Fine Arts Degrees: What Coursework is Included in a Typical Fine Arts Program?

What Coursework is Included in a Typical Fine Arts Program? ACR Takes a Look.

Types of Courses for Fine Arts Programs
Art History
Ceramics
Contemporary Art
Drawing
Foundation Studio
Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Studio Art

What is Fine Arts ?

Fine arts (also “the arts”) is creative art involving modes of expression that use skill or imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others. Traditional categories within the arts include literature (poetry, drama, story, and so on), visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.), graphic arts (painting, drawing, design, and other forms expressed on flat surfaces), the plastic arts (sculpture, modeling), the decorative arts (enamelwork, furniture design, mosaic, etc.), performing arts (theatre, dance, music), music (as composition), and architecture (often including interior design).

What are the Types of Courses for Fine Arts Programs?

All art and design schools and many traditional colleges and universities offer fine arts degrees. Fine arts is one of the few areas of art where advanced degrees are as popular as undergraduate degrees. This includes the PhD. While curriculums will vary, most programs require fulfillment of art history, theory and criticism, and liberal arts requirements.

Most programs offer emphasis options for students who would like to specialize in one area. Examples include animation, art and technology, ceramics, drawing, interactive digital media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, 3D graphics, 3D modeling, and visual art.

While course titles vary by program, common courses include:

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Art History
Ceramics
Color Theory
Contemporary Art
Drawing
Fine Arts Studio
Form and Content
Foundation Studio
Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Professional Practices in Fine Arts
Sculpture
Studio Art

BFA students will complete at two capstone courses (Senior Studio I & II), which involves researching, developing and producing a mature, coherent and substantial body of work that will be presented to faculty for evaluation. Projects are often exhibited to the public in the BFA Senior Studio exhibition.

What Can I Do With a Degree in Fine Arts?

The career options for fine artists are limitless—especially for artists with technology skills. Possible job titles include 3D Artist, Animator, Art Restorer, Cartoon Artist, Clay Artist, Comic Illustrator, Commercial Artist, Art Director, Fashion Artist, Illustrator, Forensic Artist, Landscape Artist, Medical Artist, Model Maker, Multimedia Artist, Game Artist, Digital Artist, Mural Artist, Interior Designer, Pattern Illustrator, Scenic Artist, Scientific Illustrator, Sculptor, Graphic Designer, Art Gallery Dealer, Stained Glass Artist, Technical Illustrator, Advertising Designer, Muralist, Sculptor, Craft Artist, Ceramist, Editorial Photographer, and Visual Artist, to name a few.

Schools to Consider: