Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees are offered at most universities and colleges with art, dance or theater programs. With less focus on academia than a traditional liberal arts education, the Bachelor of Fine Arts allows for more time spent on one's craft. Though BFAs give a less well-rounded education, they are excellent preparation for students interested in attending graduate school in their chosen artistic field.
Since universities do not offer PhDs in fine arts, a Master of Fine Arts is the highest degree achievable for artists in most fields. Available at many universities, a Master of Fine Arts is generally given in visual art, dance, creative writing or acting. In addition to competitive programs at colleges and universities, there are many visual art and performance art schools across the country that only provide degrees in art, dance or musical performance.
A Master of Art degree allows for a broader graduate-level education than a Master of Fine Arts. These degrees are also often less competitive than fine arts programs. Master of Art degrees are awarded in everything, from teaching to journalism. Oftentimes, Master of Art degrees focus on general liberal studies more so than a specific field.
Highly trained musicians can major in music at most undergraduate institutions for a Bachelor of Music degree. Masters and Doctorates of Music are available at the graduate level. Common focuses of study at the undergraduate and graduate levels are performance, composition, music theory, musicology and pedagogy. Some students choose to study at a music school or conservatory instead of getting their degree from a larger university.