Students seeking a degree in fine arts may achieve an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. While bachelor's degrees require approximately four years to complete, associate's degrees commonly take two years. A graduate degree in fine arts holds a prerequisite of a B.A. and may take up to two years to complete. When attaining a Ph.D. in fine arts, most schools require a thesis as well as coursework and can take anywhere from two to eight years to complete, depending on student obligations at work and home. Any person wishing to take post-secondary courses must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to attend.
Art schools, community colleges and four-year colleges or universities offer degrees in fine arts. Depending on the degree you possess, the amount of coursework varies to achieve a higher degree. A career diploma may be achieved from various correspondence schools and although it's not a degree, it may serve your professional goals. Distance learning has become a growing trend among those looking to further their education and passions but have home and work obligations to fulfill while attaining the degree.
Most fine arts degree programs require students to study art history and theory with elective courses in dramatic arts and visual arts. Liberal arts, such as literature, psychology, geography and basic mathematics classes are required for a post-secondary degree. Although offering only career diplomas, correspondence schools are subject-specific and offer courses on profession-specific material. Doctoral degrees require an amount of coursework and an involved thesis presented before a panel of experienced teaching professionals in the related field.
After graduation, many students choose career paths that showcase the skills learned through the degree program. Those with a degree in fine arts may choose to professionally create art, such as paintings or apply for employment as an art director. Those enjoying art history and theory may seek a career in an art gallery or art museum. Advertising agencies, graphic design companies, dance ensembles and publication creation firms may be the path chosen for students with a degree in fine arts. Professionals with a doctorate in fine arts may find their skills useful as an art professor.