BFA vs BS in Graphic Design

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I have been selected at Chapman University for BFA Graphic Design and Drexel University for BS Graphic Design. I'm wailisted in Pratt Institute and they have offered me a place in PrattMWP which I'm considering.</p>

<p>But my main concern is whether I should go for BFA or BS. Please advice.</p>

<p>Thank you in advance.</p>

<p>Here are the other colleges I got into: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1634572-need-help-deciding.html"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1634572-need-help-deciding.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Please help someone. I’m completely lost.</p>

<p>I don’t know the specific requirements for each degree at each school, however, in general the BS will require more credits in courses other than art (science and math and general ed), and the BFA will require more credits in art classes than general ed for a more art-intensive focus. If you enjoy other subjects besides art and would like to have a broader education, go with the BS. If, however, you really aren’t that interested in those other subjects and prefer to study art in depth, go with the BFA. I have no idea if one degree or the other will make a difference to potential employers as much as your portfolio will. Someone else may have that answer. My son will probably go with a BFA because he hates math and science. Easy decision for him.</p>

<p>After reading your other thread, I would take Chapman off the table. The aid is low for such an expensive school especially compared to the generous aid you have been offered at other. The cost of living in Orange County (i.e., rent) is very high. You would definitely need a car, also. Not sure that’s accounted for in your budget.</p>

<p>Thanks for taking the time to read both my thread. I don’t know to drive yet so I haven’t take the car into account. But yeah, Chapman is very costly. And thanks for your insight on the matter. Really appreciate it. :D</p>

<p>Any more help please.</p>

<p>I’m a proponent of a well-rounded education. Being a good artist or designer really isn’t enough in today’s market - you also need to be a good communicator, researcher, problem-solver, and more. Having some experience and building skills outside of your fine arts curriculum will help you in ways you don’t yet realize. I think the BS may be more beneficial in the long run…or do a BFA and spend some elective courses pursuing other topics outside of the arts. Critical thinking, public speaking, business and psychology are all topics you might find particularly useful in your career. </p>

<p>@NovaLynnx Any thoughts about the school – Drexel?</p>

<p>I know Drexel is a great school, but I don’t know anything about their art program specifically. I can tell you that you would get a solid general education there. </p>

<p>@NovaLynnx Yeah that’s my concern, I’ve heard a lot about their Engg programs but very little about their graphic design program thought it’s one of the strongest program they have.</p>

<p>Do they showcase any seniors’ work on their website or have a senior exhibit on campus? It’s not the most reliable method due to variation in student skill, but sometimes you can glean some information by comparing the quality of senior work at different programs. If as a whole the work is less impressive, technical, varied, etc. than another school, that’s something to consider. </p>

<p>@NovaLynnx No they haven’t showcased anything. Hence I’m little apprehensive about it. :/</p>

<p>They do showcase quite a bit of student work here: <a href=“Graphic Design Creative Work | Drexel Westphal”>http://www.drexel.edu/westphal/creative/vscm/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Thanks a lot @NovaLynnx. I appreciate it that you took out the time to search for it.</p>