To earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree, students must first meet the program’s entrance requirements, then submit an application, be accepted, and then complete all of the degree requirements. A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is typically a four-year program completed by students who have already completed high school or an equivalent degree in the United States and Canada. As part of their major, students in this type of program usually concentrate on either visual or performing arts. Students may, however, study other visual or performing arts during their studies. A student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree may be required to take courses in mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, history, and the humanities in addition to their arts education.
The application process for this type of program typically entails submitting one’s academic records as well as a portfolio or audition tape. Students interested in studying the performing arts may be asked to audition on the university campus in some cases. After being accepted into a fine arts program, a student must begin working toward fulfilling all of the degree requirements. Coursework, performance, and independent studies are examples of such requirements.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree allows students to study a variety of visual and performing arts. Painting, drawing, sculpting, filmmaking, and photography are common visual art courses, but others such as bookmaking and ceramics may also be available. Performing arts courses can cover a wide range of disciplines such as dance, singing, and acting. Students are frequently required to take courses outside of their chosen majors. A drama student, for example, might take dance or singing classes.
Academic advisers are assigned to the majority of students. While pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, it is critical to consult with an academic adviser or a respected professor. These types of consultations can assist a student in selecting the appropriate electives and making the most of her free time when school is not in session. Summer internships in the arts are common among students pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. An academic adviser or professor may be able to provide helpful advice on what types of off-campus jobs would be most instructive and useful for a particular student.