<p>I've been reading a lot here about the pros and cons of a BA vs a BFA for a kid who wants to go into musical theater. Been reading that the best way to look at the schools is on a continuum, because there are some BFA programs, especially at major universities, that do offer the chance to take quite a few classes outside of the major. And there are BA programs in which a student can get a lot of specific MT training.</p>
<p>It's a bit daunting to think about all of this, much less to help your child decide which way to go. Has anyone seen any kind of list that sorts schools this way? Thanks!</p>
<p>You are right that BA - BFA programs do lie on a continuum in terms of amount of focused training/ amount of gen eds. However, there are sooooo many programs that it would be difficult to list all programs on a continuum. If you have some programs in mind posters maybe able to put programs on a continuum for you based on their personal research an experience. </p>
<p>The basics of this can be gleaned by looking at the curriculum listed in university catalogs and on program websites… and by looking at the non-required courses offered in programs. Once you have that information in hand you can ask more specific questions of the faculty and students in the programs to get a sense of the possibilities in the major. The same can be gleaned from looking at the non-major courses required and available to students. Once you have that information in hand you can ask more specific questions of the students and faculty in the programs to get a sense of possibilities.</p>
<p>KatMT, thank you so much! that is helpful re what to look for online. My son is a junior and we are just getting started on really creating a list. Feeling a bit overwhelmed. Concerned that if he goes the BFA route he’ll later wish he had more of a traditional college education. And worried that if we goes the BA route he might not get enough specific MT training. I realize these concerns have been raised by many here and this is nothing new. Just looking for a logical way to approach the search. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>Kathy1976, it seems unclear and overwhelming at this point, but just take it a step at a time. Summer is coming and it will be a great time to start researching available programs. You can start with “The Big List of MT Schools” and begin researching each school of interest by going to their websites, looking at their MT curriculum, and looking at their GE or CORE curriculum. Take notes on those that seem like “fits” and start making a binder with a section for each. This will help you really clearly compare programs. Then you and your S can talk about other important factors like location, size, cost, possible scholarships, etc. In this way you will both get a lot of clarity, then you can seek out specific information here : )</p>
<p>I agree with KatMT for sure…it was tedious (and I was only comparing BFA MT programs, not BFA vs. MT) but I spent a LOT of time meticulously studying course catalogs. The differences in programs become very apparent when you take the time to do this (conservatory-type vs. BA-type) and I am sure you could also glean the info you needed to put your school choices on your own “continuum”…which is a great idea!</p>
<p>An important question is how FLEXIBLE the curriculum is, since most kids’ interests/desires do change during college (I’ve heard that ~70% of college kids switch majors). </p>
<p>For example, some BA programs can be shifted from a 30:70 ratio of MT to Academics to as much as 80:20 (more MT than some BFAs), while others have a relatively fixed ratio. Similarly BFA programs vary slightly in their level of curriculum flexibility. </p>
<p>Some programs also become more flexible by accepting many AP credits, while others accept very few.</p>
<p>Schools also offer varying levels of flexibility within the MT curriculum. Can you add more dance? More music? Shift toward a focus on Opera, Acting or Directing? </p>
<p>I suspect several schools would really jump around on a BFA->BA continuum if you looked at various students’ curriculum, while with other schools most of the curriculum is fixed from day one.</p>
<p>In my experience, even kids with an unwavering commitment to becoming MT performers can benefit a lot from curriculum flexibility.</p>
<p>Thanks, folks, for the helpful replies. This is such a great place to get details and I’ve started looking through the individual-school threads to get more info. I appreciate you all!</p>