<p>What is the difference between all of these degrees? Pros and cons? Thanks!</p>
<p>I recommend that you begin your research by reading the threads marked IMPORTANT at the top of this forum as well as searching on the Theater/Drama major forum. You will find threads that will tell you the differences in degrees and top programs for your interests as well as how to put together a well balanced college list. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>There are a lot of existing threads that address the various programs and the differences between them. As sandkmom suggested, you should take some time to go through existing threads. In a nutshell: </p>
<p>BA- a typical college 4-yr. program in which general education requirements for a variety of subjects must be fulfilled with progressively more major classes in acting, voice, dance, etc. required as a student moves through the program. Program is well rounded and exposes the student to a variety of subjects. It would probably be easier to go on for a masters, teaching credential, etc. with a BA over BFA. Also, much easier to transfer into a BA program from another program, school or even comm. college than with a BFA.</p>
<p>BFA- a program focused much more intensely on musical theatrer. Students will train in their program more intensely. A few general ed classes may be required, but most classes will be centered on acting, singing, dance, and all of the accompanying specialty classes. </p>
<p>Certificate- usually a 1 or 2 year program centered almost exclusively on musical theater. Usually it would be difficult if not impossible to use any of these classes toward a BA or BFA degree if student should decide later to move to a degree program. </p>
<p>None of the above options is better or worse than the others. As has been discussed, there are many different avenues to success in MT, including the option of no formal school at all. Each student should look at what they want out of a program and come up with a list to apply to that includes some fits, some reaches and some non-audition programs to insure the best success in being accepted to an appropriate program. Financing a program is also a huge consideration as many of the schools on the list offer a lot of financial aid and many offer very little. Some of very expensive private programs can be competitive with state programs because they may offer financial incentives. Good luck and have fun reviewing all of the old threads with the masses of info they offer!</p>
<p>takeitallin broke down the differences - but there are a couple of different types of “certificate” programs. One is as she described. However, the term is also sometimes used in conjunction with a BA or BFA in theatre which also offers an MT certificate - this would be more like an acting major, and MT minor, or additional voice and dance training added to the acting program.</p>