Which is better for Graphic Design majors - Bachelors in Fine Arts vs Bachelors in Arts degree
I am looking at a variety of colleges with graphic design programs. Some offer Bachelors in Fine Arts while others offer Bachelors in Arts. Does the degree type make a difference in getting a job when I graduate?
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3 answers
Diana’s Answer
I do believe classes can help you explore new tools for graphic design and also provide you some good examples of potential future work opportunities. Building a strong portfolio to bring to an interview will be very important. I am not sure you would need a 4-year degree to get a job if you have strong work to show. I believe it is more about the learning you would gain in the program versus the degree.
Best of luck!
Sadie’s Answer
Awesome question, Rebecca!
The most important thing you can get out of a graphic design education is a strong portfolio! What I would do if I were you is: look that what each of these programs offer at the school(s) you're considering and count how many classes are going to directly contribute to your portfolio. The one with the most points wins! :)
"How do I identify this kind of class?" you may be asking.
Well, a portfolio-related class is a course where you will be spending your class time building a project that looks like a real-life graphic design project.
Examples of this are:
Package design classes
Brand design classes
Typography design classes
Book or magazine design classes
App design or web design classes
These are all classes where you'll come out the other end with a project to put in your portfolio.
Examples of classes that do NOT include portfolio contributions (but are still required) include:
History of graphic design
Principles of graphic design
Color theory
These are all classes where you will not come out the other end with a project to put in your portfolio, but you will have more knowledge about the foundational principles of graphic design.
Good luck, Rebecca!
Darryl’s Answer
Hi Rebecca,
Another good question! The choice between a BA and a BFA will depend on what you want to study. For me, I chose a Studio Art BFA because it offered way more actual art classes than the BA program. The BA program at my school had a much higher emphasis on academics, and I wanted to take mostly design and illustration classes, so the selection was easy for me.
I would study the course catalog and see how the degree plan is laid out for each path. If there are no clear advantages to either one, then pick whichever allows you to take more of the classes that interest you. In terms of the degree mattering once you graduate, they're both viewed pretty equally. Ultimately, the knowledge you gain and the work you produce while you're a student will matter more than the degree plan you choose. Good luck, and have a great school year!
Darryl recommends the following next steps:
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