Which Type of Arts Program is Right for You?

If you’re a student who is interested in pursuing the arts on the collegiate level (as many of my students are), you have a couple options on how to approach that goal. A key factor is to understand the difference between the types of degrees available: a BA (Bachelor of Arts) and a BFA or BM (Bachelor of Fine Arts/Music). Simply put, a BA degree in theatre, art, music, film, dance, etc, acts like any other major: around ⅓ or so of your course load would be in that major, with the remaining ⅔ allowing you to develop a broad liberal arts foundation with courses in reading, writing, math, science, etc. On the flip side, a BFA/BM program is much more demanding and will require ⅔ (or more!) of your course load, leaving little time for pursuits outside of your major. BFA/BM programs also require a rigorous application and audition process. 

So, the first step in trying to determine the right path for you, is to step back and think about how you envision your college experience. Do you want your art to be a part of that, or basically the whole thing? Do you want a more traditional experience where you could double major (or minor) in something else, join clubs, go to sporting events, etc? Then a BA might be a better fit for you! Or, do you want to spend hours every day in a studio honing your craft, rehearsing/performing, etc? Then you could be a great candidate for a BFA/BM program! If you’re still uncertain, here are a few additional things to consider about each type of program:

BA Programs

Pros: 

• You will have more options about where you want to study as BA programs are way more prevalent.

• You will graduate with a broader array of marketable skills making it easier to get a job outside of your major.

• You will ultimately have more control over how to spend your time in and outside of the classroom and more opportunities to meet and socialize with people outside your major.

Cons:

• For theatre students specifically, you will spend a lot less time in rehearsals and productions. Productions within non-BFA programs are typically open to non-majors, so you are not guaranteed roles. 

• Across all the arts, your training will be a lot broader and less technical. You will be given a wide array of courses including history, theory, etc and may not get as much practical experience as you may like.

BFA/BM Programs: 

Pros:

• You will receive the best training there is in your craft. You are likely to see larger gains in your abilities in a shorter amount of time. 

• You will have countless opportunities to practice and showcase your craft 

• You will have access to connections within the professional industry of the art you are studying

Cons:

• You have to go through an intense and competitive audition process only to be met with an intense and often competitive collegiate experience (if you are fortunate enough to be admitted!). BFA/BM programs are not for the faint of heart. You must be incredibly self-motivated!

• If you are not successful within your industry (which, statistically speaking, is likely), you might be limited in the job market by what skills you have to offer.

Ultimately, it is not uncommon for students who are open to both kinds of experiences to apply to both types of programs. This approach allows students who might not be 100% all in on BFA/BM programs to have a backup plan of sorts, as BA programs are simpler to gain admission to.