What is a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree? | Sage (2024)

A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is an undergraduate degree that focuses on artistic pursuits. Colleges may offer BFA degrees in visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, and mixed media, or other types of art, such as creative writing, poetry, film, music, and digital media. All BFA programs emphasize art history as well as creative and technical skills to provide a well-rounded art education.Russell Sage, offers three BFA programs at Russell Sage: Graphic + Media Design, Art + Extended Media, and Interior + Spatial Design.

The Essence of Fine Arts

Fine art is any creation that was borne out of creative expression and is appreciated for its aesthetic beauty. Although the term is often used to refer to visual arts like painting and sculpture, the definition of fine art is quite broad and can also encompass writing, music, performance, interior design, and more.

For the purpose of this blog, fine art is used in a narrower scope to explore the visual arts as they are studied for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art or a similar type of program.

The Curriculum

The curriculum for a BFA that focuses on visual arts typically includes requirements in a range of artistic styles and media as well as foundational bachelor’s degree requirements. Many BFA programs conclude with professional experience in the form of a final portfolio project, art show, or internship.

Studio Courses and Academic Coursework

Studio courses in a Bachelor of Fine Art program take place in an art studio and involve hands-on learning with different media. The hands-on experimentation and learning that occurs in studio classes is key to the value of a formal art education. Not only are students able to access a huge range of materials and capitalize on the expertise and guidance of the program faculty, but they can also work alongside and garner inspiration from their cohorts. Studio courses may include such topics as:

Art History / Art Theory

Foundational knowledge of art history and art theory are also critical pieces of most BFA degrees. Understanding the history and evolution of different art media can act as an important source of inspiration and context for art students.

Art theory explores the principles, concepts, and philosophies underlying art, including the examination of how art is created, perceived, and valued within cultural and historical contexts. Art theory courses may focus on topics such as light and color theory, symbolism, and ethics.

Studio Experience

As students advance through a BFA program, they are given more freedom in the context of studio experience. Unlike studio courses that involve pointed instruction and practice in specific techniques, studio experience allows students to experiment to explore and uncover their own artistic goals.

Fine Arts Specializations

A BFA in visual arts or studio art covers a range of different types of art. However, students may choose to specialize in a certain area because they are drawn to a specific technique, style, or medium.

Painting / Drawing / Sculpture

Painting, drawing, and sculpture all fall within the range of visual arts or studio arts. Students who choose to specialize in one of these art forms may focus on a certain medium, such as a type of paint or a particular sculpting material. BFA students will also get to choose whether they work in 2D or 3D and if they use physical or digital techniques.

Performance Arts

Performance art does not fall under the umbrella of a visual or studio art BFA. Performance art may include interpretive art performance, which is most commonly considered “performance art,” as well as dance, music, and acting.

Graphic Art / Design

Although traditional studio art focuses on more traditional practices like painting and drawing in a physical medium, graphic art and graphic design combine artistic expression with digital tools. Graphic arts often have more commercial applications that are ideal for eCommerce, advertising, and digital content creation.

Career Opportunities

Students who earn a BFA may have a range of art career opportunities available to them. A degree in the arts can act as a foundation for many different careers both in and outside of the arts themselves.

Professional Artist

Of course, many BFA graduates may choose to pursue careers as professional artists. Depending on the graduate’s specialization, they may want to create art for galleries and museums, pursue funding from arts organizations and government sources, or go on to earn a graduate degree in their specialization of choice.

Art Educator

A BFA can serve as an artistic development degree for those seeking careers in art education. Art educators are needed at all levels in both public and private schools. These teachers can also be employed by private businesses at camps and daycares or launch their own businesses as entrepreneurs.

Graduates from a BFA program in Albany, NY, may complete the necessary graduate education to become a credentialed teacher in New York. Those with a BFA must earn a graduate degree in an education-related field from an approved teacher education program to continue working as a teacher.Russell Sage does offer a Master’s in Art Education for individuals who want to become an art teacher.

Curator or Art Historian

Working around art and art lovers as a gallery or museum curator or art historian is another potential career path for fine arts graduates. Curators typically work in art galleries or museums and select artworks and plan exhibitions. Most curator positions require graduate-level education.

Art historians may also work at museums alongside curators, or they may focus on art restoration. A BFA can be a foundation for a career in art history, but graduate-level education and research experience are typically required.

Illustrator or Graphic Designer

Some artists may also take a more commercial route and use their skills in graphic design to work for an advertising agency or in-house for a commercial brand. Illustrators and graphic designers use digital tools and art skills to create the images consumers see on websites, advertisem*nts, and social media.