Is your kid an art major??

[Anonymous]

Hello - my junior wants to consider schools with strong art departments. She’s leaning towards a regular BA degree with an art focus vs a BFA. She’s unsure of exactly what she wants to do in fine arts - her love is studio arts/photography.

She’s really become focused on VCU, which seems like a great fit. but I’d like her to check out other options in VA/MD/PA.

So many schools seems to have art departments when you look at their websites. How can one tell if a particular department is strong?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

VCU has a fantastic B.F.A. program, but I don't think they have a B.A. in art.

[Anonymous]

Oooh good to know! Thanks PP

[Anonymous]

Check external accreditations such as NASAD or program-specific ones. Check employment stats.

[Anonymous]

Good art schools are usually dedicated art schools, not full spectrum college/universities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good art schools are usually dedicated art schools, not full spectrum college/universities.

VCU is certainly an exception to this rule!

Dedicated art schools are unlikely to offer B.A.'s in fine art.

OP, what medium is your kid interested in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good art schools are usually dedicated art schools, not full spectrum college/universities.

Not necessarily. Particularly at the bachelor’s level. The ability to double
major (and likely pay less) might be desirable.

[Anonymous]

PP, my dd loves drawing, painting, ceramics, photography. She also loves museums and galleries. I want her to find a school where she can foster her love for these areas and be around other arty kids and adults, while also getting a broad based liberal arts degree. And not break the bank (I’m looking at you art schools in NYC).
She seems to like a bigger school, but I’ll have her check out anything that might fit the bill.

Thanks for the replies

[Anonymous]

CNU has a BA in studio art and a liberal arts core curriculum

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, my dd loves drawing, painting, ceramics, photography. She also loves museums and galleries. I want her to find a school where she can foster her love for these areas and be around other arty kids and adults, while also getting a broad based liberal arts degree. And not break the bank (I’m looking at you art schools in NYC).
She seems to like a bigger school, but I’ll have her check out anything that might fit the bill.

Thanks for the replies

GWU has a partnership with the Corcoran and allows a BFA.

Alfred (particularly for ceramics!)
RIT
Tufts
Temple

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, my dd loves drawing, painting, ceramics, photography. She also loves museums and galleries. I want her to find a school where she can foster her love for these areas and be around other arty kids and adults, while also getting a broad based liberal arts degree. And not break the bank (I’m looking at you art schools in NYC).
She seems to like a bigger school, but I’ll have her check out anything that might fit the bill.

Thanks for the replies

Not to be a Cassandra, but unless you are wealthy and able to substantially support your kid after their art degree is over, this is mostly likely not a route your kid wants to go down.

[Anonymous]

Flagship schools might be a good fit. Alternatively, Connecticut College and other small liberal arts schools that give merit.

One decision she needs to make is whether she will put together a portfolio. Some schools ready them for admission, some don’t.

[Anonymous]

I have a BA in theater. If I were going today, I would only consider BFAs. So I'm curious as to why your DC is leaning toward BA. I'd encourage anyone seeking an art degree to go all in and get the BFA. The "broad based liberal arts degree" PP mentioned isn't going to be any better on the job market than the BFA, and the BFA will be better for the arts-related jobs your DC will want, and much better for applying for the MFA or PhD if she ends up going that route.

[Anonymous]

Interesting pp thanks. Actually I’m pushing the BA vs BFA, as my daughter has yet to specify a specific career she sees herself doing (besides having a crystal store/jewelry store/little art gallery) - of course those are legit careers - but how about a business class too while you’re in school then? I’ve also suggested a teaching degree which can blend well with her art studies im guessing.
But sounds like all the arty kids need to decide if they’re all in on art and think a lot on a BFA.

I appreciate the feedback and school suggestions.

Does anyone know if any of the UNC schools besides CH have art programs?

[Anonymous]

My dc applied and got into multiple large public universities with art degrees. DC settled on VCU for a few reasons. 1. Did not have to declare major at application time. 2. Had multiple choices of art majors and actually changed major from what they thought they wanted. 3 first year are foundation classes. Really helped define what they wanted to do with an opportunity to see other aspects of art they were not aware of. 4. Since dc came in with so many AP credits and the art departs so large, has been able to take art classes beyond their major. 5. So many classes had a computer program as the basis of the class. Think Abode products.