Online MFA and BFA Art and Design Programs
If you are looking for a career with great potential that will incorporate your artistic abilities, an art and design degree is a smart choice. With the ever increasing importance of the internet, this field is booming with graphic designers, web designers, video game designers and other similar careers. Because it combines technical ability with artistic talent, this field is perfect for those with attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills.
In addition to having natural artistic ability, having a degree in art and design can truly propel your career forward. These degrees can all be obtained through online programs.
Associate Degree for Art and Design
An associate degree is helpful for those with an existing four-year degree who may be changing careers or those interested in learning technical skills only. An associate degree can be earned in roughly two years. You will need your high school diploma or GED before enrolling.
BFA and Bachelor of Arts Degrees Online
Bachelor's degrees generally take four years to complete if began directly after high school. Students who have already earned an associate degree and wish to enroll in a bachelor's program can complete their degree in as little as two years.
There are two types of art-based undergraduate degrees, the BFA and the BA. These types of programs differ in their goals and objectives:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts. This degree requires that approximately two-thirds of the course work focus on the creation and study of visual arts and one-third of the course work focus on liberal arts-history, literature, psychology, etc. This professional degree focuses on intensive work in the visual arts supported by a program of general studies.
- Bachelor of Arts. The coursework ratios are flipped, with two-thirds focused on liberal arts and one-third focusing on visual arts. This degree spotlights art and design in the context of a broad program of general studies.
Online MFA and Master of Arts Degree Programs
A master's degree requires a student to successfully complete a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment. This degree takes 1 to 3 years to complete.
As with undergraduate degrees in art, there are two types of graduate degree programs:
- MFA. Individuals wishing to receive advanced training prior to becoming a practicing musician, dancer, artist or writer often choose an MFA program. With a more intense focus on art courses and less focus on liberal arts courses, this degree provides hands-on experience for aspiring artists. The MFA is a 2-year program.
- MA. The MA focuses approximately half of the course work on liberal arts and the other half on visual arts. An MA may be completed in as little as 1 year.