What Will I Learn in a Fine Arts Degree Program?

This degree program will appeal to students who want to study the arts. The majority of your studies will focus on fine arts, with the remainder offering a general education in the liberal arts. The fine arts degree is available in many different specialties, including drawing, film, animation, graphic design, visual arts, illustration, interior design, painting, printing, photography and sculpture. Your particular course work will depend largely on the specialty you pursue, but there are some classes that almost all art students will take, including art history and theory. In addition to work in the classroom, fine arts students will spend a significant amount of time in the studio completing projects.

BA in Fine Arts

What Can I Do With a Fine Arts Degree?

Completing this degree program will offer a solid foundation for a career in the fine arts, whether you're working as a craft artist, art director, fine artist or curator. Fine artists include photographers, sculptors, painters and illustrators. Many artists will work in studios either in offices or in private ones in their homes. Some work will be done in galleries and museums as pieces are exhibited and shared. Artists may work for an employer such as advertising agencies, design firms and publications. However, the majority of artists are self-employed, working for their own studio or in partnership with other artists.

What Is the Career Outlook for Fine Arts Degree Students?

Graduates with this degree will be able to take advantage of a healthy job market, as employment for artists should grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, new graduates who are not well established will find that there is intense competition, as there are many talented people with an interest in arts careers. Demand will depend on the specialty you select. Art directors, illustrators, animators and multimedia artists are currently enjoying a strong increase in job opportunities. Your salary as a bachelor of fine arts graduate can range from $16,000 to $155,000 a year.