Fine arts schools offer both graduate and undergraduate degrees in a variety of areas.
A school specializing in the fine arts can be an ideal choice if you intend to have a career in a field such as graphic arts, painting and design. Some schools consistently rank at the top of U.S. News & World Report's ratings. Many fine arts schools offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees, while others only offer graduate degrees, due to the specialized nature of the subject matter. Schools that offer undergraduate programs typically require students to take a specified number of liberal arts courses in addition to arts courses.
Rhode Island School of Design
The Rhode Island School of Design, commonly referred to as RISD, in Providence, Rhode Island, was home to approximately 2,200 students, as of 2010. It offers several different degrees, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Graphic Design. Professional degrees--all degrees other than the Bachelor of Fine Arts--typically require one additional year of study. In addition to arts courses, all RISD students must complete a general liberal arts curriculum in order to acquire a well-rounded education. Required liberal arts courses cover subjects such as math, English and history. The cost of one year's tuition in 2009 was $36,364.
Rhode Island School of Design
Two College Street
Providence, RI 02903-2784
401-454-6100
risd.edu
Cranbrook Academy of Art
The Cranbrook Academy of Art, near Detroit, Michigan, offers graduate degrees in fiber, ceramics, 2D design, 3D design, painting, metalsmithing, sculpture, print media, photography and architecture. Some areas of study, such as architecture, require students to have completed certain specified undergraduate classes before beginning at Cranbrook Academy. All students must be enrolled full-time; no part-time degrees or courses are offered. There is no liberal arts-type requirement, but all students must participate in a Critical Studies program, which consists of a series of lectures, discussions, films and seminars about modern-day issues facing artists and the arts. Tuition for one full year in 2010 was $26,970.
Cranbrook Academy of Art
39221 Woodward Ave.
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304
248-645-3300
cranbrookart.edu
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Undergraduate students must take a core liberal arts curriculum, in addition to the specialized arts courses for their major. The liberal arts curriculum includes classes in English literature and writing, history, the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Undergraduate degrees offered include a Bachelor of the Arts in one of several specialized focuses, a general Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an area of focus. Graduate students can pursue a masters degree in a wide variety of areas, including architecture, fashion, new arts journalism and art education. Tuition costs are based on hours of credit. In 2009, undergraduate students paid $1,140 per credit hour, and graduate students paid $1,220 per credit hour.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
37 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, Illinois, 60603
312-629-6100
saic.edu
Tags: arts courses, liberal arts, Bachelor Fine, Cranbrook Academy, graduate degrees