arts-and-crafts-maker
Bachelors In

Fine Arts Degrees

The complete guide on what you’ll learn, job prospects, university programs, and saving time and money.

Why We Love It

  • $35,710
    Potential Avg. Salary*

* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271012.htm for 27-1012 Craft artists 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

A bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree allows students time to focus on and perfect their skills in their preferred artistic medium. In a BFA program, students study classical and modern art and learn to paint, draw, sculpt, carve, render, and model in traditional—rather than digital—formats.

Students also learn how to market and sell their wares to earn a living off of the artwork they produce in their careers.

What is a Degree in Fine Arts?

For individuals who enjoy working in traditional artistic mediums—drawers, painters, sculptors, and more—a bachelor of fine arts degree enables intensive study of your craft alongside other industry practitioners and under the guidance of professional artists and educators.

While the focus of most BFA programs is on improving and perfecting artistic talent and expression, students also draw on art history for inspiration, learn how to plan exhibits and installations and learn how to market their work for sale.

While many individuals who’ve earned BFA degrees move on to work as professional artists, others find work planning exhibitions for art galleries and museums, and some go on to become art professors.

Artists can teach art in public elementary, middle, and high schools by completing a license-granting, one-year transition to a teaching program after earning a bachelor’s degree. They can also move into careers as college art professors by earning a master of fine arts (MFA) degree or Ph.D.

Recommended Schools

What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Fine Arts?

  • Art History
  • Techniques in Ceramics
  • Techniques in Painting
  • Photography Positioning and Lighting
  • Introduction to Printmaking
  • Techniques in Sculpting
  • Techniques in Drawing
  • Exhibition Planning and Installation

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Fine Arts?

Aesthetically pleasing art is always in demand, and increased availability and adoption of the internet has expanded artists’ audience for clients significantly.

Modern artists are not restricted to selling their artwork in galleries and retail shops; many now earn a living selling artwork online through personal websites and third-party e-commerce sites like Etsy, Redbubble, Pinterest, and eBay. Additionally, many fine artists find it simple to transition their skills to succeed as digital artists and graphic designers.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Fine Arts will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

Recommended Schools


Best Jobs for Fine Arts Degrees

Selling your artwork has become easier than ever before in history, so many BFA graduates move on to careers as profitable artists, selling their artwork online, in galleries, in retail shops, and in museums.

Others create art while working in related full-time careers as art teachers, professors, curators, museum directors, or illustrators.


How to save time and money

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Fine Arts degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

  • Which Colleges Match Your Needs
  • Ways You Could Save Time & Money
  • Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
  • Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
  • Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

Create My SmartPlan

You Might also be Interested in

Many visitors who look for a degree in Fine Arts are also interested in the following degrees.

Start Towards Your Fine Arts Degree, Free.

Generate your free SmartPlan™ to identify schools you like, and potential ways to save on your degree or certification program with courses, offers, and much more!

Get Started