BFA or BA/BS: What's the Difference?

What is the difference between a BFA and BA/BS degree?

Many of our prospective students have trouble deciphering the difference between a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.. The truth is that there is not a difference in the quality of training that students receive in the BFA and BA/BS programs. Both programs are focused on producing quality, talented arts professionals. Students in both programs are cast for productions and performances. Participation opportunities, including one-acts, performance and touring groups and student organizations, are open to both BFA and BA/BS majors.

What is involved in completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree?

Fine tuning your skills

There are four BFA options available to students: acting; dance; design, technology and stage management; and musical theatre. The BFA degree still provides students with a background in the history and theory of theatre, dance and production management but requires students to take a good amount of courses in practical application and training in their area of study. Students in the BFA program typically take more than one practical application course each semester.

What is involved in completing a Bachelor of Arts degree?

Diversified degree in theatre

The BA in theatre is a diversified degree program focusing on extensive training with additional background in theatre. The BA degree is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of theatre while also perfecting their performance skills. BA/BS students are not limited on how many practical application courses they can take. The BA/BS program is non-comprehensive and does require a minor which allows students to pursue a secondary area of study that suits their career and professional goals.

The BA/BS theatre program is dedicated to training the next generation of creative theatre leaders. For consideration into this program, please write and submit through Acceptd an essay (400-700 words) that explains, in your own words, (1) what and/or who you believe to be a model creative leader; and (2), how you hope to make an impact as a leader in the theatre.


Explore the degree programs