USC BA versus Ithaca BFA in Acting

Hi all,

I am new to this forum. My daughter is trying to decide between her acceptances to two programs – USC for BA in Theater and Ithaca College for a BFA in theater. She is a very dedicated actress and wants to pursue acting as her career. We, her parents, are fully supportive of her choice. The choice is very difficult because of the BA vs BFA question, as well as the fact that the two schools could not be more different (large vs. small; warm vs. cold; East Coast vs. West Coast). So I wonder if any of you who have experience with this type of choice would be willing to weigh in with your view of the merits of each choice? Thank you!!! Mom of an drama kid.

Don’t fret over the BFA vs. BA. Instead look at the course schedules. Someone on here made a good suggestion. Take both curriculums and have her do a blind look. See which has the coursework she desires. If they are identical…I would go for the weather as breaking the tie!! LOL

No casting director cares whether it’s a BA or BFA…

@bisouu Thank you for your response! I think her main focus is on whether she will get the same training and opportunities in the BA program. She has a brother that attends Ithaca as well, so that is a positive (despite the weather). I’ve read on this forum that the USC BA program doesn’t give the students as many opportunities and support as most of the BFA programs, but maybe I’m just not finding the right threads…

Did she compare curriculums? Because there are some BFA’s that are significantly less intense as some BA’s and vice versa. Comparing the two course lists would be the best way to tell. Good luck.

I think she has, but I’ll be sure because I think it is a great idea. Thank you!

@5xmom Check out this thread from 2016, post #3 and #5. http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/19495503#Comment_19495503

@Twoboysandadog thank you – that was REALLY helpful!!!