Arts majors have two degree options: liberal arts and fine arts. Those pursuing a liberal arts degree enjoy a well-rounded, varied curriculum. Fine arts students, however, find themselves immersed in a demanding, competitive environment as they work to attain their B.F.A. or M.F.A. Because these degrees are designed for those who intend to become professional artists, it's important for prospective students to assess their individual needs and desires before applying, making certain a fine arts degree fits their career goals.
Publicly funded schools typically offer a more affordable education for state residents seeking a fine arts degree. However, prospective students must satisfy the state board's academic requirements as well as those of the fine arts school. This often means students need to send in two applications: one to the state university and one to the fine arts college housed within the university. In addition to test scores and transcripts, fine arts colleges ask to see work samples, in the form of portfolios or auditions. Minimum standards for test scores vary between states, as do requests for personal essays and recommendations.
Because private colleges do not rely on taxpayer monies for funding, they have greater flexibility when it comes to admitting students. Although students must still submit test scores, transcripts and recommendation letters, a candidate who delivers an exceptional portfolio or audition may be admitted despite less-than-stellar grades. In rare cases, schools admit B.F.A. students who haven't completed high school. Additionally, M.F.A. candidates presenting a remarkable work sample might not be required to possess an undergraduate degree before being admitted to a private graduate school.
Fine arts colleges train students for professional careers in their chosen field. Students not prepared for this experience may find their college experience too demanding and overly harsh. Because of this, school committees work hard to ensure admitted B.F.A. and M.F.A. candidates can keep up with the rigors of a fine arts education. Visual artists must submit a portfolio of their work, performing artists must audition for school faculty and literary artists must provide a creative manuscript. While specific requirements for each program vary widely, admissions committees routinely stress the importance of a quality work sample. Prospective students should devote the bulk of their energies to this element of their application.