Choosing a fine arts major: Degrees, careers, and key skills

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Key takeaways about a fine arts major

A fine arts major blends hands-on studio work with art history, critique, and portfolio-building.
You can earn certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees with many specializations.
The major builds creative, technical, and career skills you can use in many industries.
Career paths range from studio artist to designer, educator, curator, and creative strategist.
There are scholarships and tools to help you find schools and fund your degree.

What is a fine arts major?

A fine arts major is for students who want to create, analyze, and share art in many forms. You will spend time in studios, labs, and critique rooms as you learn how to turn ideas into finished work. You will also study art history, theory, and the business side of the arts so you can grow as a practicing artist.

Classes are hands-on and project based with regular feedback to help you improve. You will build a portfolio that shows your voice, your technique, and your ability to solve creative problems. Many programs also include exhibitions, internships, and collaborative projects across disciplines.

Types of fine art degrees

Fine arts programs come in several formats, so you can match your goals and timeline. Certificates and associate degrees focus on foundations and can help you build a starter portfolio. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees go deeper into specialization, research, and professional practice.

Certificate or associate in fine arts (AFA): Great for foundations and transfer pathways.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Studio-intensive undergrad degree centered on making and critique.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in art: Broader liberal arts degree with flexibility for minors or double majors.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Terminal creative degree for advanced practice, teaching, or research.
Post-bacc or graduate certificates: Focused study to level up skills or shift specializations.

Key courses and specializations for fine arts majors

You will take foundation studios in drawing, design, and color theory to build core visual skills. Many programs add digital fundamentals, art history surveys, and professional practices. From there you choose specializations and advanced studios that fit your goals.

Studio foundations: Drawing, 2D design, 3D design, color theory, composition, and visual literacy.
Digital and tech: Digital imaging, motion graphics, 3D modeling, fabrication, and creative coding.
Art history and theory: Global survey, modern and contemporary art, and critical studies.
Professional practice: Portfolio, grant writing, exhibition methods, entrepreneurship, and freelancing.
Popular specializations: Painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, illustration, animation, film and video, new media, textiles, metals, and performance.

Common double major or minor pairings for fine arts majors

Pairing your fine arts major with a complementary field can open more doors. Choose a minor or a double major that adds tech, business, or storytelling depth. Your school’s advisors can help map the plan so you graduate on time.

Design and tech: Graphic design, UX/UI, interaction design, game design, computer science, or data visualization.
Business and communications: Marketing, entrepreneurship, communications, or public relations.
Humanities and social science: Art history, media studies, psychology, or education.
STEM and fabrication: Industrial design, engineering basics, architecture, or environmental design.
Performing and media arts: Film, theater, music technology, or sound design.

What skills will I learn as a fine arts major?

You will learn how to generate ideas, plan projects, and carry them to completion. You will practice giving and receiving critique, which builds confidence and clarity. You will also learn how to present your work in digital and physical spaces.

Creative process: Ideation, iteration, research, and concept development.
Technical craft: Studio techniques, tools, materials, and digital workflows.
Visual communication: Composition, storytelling, and audience awareness.
Professional skills: Portfolio building, pricing, contracts, and client communication.
Collaboration: Team projects, cross-disciplinary work, and project management.
Career fluency: Networking, internships, grant applications, and exhibition planning.

Top career paths for fine arts majors

A fine arts degree can lead to roles in studios, agencies, museums, schools, startups, and more. Many grads mix freelance projects with part-time or full-time roles. Others launch creative businesses, join studios, or pursue graduate study.

Studio and design: Visual artist, illustrator, muralist, sculptor, printmaker, or ceramic artist.
Digital and media: Animator, storyboard artist, motion designer, video editor, or 3D artist.
Applied arts: Graphic designer, brand designer, UX/UI designer, or product visualization artist.
Education and community: Teaching artist, K-12 art teacher, museum educator, or arts administrator.
Museums and galleries: Curatorial assistant, preparator, registrar, or gallery manager.
Creative business: Art director, creative producer, content creator, or entrepreneur.

How much will I earn as a fine arts major?

If you’re considering a fine arts major, it’s helpful to know what salary potential can look like. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with fine and performing arts degrees earn around $50,000 a year on average, though pay varies widely by career path.

For example, craft and fine artists earn about $56,000, graphic designers average $61,000, and roles in digital media can be even higher—animators make around $99,800, and art directors earn over $111,000 a year. More traditional or freelance-based paths, like musicians or studio artists, may see more fluctuation, but many artists build stable careers by combining multiple income streams.

Is fine arts right for me?

This major is a good fit if you enjoy making things, exploring ideas, and sharing your perspective. You like feedback, want to improve your craft, and are ready to put in studio time. You are also curious about how art connects to culture, communities, and careers.

Look for programs that match your interests, facilities, and mentorship needs. Review student work, course lists, and exhibition opportunities to see the fit. Ask about internships, visiting artists, and how the program supports life after graduation.

Notable schools for fine arts majors

Many schools offer strong fine arts programs with great studios and alumni networks. Compare facilities, faculty, financial aid, and outcomes to find your match. Use tools below to search widely and build a balanced college list.

How to choose a fine arts program

Start with your interests and the work you want to make. Look for a curriculum that offers both breadth and depth in your focus area. Check the studio access policy, fabrication labs, and software support to match your needs.

Ask about class sizes, critique formats, and how often you get individual feedback. Review recent senior shows and student portfolios to gauge outcomes. If possible, tour facilities and bring your questions for faculty and current students.

Next steps and tools

Start building a college list that matches your goals, budget, and location, and take time to compare programs so you can save your favorites as you research. Helpful tools like Scout College Search can connect you with schools that fit your interests, while Scholly Scholarships helps you find awards tailored to your profile. You can also check out scholarships designed just for fine arts majors, browse scholarships by other majors if you’re exploring more than one path, and even apply to the monthly $2,000 No Essay Scholarship for a quick and easy opportunity. These resources can keep you organized and open up more options as you plan your future.