Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a bachelor level degree focused on intensive artistic training, preparing students for creative careers or advanced studies in the arts.
Careers open to visual and performing arts graduates
Institutions awarding this level in visual and performing arts (1,443)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- Full Sail University · Winter Park
- Savannah College of Art and Design · Savannah
- New York University · New York
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- New School · New York
- Berklee College of Music · Boston
- Southern New Hampshire University · Manchester
- Columbia College Chicago · Chicago
- Fashion Institute of Technology · New York
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- University of North Texas · Denton
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- Belmont University · Nashville
- California State University, Fullerton · Fullerton
- Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago · Chicago
- San Francisco State University · San Francisco
- Pratt Institute-Main · Brooklyn
- Los Angeles Film School · Hollywood
- San Jose State University · San Jose
- Middle Tennessee State University · Murfreesboro
- DePaul University · Chicago
- School of Visual Arts · New York
- California State University, Northridge · Northridge
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- University of California-Irvine · Irvine
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- University of California-Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- Purchase College · Purchase
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- Emerson College · Boston
- Kent State University at Kent · Kent
- Liberty University · Lynchburg
- Montclair State University · Montclair
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- Florida State University · Tallahassee
- Chapman University · Orange
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- University of California-Davis · Davis
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- University of Oregon · Eugene
- The University of Texas at Dallas · Richardson
- Indiana University Bloomington · Bloomington
- University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- California State University, Sacramento · Sacramento
- Drexel University · Philadelphia
- Brigham Young University · Provo
- Loyola Marymount University · Los Angeles
- Syracuse University · Syracuse
- ArtCenter College of Design · Pasadena
- Massachusetts College of Art and Design · Boston
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- University of the Arts · Philadelphia
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro
- Rhode Island School of Design · Providence
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- Rochester Institute of Technology · Rochester
- University of Iowa · Iowa City
- University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley
- University of California, Riverside · Riverside
- Utah Valley University · Orem
- University of Houston · Houston
- Michigan State University · East Lansing
- Pace University · New York
- The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington
- Appalachian State University · Boone
- American Musical and Dramatic Academy · New York
- Grand Canyon University · Phoenix
- James Madison University · Harrisonburg
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- Ringling College of Art and Design · Sarasota
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- Ithaca College · Ithaca
- Maryland Institute College of Art · Baltimore
- Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw
- University of Colorado Boulder · Boulder
- CUNY Queens College · Queens
- Iowa State University · Ames
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- Ball State University · Muncie
- Portland State University · Portland
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts · Winston Salem
- California State University Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- University of Georgia · Athens
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- Towson University · Towson
- Otis College of Art and Design · Los Angeles
- Marymount Manhattan College · New York
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- Brigham Young University - Idaho · Rexburg
- Arizona State University Digital Immersion · Scottsdale
- Florida International University · Miami
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- Oberlin College · Oberlin
- Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo
- Hunter College · New York
- Illinois State University · Normal
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- California State Polytechnic University · Pomona
- Western Washington University · Bellingham
- New York Film Academy · Burbank
- California State University, Chico · Chico
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- Texas Tech University · Lubbock
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design · Lakewood
- University of California-San Diego · La Jolla
- Stephen F. Austin State University · Nacogdoches
- Sam Houston State University · Huntsville
- City College of New York · New York
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- Academy of Art University · San Francisco
- Brooklyn College · Brooklyn
- Virginia Tech · Blacksburg
- University of Wisconsin–Stout · Menomonie
- Point Park University · Pittsburgh
- California State University, Fresno · Fresno
- Northwestern University · Evanston
- Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design · Milwaukee
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- SUNY Fredonia · Fredonia
- University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa
- Grand Valley State University · Allendale
- Muhlenberg College · Allentown
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- University of Rochester · Rochester
- Boston University · Boston
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- Bowling Green State University · Bowling Green
- Rowan University · Glassboro
- Missouri State University · Springfield
- California State University, San Bernardino · San Bernardino
- Fordham University · Bronx
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- Columbus College of Art and Design · Columbus
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte
- California State University, Dominguez Hills · Carson
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins
- Oakland University · Rochester Hills
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque
- University of North Carolina Wilmington · Wilmington
- Auburn University · Auburn
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Maryland-College Park · College Park
- Boise State University · Boise
- College of Charleston · Charleston
- SUNY New Paltz · New Paltz
- California College of the Arts · San Francisco
- Tufts University · Medford
- SUNY Oneonta · Oneonta
- Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln · Lincoln
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus · Stillwater
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- Biola University · La Mirada
- California Institute of the Arts · Valencia
- Champlain College · Burlington
- University of Memphis · Memphis
- Clemson University · Clemson
- Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff
- University of Hartford · West Hartford
- California State University, East Bay · Hayward
- Kean University · Union
- University of Central Oklahoma · Edmond
- Kutztown University · Kutztown
- Northern Illinois University · DeKalb
- Columbia University · New York
- Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- Baylor University · Waco
- Webster University · Saint Louis
- Cleveland State University · Cleveland
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania · Indiana
- Texas Christian University · Fort Worth
- Central Washington University · Ellensburg
- Loyola University New Orleans · New Orleans
- Wesleyan University · Middletown
- Western Carolina University · Cullowhee
- Oregon State University · Corvallis
- North Carolina State University · Raleigh
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County · Baltimore
- The University of Montana · Missoula
- Southern Methodist University · Dallas
- Bard College · Annandale-On-Hudson
- Pennsylvania Western University · California
- Florida Atlantic University · Boca Raton
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville · Knoxville
About
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a bachelor level degree typically completed in about four years of undergraduate study in the United States. It is designed for students who wish to pursue serious training in visual or performing arts, combining practical studio work with academic coursework. The BFA is offered by four-year institutions accredited regionally, ensuring recognized quality and standards. This degree is distinct from a Bachelor of Arts as it places a stronger emphasis on artistic practice and professional preparation. It is ideal for students passionate about developing their creative skills in fields such as painting, sculpture, theater, dance, or graphic design. The BFA prepares graduates for entry into the professional art world or for further graduate study in fine arts or related disciplines.
- Bachelor level degree in arts
- Four years of undergraduate study
- Offered by accredited four-year institutions
- Focus on intensive artistic practice
- Preparation for creative careers or graduate studies
How to get in
Admission to a Bachelor of Fine Arts program generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Prospective students often submit a portfolio showcasing their artistic work, which is a critical part of the selection process alongside academic records like GPA and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Some institutions may require an interview or audition, depending on the art discipline. The application is usually made through the Common Application or directly to the institution. While the BFA is competitive, admissions criteria vary by school and program reputation. Financial aid applications such as FAFSA are available to eligible students to support their studies.
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Portfolio submission essential
- Possible auditions or interviews
- Use of Common App for applications
- Selective admissions depending on program
Format and schedule
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is structured over approximately four years of full-time study. The curriculum balances studio practice with academic classes, often including general education requirements. Students typically complete credit hours each semester, with evaluations based on projects, performances, and exams. Many programs encourage or require internships or practical experiences in artistic settings to enhance professional readiness. The academic calendar follows the traditional semester system, and some institutions may offer summer sessions or part-time options. Continuous assessment and final exhibitions or performances are common evaluation methods.
- About four years full-time study
- Combination of studio and academic courses
- Credit hours per semester
- Internships or practical experiences encouraged
- Evaluations via projects and performances
What next?
Graduates with a Bachelor of Fine Arts can enter the creative workforce in various fields such as visual arts, design, theater, or dance. The degree equips students with practical skills and professional portfolios valued by employers and clients. Many graduates also choose to pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) to deepen their expertise or enhance teaching credentials. Transfer agreements and articulation with graduate programs facilitate this progression. Additionally, the BFA can be a stepping stone to professional licensure or certification in certain art-related careers, depending on the field and state requirements.
- Direct entry into creative professions
- Preparation for graduate studies (MFA)
- Professional portfolio development
- Transfer agreements with graduate schools
- Pathways to licensure or certification
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a BFA and a BA in Fine Arts?
A BFA focuses more on intensive studio practice and professional artistic training, while a BA includes a broader liberal arts education with less emphasis on studio time.
Can I transfer credits from an associate degree to a BFA?
Many four-year institutions have transfer agreements allowing credits from two-year associate degrees to count toward a BFA, but policies vary by school.
Is submitting a portfolio mandatory for admission?
Yes, most BFA programs require a portfolio to assess your artistic skills and potential as part of the application process.
Are standardized tests like the SAT or ACT required?
Some institutions require SAT or ACT scores, but others have test-optional policies; check each school's admissions requirements.
Can I work while studying for a BFA?
Many students work part-time, but the BFA is demanding; balancing work and study requires good time management.
What career options are available after a BFA?
Graduates can work as professional artists, designers, performers, educators, or pursue advanced degrees to specialize further.
Is financial aid available for BFA students?
Yes, eligible students can apply for federal aid through FAFSA, as well as scholarships and grants offered by institutions or external organizations.
Does the BFA lead to any professional licenses?
While the BFA itself does not grant licenses, it can be a prerequisite for certification or licensure in specific art-related professions depending on the field.