Pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in the US: Everything You Need to Know

Imagine standing at the crossroads where creativity meets opportunity and a future as limitless as the imagination. This vision is within reach in the US for young aspiring artists, with countless possibilities ahead. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment in arts and design occupations is projected to grow between 2023 and 2033, with an average of 87,900 new openings each year. Typically, an artist’s journey begins with an undergraduate arts degree. 

Fine arts vs. Liberal arts degrees in the US

Before we explore an artist’s educational path, it’s important to understand the difference between fine arts and liberal arts in the US. Liberal Arts focus more on a broad-based education in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, offering a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. In contrast, fine arts focus on developing artistic skills and creativity in visual arts, performing arts, or design. The curriculum is heavily geared towards practical, studio-based courses that provide hands-on experience in the chosen art form and some art history and theory coursework. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. 

Bachelor of Fine Arts majors and specialisations in the US

University-level BFA programmes are structured similarly to those at an arts conservatory, emphasising hands-on practice and skill development in studio settings over traditional lectures or seminars. However, many BFA programmes allow students to spend about two-thirds of their time on art studies. At the same time, the remaining one-third is allocated to general education courses, such as writing, literature, history, mathematics, and science. For example, the BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) offers a well-rounded curriculum, balancing studio practice with liberal arts education. Similarly, the BFA program at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) encourages students to focus on their artistic discipline while also fulfilling general education requirements.

Some BFA programmes, like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), offer a comprehensive education across various art forms. Still, most require students to concentrate on a specific area. Majors within BFA degrees typically fall into five main categories:

1) Visual arts: 

Visual arts programmes offer various specialisations, allowing students to explore various artistic disciplines. Some schools provide a comprehensive approach, with majors like graphic design covering many aspects of visual arts. In contrast, others offer more focused paths, such as communication or interaction design. Here are some of the specialisations within visual arts:

• Painting and sculpture
• Art therapy
• Animation
• Film
• Digital art and graphic design
• Environment design
• Entertainment design and film art
• Fashion design
• Game design
• Interior design
• Metalwork
• 3D studies

… and others

Some unique programmes include Experimental Animation at the California Institute of the Arts, BFA in Puppet Arts at the University of Connecticut, Jewelry and Metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design, and Immersive Reality at Savannah College of Art and Design.

2) Performing arts: 

Performing arts focuses on training students in various aspects of live performance by combining practical learning with theoretical study. Here are some of the specialisations within performing arts:

• Acting 
• Ballet
• Dance and choreography
• Drama
• Entertainment technology
• Jazz Studies (mainly music)
• Stage management
• Musical Theater
• Theatre education

… and others

Some unique programmes include the NYU BFA Partnership Programme with the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, the BFA in Experimental Pop at CalArts, and the BFA in Comedic Arts at Emerson College.

3) Music: 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music provides comprehensive training in music’s artistic and practical aspects, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue various musical careers. Here are some of the specialisations within BFA in music:

• Music theory and history
• Composition
• Instrument: Brass, strings, piano, woodwinds, etc. 
• Music performance
• Theatre and film music
• Vocals

… and more

Oberlin College & Conservatory offers a unique programme which intertwines a liberal arts education with music education. Similarly, the BFA in Music at Berklee College of Music offers contemporary music specialisations such as film scoring, songwriting, and music production.

4) Film and photography:

This undergraduate degree focuses on filmmaking and photography’s artistic and technical aspects. It provides students with hands-on training in theory, history, and criticism, preparing them for creative careers in the film and media industry. After earning their degree, many students pursue a master’s degree in film. Here are some of the specialisations within BFA in film and photography. 

• Film Editing
• Film Studies
• Photography
• Media and performance production
• Cinematic and media arts
• Cinematography
• Television production
• Digital film
• Film production

… and more

The BFA in Photography at Parsons School of Design blends traditional photographic techniques with new digital technologies and critical theory. Meanwhile, Rochester Institute of Technology’s BFA in Film and Animation combines traditional filmmaking with digital media production and animation techniques. NYU Offers a dual BS/BFA program in Business, Film and Television.

5) Creative writing 

A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing develops students’ writing skills across various genres with storytelling. It combines workshops with literature courses, allowing students to refine their craft through practice and feedback while studying literary techniques and styles. Here are some of the specialisations within BFA in Creative Writing: 

• Fiction
• Non-fiction 
• Poetry
• Screenwriting
• Playwriting 
• Editing 
• Literature

… and more

Some creative writing programs include the BFA in Creative Writing at Emerson College, BFA Writing at Savannah College of Design, and the BFA in Writing for Film, Television & Digital at Academy of Art University. 

Leading US institutions offering Bachelor of Fine Arts 

Institution	Annual Tuition	Why choose this college
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)	$85,986	It is renowned for its rigorous design and fine arts programmes, emphasising critical thinking and innovation.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)	$73,830	It offers interdisciplinary approaches and access to world-class museums and galleries, strongly focusing on contemporary art.
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)	$58,318	Known for its avant-garde education programmes like Experimental Animation and Integrated Media, CalArts is a hub for innovative art and performance.
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)	$54,750	MICA combines a strong foundation in the fine arts with opportunities for entrepreneurship and community engagement through the Bunting Center and the Center for Social Design.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)	$41,130	SCAD offers many arts and design programmes, focusing on professional readiness and global opportunities through SCADpro and SCAD’s Global Programs in Lacoste and Hong Kong.
Pratt Institute	$64,050	Known for its rigorous and industry-aligned programmes, such as Industrial Design and Integrated Practices, Pratt offers strong connections to New York’s art and design sectors.
ArtCenter College of Design	$85,058	ArtCenter is famous for its interdisciplinary design programmes, which focus on professional skills, industry connections, and hands-on learning, such as Spatial Experience Design and Designmatters.

Importance of a portfolio while applying for a Bachelor of Arts in the US

Like any other bachelor’s degree, BFA applicants must complete the application form (Common App or  UC application) and submit their school profile, transcripts, letters of recommendation, Common App essay and supplemental essays. However, fine arts applicants must also submit a portfolio. 

The portfolio showcases an applicant’s artistic skills, creativity, and potential. It allows admissions committees to assess applicants’ technical abilities, style, and conceptual thinking. A well-curated portfolio demonstrates the quality and breadth of an applicant’s work and their commitment to and passion for their chosen field of study.

The portfolio often includes a selection of the applicant’s best work, tailored to highlight their strengths and versatility in various mediums and techniques. Schools vary in requirements, but most ask for 10 and 20 pieces. Depending on the area of specialisation, a portfolio typically includes drawings from direct observation, 3D or digital design work, a showreel of performances, produced videos and storyboards, and examples of published or unpublished writing. 

Interviews and auditions for Bachelor of Arts in the US

Some fine arts programs may require or offer optional interviews as part of the application process. These interviews allow applicants to discuss their portfolio, artistic influences, and aspirations with faculty members or admissions officers. Performing arts applicants are often invited for auditions, which serve as a live demonstration of an applicant’s skills, talent, and potential, allowing admissions committees to evaluate their abilities in real time. While traditional BFA programmes prefer in-person auditions on campus or at regional audition sites, many now accept virtual auditions, which are live online performances via video conferencing platforms or pre-recorded videos.

Whether your passion lies in visual arts, performing arts, music, film, photography, or creative writing, there is a program that will align with your interests and career goals. The key is to find the right environment that nurtures your talent, encourages your growth, and prepares you for the dynamic and evolving world of the arts. For assistance with your BFA applications, please contact us. Meanwhile, read our latest blogs: Emerging Elite: The Rise of the New Ivies in American Higher Education and Common Pitfalls of College Application Essays and How to Avoid Them.