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Bachelor vs. Master’s of Fine Arts: Which Degree is Right for You?

There comes a time in every student’s life where they think ‘what next?’. Looking for the right educational path indeed is pivotal but less is spoken about how taxing and daunting it can be. The multitude of options out there can be overwhelming but we are here to help simplify that process for you. Research and reading is crucial which is probably why you are here reading this blog. We are going to elucidate, in this blog, what bachelor’s of Fine Arts (BFA) and master’s of Fine Arts are all about and a comparative analysis of which one to go for. Keep reading further to know more.

What is BFA and MFA?

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

It is an Undergraduate course It is a Postgraduate course.
Typically takes 3 – 4 years for completion Usually takes 2 years for completion
Focuses on:

  • Hands – on training
  • Learning art history and Theory
  • Painting
  • Sculpting
  • Photography
  • Graphic design
  • Theater etc.
Focuses on advanced learning:

  • Specialized education
  • Scope for research
  • Teaching
  • Deep artistic expressions
  • Advanced applied arts
  • Animation
  • Acting etc.
Provides a foundation in Fine Arts and teaches the fundamentals of applied arts.  Provides an enhanced learning of fine arts and eligibility requires a bachelor’s in Fine Arts.

A Contrast Between bachelor’s and Master of Fine Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts:

  • Career preparation and direction:

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) course is an entry – level graduate program that teaches and equips you with the foundations of fine arts. The fine arts sector may require you to acquire a higher level of education for lucrative career options.

  • Time commitment:

A 3 to 4 year course that may require you to do an additional specialization, diploma, PG or certification. MFA programs usually cost higher than the BFA education due to the access required for advanced studio spaces and other tools.

  • Developing a portfolio:

Both BFA and MFA programs offer scope for developing a strong portfolio, with variations in terms of the kind of exposure.

  • Curriculum and syllabus:

The Bachelor of Arts program focuses on foundational and fundamental knowledge of fine arts. A potential syllabus would include:

  • Aesthetics
  • Painting
  • History of Art Appreciation
  • Composition Painting etc.
  • Stratum of study:

The program is an initial learning curve for anyone who is just starting out in the fine arts sector.

Master of Fine Arts:

  • Career preparation and direction:

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) course is an advanced postgraduate program that deals with specialized studies and can get you access to higher – level career opportunities in the industry.

  • Time commitment:

A 2 year course that is enhanced and offers scope for branching out within the industry.

  • Developing a portfolio:

As aforementioned, both programs offer scope for portfolio development; with the MFA having a broader scale of networking opportunities, specializations and mentorship.

  • Curriculum and syllabus:

The Master of Fine Arts program focuses on advanced levels of studies and specializations within the industry. A potential syllabus would include:

  • Visualization
  • Art Appreciation and Aesthetics
  • History of Modern Indian Art
  • Illustration
  • Photography etc.
  • Stratum of study:

The program is a curated one for those who have completed their bachelor’s in fine arts and are looking to learn more advanced skills and specialize in genres or niches within the fine arts sector.

Benefits of Taking up a bachelor’s in Fine Arts

  1. Since the BFA is an entry – level program, students get to learn, in depth, the foundations and basics of Fine Arts. They also get to learn the important fundamentals of spectrums within the industry.
  2. With regards to the cost of education, the bachelor’s program is more affordable compared to the master’s in fine arts course.
  3. With the right program, college and guidance your first step into the world of art can be beneficial for your journey further.
  4. The connections and networking opportunities you gain, initially, through the course can help you when you decide the further your educational scope within the fine arts spectrum.
  5. The bachelor’s program in fine arts is not limited to just foundational knowledge or fundamentals. It offers the scope to learn more and opens doors for broader studies and branching out with regards to specializations.

Benefits of Taking up a master’s in Fine Arts

  1. master’s in Fine Arts provides the scope for advanced artistic development and to specialize in a niche you are most interested in.
  2. Procuring a master’s degree in fine arts can help broaden your chances for lucrative career options and to work with leading arts – based companies.
  3. Syllabus and curriculum offered in master’s in fine arts programs and more focussed and detailed giving you options to choose the right path you are passionate about.
  4. Students who have already completed their bachelor’s in fine arts and are now pursuing their master’s, can form more connections, reconnect with their network during their bachelor’s, visit and intern with leading galleries, attend conferences and collaborate with industry specialists.
  5. A BFA degree along with an MFA, can enhance your portfolio and may prove beneficial when you are looking out for career opportunities. MFAs also provide the scope to branch out to academia – Research and Teaching.

Ideally, if you have the space and the option, a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a master’s degree can augment your career scope. Bachelor’s as a stand alone course is a great first step and does have the necessary resources to help get you a good job. However, when recruiters and companies see that you have specialized and have additional educational qualifications, it can be beneficial while trying to land a good job.

Conclusion

With regards to your education, the idea is to go for what works best for you and suits your interests. Both the courses, bachelor’s in fine arts and master’s in fine arts, are worthwhile programs that are part of a broader spectrum of the art world. When BFA offers an entry into fine arts and MFA offers the space to specialize, both programs are valuable with their own set of benefits and opportunities. Irrespective of the path you decide, fine arts in general is a world that can give fulfilling career choices, networking opportunities and great scope for career growth. Ultimately, your academic decisions solely depend on your time, energy and preferences. Read more about AAFT’s School of Fine Arts.

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