<p>Trying to figure out why some colleges call it a Fine Arts Major and some call it a Studio Art Major?</p>
<p>My oldest son is thinking of majoring in art, and he’s curious to find out the answer to this question! </p>
<p>Kelly</p>
<p>The term “fine art” is more inclusive than “studio art,” and implies both performance (music, dance, theater, etc.) and studio arts. </p>
<p>That said, within the context of studio-based art, there is often a distinction made between “fine art” (e.g., painting, sculpture, drawing) and “design,” which has a more applied focus (e.g., graphics, industrial design, illustration, jewelry making, fashion). Both are “studio art.”</p>
<p>What I have seen is in the context of liberal arts BA vs. an art school BFA. Typically a BA is in general studio arts. A fine arts major at an art school will get a BFA and it may be with an emphasis in painting, sculpture, photography, etc. It could also be more integrated depending upon the school and its program.</p>
<p>BTW, a BA in studio arts will be between 50 to 60 credits in studio art with the rest in “academic” courses. A BFA will mean no more than 30 credits in “academic” courses with the bulk (90 credits) in art classes.</p>
<p>unsoccer-mom, I think your last summary is much too broad. The number of credits that a BFA wil have in art vs. academic subjects varies enormously from one BFA program to the next. Generally speaking, in stand-alone studio art colleges the student will typically have about 70-75% of credits in studio courses – this is consistent with your statement. But BFA’s earned in other colleges and universities will typically have a much lower percentage of credits in studio courses – anywhere from 40-60%. A student has to check the requirements of each college.</p>