Difference Between Bachelor of Arts (BA) & Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) may seem very similar, but there are key differences between the two. In order to make the best decision for your college education in the arts, it’s important to understand these differences.

Key Takeaways

• BFA is focused on one specific creative field, while BA provides a broader base of knowledge in various humanities.
• Approximately two-thirds of a BFA course is dedicated to the creation and study of visual art, whereas BA devotes two-thirds of the time to the study of liberal arts.
• BFA is a professional degree, while BA is a general degree. Those who want to become professional artists should choose BFA to hone their skills in their chosen discipline.

BFA: Concentrated Study in Fine Arts

Fine Art is defined as a visual art created primarily for aesthetic purposes and judged for its beauty and meaningfulness, especially in painting, sculpture, drawing, watercolor, and architecture. The main focus in BFA is on any one of these creative fields, rather than on other subjects. This means that a student pursuing a BFA in painting will concentrate on various aspects of painting, rather than studying theories of other art subjects. The student will be immersed in their chosen fine art discipline and will have ample time to develop their practical skills.

BA: Broad Education in Arts

In contrast, a BA course is designed to provide an all-round education, offering various career options. It gives a broader base of knowledge that students can draw upon in any job they take up later in life. A strong background in liberal arts, which are taught in BA courses, exposes students to many areas of creativity, making them aware and knowledgeable in various humanities.

In summary, while both BA and BFA are degree courses in arts, BA covers many art subjects and provides a general degree, while BFA focuses on the chosen discipline and offers a professional degree. Those looking to become professional artists will benefit more from a BFA, while those seeking a broader education in the arts should opt for a BA.