Ok I know this is posted elsewhere and my dilemma is I realize most BA programs in MT have a lot of general ed credits and only about half maybe in your major. As an approximation I would guess that if performing is your main interest then a BFA is definitely the way to go. My D just can’t decide about which to pursue and I don’t know enough to help her decide. I know she’s afraid of so much focus on one thing but then she doesn’t really care it seems about the other general classes. I know she’d like to maybe take an elective or two that is of interest but it’s become the real indecisive thing for her right now. Anyone have any experience with their child and their experience in either one or the other either currently or even after graduation…
Sometimes, being unsure, is a good indicator that a BA path might be the more appropriate choice, since a BFA path is really best for someone who is 100% certain. Both paths can lead to the same goals. Another thing is to remember she is just a junior and things can change over time and if she is uncertain next fall, design a college list that is a combination of both BFA and BA programs and she’ll have more time to decide come spring of senior year.
Totally agree with @soozievt
I think this would be a good place to point her to right now:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1793789-mt-freshman-schedule-p1.html
There are several schools listed in there - without going back through it I’m unsure if there is a BA represented, but if these schedules look too “theatre heavy” to her, you may have your answer.
Most school sites have the 4 year curriculum for BFA’s laid out. That may help you/her decide if there is room for any extras she may be interested in. Also a lot of BA’s require a lot of MT credits so she wont be missing out if she studies a BA. The lines are getting so blurred in most programs. Also if she is going in with credits that may remove required gen eds that also frees up space for extra classes.
I can only speak for the BA program where I teach, but the required credits are 50/50 inside and outside of the major. However, because of many of the classes within the major are 1 or 2 credits instead of 3 credits, they actually are required to take more classes in the major than out. Also, most students take many electives in the major and some also come in with credits from HS, so the breakdown for most is more like 60 inside and 40 outside to 70 inside and 30 outside of the major.
In terms of which path to take if performance is the goal… a BFA does not necessarily lead to more success post graduation.
As others have suggested look at the curriculum at each school, ask about electives, and build a list of schools that feel like they offer the best fit for the next 4 years.
If D is uncertain, she can apply to a mix of kinds of programs and once admitted make the final decision. Students often find out a lot of what they want and do not want as they go through the audition and application process.
In my daughter’s BA program her math, history and english credits are filled within the theatre department. The only thing she is having to do outside of her major is her foreign language.
I think my daughter took this little test on CC many years ago:
Wow @Calliene … I’ve never seen that! I think that should definitely be a pinned post here.
I was surprised I was able to find it so easily! And I’m not 100% sure it’s the same one, but I think it is.