The Different Bachelor of Fine Arts Specializations 

Different colleges have different options for Bachelor of Fine Arts classes and concentrations. Keep reading to learn more about some of the areas you can study on your way to a BFA degree and some tips for choosing your BFA specialization. 

Bachelor of Fine Arts programs typically include studio courses and electives in traditional and new media along with art history and liberal arts courses that examine the arts from historical, social, and cultural perspectives. BFA students also complete capstone projects and participate in internships to build their portfolio and professional network. 

Studio art, graphic design, and interior design are just a few examples of BFA specializations. 

Whatever path you choose, a BFA degree will help you develop your authentic style and the technical and professional skills for success. 

In BFA-level painting classes, you’ll explore composition and color as you gain experience with paints of all types and a range of subjects, from abstract to figurative paintings, still life to human models. 

You’ll study the process of translating ideas into three-dimensional artworks in Bachelor of Fine Arts sculpture classes. Sculpture students might begin working with clay, metal, and wood and progress into work with non-traditional and unexpected materials from found items to fire. 

BFA-level printmaking classes teach foundations and advanced techniques of relief or block printing, intaglio or etching, screen printing, digital printmaking, and other printmaking processes. 

Bachelor of Fine Arts photography classes will educate you on the fundamentals and the more sophisticated aspects of digital and film, color, and black and white photography. Photography classes also address topics like lighting, composition, printing, presentation techniques, and much more. 

In BFA illustration classes, you’ll use a variety of media and principles of design theory to create images that communicate a specific message. Traditional and digital animation techniques — and the interaction between time, motion, design and illustration — are often included in BFA illustration programs. 

BFA ceramics classes address wheel throwing, clay and glaze formation, and kiln firing procedures and processes to create vessels and figurative or abstract sculptures.

Bachelor of Fine Arts graphic design programs combine classes in print production, typography, interactive design, video, animation, digital imaging, and much more. After introductory courses covering the basics of graphic design, you’ll apply design principles to increasingly sophisticated visual communication projects. 

In a new media BFA program, you’ll use the latest technology and study interactive design, usability theory, UI/UX design, and more to produce nonlinear, interactive design solutions.

BFA Interior design programs teach manual and digital drafting, space planning and construction methods, and how to apply sustainable materials, lighting, color, textiles and furniture to meet clients’ aesthetic and functional needs. 

When you are deciding what to specialize in for your BFA, think about what you like to do and what you would like to learn more about. Talk to your high school art teachers, and meet some faculty members and current students at the BFA programs you are considering. And don’t forget to check out other campus resources, like art galleries, art-focused student clubs, and student support programs!

Whatever Russell Sage College BFA specialization you choose, it’s a given that your program will emphasize self expression and experimentation as well as professional preparation.

Reach out to an admission counselor to learn more about theaccredited Bachelor of Fine Arts specializations available at Russell Sage College.