colleges may not be required to take courses outside of their majors.