A college of art is an academic institution with a primary focus on the visual arts, including degrees and courses in a range of concentrations including fine arts, graphic design, photography, illustration, painting, and sculpture. If you are passionate about a particular area of art or have a talent you would like to nurture into a career, majoring in art and earning a bachelor’s degree can open doors to a variety of professional opportunities.
In addition to popular programs in the visual and fine arts, degrees in the applied arts, including animation, motion design, music, product design, fashion design, and more, can be found online or at traditional art colleges and universities. Artists who invest the time and money to acquire an art degree will find that art schools offer a ton of benefits, by combining the best components of a liberal arts education with focused art instruction to help students build the well-rounded skills they need to excel in modern forms of art and media.
Popular Art Degrees and Program Options
Top 10 Most Popular Art Degrees
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Fine & Studio Arts
- Music
- Culinary Arts
- Graphic Design
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Animation
- Film & Cinema
- Fashion & Apparel Design
What Type of Art Degree Do I Need?
With a clear idea of what you want to achieve in your career and trustworthy information about your program options, you can answer the question “What type of art degree do I need?” with relative ease. The answers to other probative questions like “Will I need a license to be employable?” and “Are certifications required to land a job?”, will also help you make a decision about the best way to get started.
Once you have a clear understanding of what you need to build a career in your medium, consider a path that advances your interests in the most comprehensive and affordable way. Perhaps the best choice to expand your art career options is to get started as quickly as possible, rather than spending four to six years at a university pursuing a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. Depending on your career choice, you may be able to learn all of the skills you need online, making an art degree a useless expense of time and money. Regardless of which path you choose, it is important to understand all of your options. You can begin by considering the most popular degrees and programs below.
Certificate Programs in Art & Design
A certificate program is a concentrated study option intended for students with limited experience who need to build skills and proficiency in a focused area of study. Certificate programs vary in duration, with some taking as little as one semester to complete and other, more comprehensive courses, taking as long as two years to finish.
Unlike a degree from liberal arts colleges, which may include general studies requirements, a certificate program will be highly focused on fundamental skills in your focus area. Earning a certificate means studying what interests you the most, without the additional coursework requirements that fall outside the professional and technical subjects you are interested in.
Associate's Degrees in Art & Design
If you are looking for introductory to intermediate level instruction that can put you on an immediate path to a career in art and design, an associate’s degree program from a community college, or vocational school, may be the best choice for you. An associate’s degree in art is often acquired by students who either want to learn the essential techniques needed to enter the workforce quickly (and inexpensively) or would like to use the degree as a springboard for admission to a bachelor’s degree program.
Most associate degrees require two-years or 60 credit hours to complete and combine a mix of focused courses in visual art and design techniques, and a range of general studies requirements, such as art history, humanities, English, and fine arts.
Bachelor's Degrees in Art & Design
A bachelor’s degree in art and design is the preferred education option for students who want a practical degree and need all of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to be employable in a wide range of artistic fields. It carries more weight with employers and demonstrates a significant commitment to your professional goals.
According to the National Association of School of Art and Design (NASAD), a bachelor’s degree in art and design from a university or art institute will teach you the fundamentals of working with technology, best practices, art history, and how to apply theory to design. Whether you are a student of animation, fashion design, interior design, photography, video game design, or printmaking, you will receive the academic and technical foundation to develop exciting ad campaigns, innovative products, and eye-catching designs.
Art & Design Master's Degree Programs
If you plan to pursue a leadership position, such as art director, design principal, or museum curator, and would like to take your education to the next level, a master’s degree in art and design may be the choice that pays off the most. Students who earn master’s degrees are immersed in an intense period of study, typically lasting one-to-two years, where advanced theories, methodologies, and techniques are learned. A master’s degree is a stepping-stone for students seeking even more education (a Ph.D.) and a requirement for who someone who wants to qualify for a state-issued license to teach art.
Popular Undergraduate & Graduate Art Concentrations
Graphic Design
Graphic design programs explore the world of digital media and focus on the professional and technical skills used to create digital images and animation. Students attending programs at the bachelor’s degree level learn how to use industry-standard technology to create computer-based still and animated images. A wide range of sub-disciplines, such as digital imaging, commercial & advertising design,2-D and 3-D design, typography, film animation, and graphic illustration, may be paired with the core curriculum of a graphic design program to prepare students for the ever-changing landscape of modern art and media.
Digital Arts
A digital arts program will educate you about the theories and techniques needed to create computer-aided art in areas such as 3-D modeling, animation, and gaming. You will learn the hands-on skills you need to work with animation and design software and immerse yourself in the practice of drawing figures, sketching, and storyboarding. Some digital arts programs offer additional courses with in-depth instruction in content development, web design, color theory, animation, 4-D animation, and drawing.
Game & Interactive Media Design
Artists enrolled in a game art and design program learn the fundamentals required to develop a game’s aesthetic style, including the basic art principles associated with analog media and how to create art for games using modern software and computer hardware. Students who specialize in game design will be immersed in the practice of concept art, with an emphasis on rendering objects, characters, environments, and special effects.
Game and interactive media designers don’t need to be experts at programming, game production, or animation, but they should have a solid understanding of what’s going on around them so they can be effective members of a team. This means that they should be up to date on industry-standard technology and have deep knowledge about the medium they are designing for.
Multimedia and Animation
Multimedia and animation degrees equip students will a well-rounded education in preparation for creative careers in areas such as journalism, film, advertising, television, and game development. The objective of a multimedia program is to help students gain a balanced understanding of how to create visual, audio, and written art in all forms of media. A liberal arts education is paired with a focused curriculum in areas such as writing, drawing, computer programming, broadcasting, podcasting, layout design, and 3D animation.
Visual Arts
Visual art is an umbrella term that covers many different programs of study such as painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and ceramics. It even includes artistic careers in the video, architecture, textile, industrial, fashion, and interior design. If the career field you are pursuing is both artistic and a visual medium, chances are it falls under the category of visual art.
Visual arts programs are available in many different school settings. You might consider a technical school for drafting, for example, or a fine art school to study painting or sculpting. There are also certification courses available from online art schools, two-year options at community colleges, four-year bachelor's programs, and graduate programs at a university that will focus on the category of visual art in one form or another.
Fine/Studio Arts
Degree programs in Fine Arts (BFA) typically have a narrow focus on academic curriculum and training that will help students hone their craft so they can become professionals in art, theater, music, photography, ceramics, printmaking, and other studio arts. If you play an instrument or have a passion for acting and theater, for example, you will find a bachelor of fine arts program that will train you to perform professionally.
Interior Design
An interior design program provides you with the skills to create aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet the needs of your clients. Courses will focus on design processes, sustainable practices, material selection, textiles, fixtures, historical periods, furniture styles, spatial considerations, and regulatory basics like building codes, ethics, and other legal aspects of the industry that will impact your practice.
Fashion & Apparel Design
A fashion design education covers critical concepts necessary to succeed as a designer along with the professional techniques and business practices that are common in the contemporary fashion design industry. Expect to study clothing construction, draping, product development, pattern design, and merchandise promotion, along with the application of design concepts and CAD software. Students enrolled in a fashion and apparel design program may also have the opportunity to choose a specialty such as children’s clothing design, sportswear, costume design, women’s wear, intimate apparel or footwear.
How to Apply to Art School
When you begin the process of applying to art school, you’ll find that the application is not that different than the college application to any other university program – it just requires a little more preparation and a few more steps. The typical application process for an art and design program, and in particular, a school of fine art, may require more supplemental materials and have more deadlines, but the objectives and essential components are generally the same as any college – applicants must provide materials that demonstrate their creativity, talent, academic strength, and commitment to higher education in order to stand out from the crowd.
The application process will be highly competitive and unique for each school, but most applicants can count on being asked for similar items, such as a personal statement, a relevant portfolio of artwork that showcases their personal direction, transcripts from any previous university or schools, test scores, and letters recommending you by someone who is familiar with your artistic work.
How Do You Compile a Portfolio for Art School?
Your portfolio is one of the most critical parts of your application because it gives schools firsthand insight into your personal direction and aesthetic sensibilities. Whether you are presenting a portfolio of photography, dance, sculpture, paintings, music, or another art form, it’s important that you nail your portfolio. Admissions officers are looking for students who are skilled, inspired, memorable, and committed to their craft. Specifically, art programs want to admit students who are able to demonstrate the following personal and artistic qualities:
Technical Mastery
Your portfolio should be assembled in a way that showcases your technical mastery of the art form. Technical mastery is a measure of how skilled you are as an artist. Admissions officers will be looking for the application of basic and advanced techniques in your work that shows your strong attention to detail.
Variety and Versatility
Schools also want to see versatility in art form and media type, even if it is clear that you have a preference. The ability to work outside your preferred style shows talent, your ability to think creatively, and an ability to apply your skills in a variety of ways.
Unique Style and Personality
Of course, schools want your portfolio to tell them the story of you. Admissions officers love it when your artwork allows your personality to shine. One of the best ways to convey this is to present work that you are passionate about that is different from what other artists are creating.
Additional Advice for Creating an Art Portfolio for College
The last mistake you want to make when applying to art school is to go through the entire admissions process only to get automatically rejected because you failed to properly follow the instructions provided by the school. If there is one thing you remember from this entire article, make this the point that you circle, highlight, write down, and follow most closely - you must research the portfolio requirements of each school carefully and pay particularly close attention to the following specifications:
- Deadlines for the application and portfolio. There may be separate deadlines. Pay close attention to both.
- Submission guidelines. What is the school’s preferred method of delivery? Some may accept online submissions or an application by regular mail. Others may require you to deliver your portfolio in-person, on campus.
- Are there open days when you can submit your portfolio in-person? Find out if they have scheduled days on campus that give you an opportunity to present your portfolio face-to-face.
- How many pieces should you submit? What are the minimum and maximum number of pieces to include in your portfolio?
- What are the size requirements for each piece?
- Are there any required pieces that must be included? Some schools require a test piece that allows them to compare your skill set to other students. For example, the Rhode Island School of Design mandates that all students provide a drawing of a bicycle.
Top International Art Schools
Studying at one of the best art colleges in the world is not only rewarding, but it can give you the skills and credentials to work anywhere in the world. The top international art schools are the institutions that offer an immersive approach to studying art and design while promoting creativity across multiple disciplines and mediums. Students who graduate with degree enter the professional world with deep knowledge and appreciation of art and art history, along with the advanced techniques needed to express themselves and communicate with the world around them.
If you have your heart set on pursuing a degree in fine arts or design you will find a long list of schools that provide students with the instruction and resources needed to fulfill their artistic potential. To help you narrow your options and find the best fit for your academic and artistic goals, we offer the following tips and university rankings to guide you as you make this important decision.
Academics
Strong academics should be a priority for anyone considering an application to a top university for art and design. While everyone will have their own unique set of personal and professional goals in mind, it’s important that everyone consider the makeup of the faculty and student body, the range of academic concentrations offered by prospective schools, and the number of opportunities each university provides it’s students in your major. Each one of these factors will impact the value the school offers you and the long-range value of your degree.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
Tuition and general financial costs will vary from school to school, but they are essential and practical considerations. While higher tuition might indicate more prestige and quality, lower-cost alternatives such as a public university can offer an excellent art education as well as good value.
You can start by researching tuition rates and fees, including the cost of living in the vicinity of the schools you are considering. Most schools list the cost of tuition and provide estimates for additional costs, such as books, transportation, room, and board. If you can’t find the information you are looking for online, you can contact the school directly to inquire. What you pay to live in the area while you are enrolled is also an important consideration. Attending college in New York City, for example, will drive up the broader financial costs of attending school because the cost of living is much higher in the area. International students should also analyze the additional financial components of living abroad when making a decision.
Academic Staff & Student to Staff Ratio
The faculty makeup of a prospective college of art will tell you a lot about the academic quality and priorities of the institution. Take stock of schools with a high percentage of faculty and staff who are professionally and academically accomplished in the area of study or career you plan to pursue. In the creative and fine arts, it is essential that you “learn by doing”, which makes a highly-experienced staff an invaluable asset. Look for programs where you will receive first-hand insights and professional guidance from sources that have done the work and experienced success in the real world.
School Reputation, Prestige, and Rankings
There are very few schools in the world that can boast the ability to propel a student’s career based on prestige and name-recognition alone. Nonetheless, the reputation of an art school makes a difference, as does their prestige in the world at large. Studying at a well-known and highly-respected college of art and design will undoubtedly open doors for you that lesser-known institutions will not. Not to mention, studying at a prestigious and competitive university that attracts other talented artists will give you invaluable exposure and connections that can greatly benefit you both creatively and professionally.
Best Art Schools and Colleges in the United States
Colleges and universities with acclaimed fine arts and design programs help students turn their talent into a career with exceptional academic instruction, professional training, and the additional opportunities they need to expand their skill set. While everyone considering college will have their own unique set of goals in mind, there are a few practical considerations that should play a part in almost every student’s pursuit of higher education. A commitment to high academic standards, university accreditation, exceptional faculty, world-class staff, superior value and a proven track record of graduate success are just a few of the considerations that should factor into your decision when choosing which art school to attend.
Most Affordable Art Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
An affordable education is getting harder and harder to find as the cost for all degrees and post-secondary education programs continues to rise in this country. According to the Department of Education, you can expect to pay an average of $20,770 for a public school (in-state) education and $46,950 for nonprofit private schools. These costs are expected to continue their ascent with inflation, so finding affordable art colleges with strong value is a difficult task. The average total cost of tuition, including application fees, campus housing, supplies, transportation, and additional school expenses are detailed below:
- Average total cost of public two-year colleges (in-district) $17,580
- Average total cost of public colleges: $25,290 (in-state) $40,940 (out-of-state)
- Average total cost of private colleges: $50,900
No matter what type of art you plan to study, or what type of career you plan to pursue, you can count on paying a lot for a quality college education – there simply aren’t many ways around it. However, there are many schools that consistently demonstrate a commitment to providing an affordable education while also maintaining high academic standards and establishing a high bar for graduate success.
To qualify for inclusion in our list of affordable art schools, a college program must:
- Meet our net price requirements
- Have estimated annual costs of less than $30,000 per year
- Have a high job placement rate
- Provide degrees that result in practical skills