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So you want to become an artist and are wondering, “How long is art school?” This is a very common and important question for aspiring creatives looking to map out their educational journey.
The duration of art school depends significantly on which degree or program you choose to pursue. Typically, art school takes 2-4 years for an undergraduate bachelor‘s degree, 1-2 years for an associate‘s degree, and an additional 1-3 years for a master‘s degree.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down the length of time needed to complete various art school degrees and credentials. We‘ll cover key factors that impact program duration, as well as insider tips to help you make the most efficient use of your time as an art student.
Associate‘s Degrees: 1-2 Years
An associate‘s degree in art provides essential basics and technical skills to prepare for entry-level art jobs or further education. These programs usually take 1-2 years of full-time study to complete.
Associate‘s degrees in art are offered at community colleges, liberal arts colleges, universities, and some specialized art and design schools. Typical majors include graphic design, illustration, animation, photography, interior design and fine arts.
Students in an associate‘s program take introductory courses in drawing, 2D design, 3D design, color theory, art history and digital media programs. Studio classes allow you to explore different mediums like painting, sculpture, printmaking and ceramics while developing your artistic style.
The typical associate’s degree is 60 credits, though some programs may require additional credits or portfolio submissions for graduation. By carrying a full-time course load, most students finish an associate‘s degree in 2 years though it can be completed more swiftly or slowly depending on your pace.
Those looking for concentrated training in applied arts careers can choose from specialized associate‘s degrees at certain art schools. For example, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York offers a focused 2-year associate‘s program in Accessory Design.
Key Benefits of an Associate’s Degree in Art
- Shorter time commitment than a bachelor’s program
- Lower cost tuition at community & state colleges
- Gain technical skills for entry-level art jobs
- Credits often transfer toward a bachelor’s degree
Bachelor‘s Degrees: 3-4 Years
A bachelor‘s degree is the standard credential for most professional artists and designers. Majoring in art as an undergrad typically takes 4 years of full-time study, though accelerated 3-year options exist at some art schools.
During a BFA or BA program, you‘ll complete both art-specific and general education courses for a well-rounded skill set. Studio classes become more advanced and specialized as you determine a focus area through your major and electives.
Bachelor’s degrees in art, design or fine arts have varying standard credit requirements depending on the program, averaging around 120 total credits. Taking 15 course credits per semester, a typical student finishes in 4 years.
Those with prior college credits, AP/IB credits from high school or relevant experience can sometimes accelerate their art program. Meanwhile, students attending part-time, changing majors mid-way or studying abroad may require additional time.
While bachelor‘s programs at art schools immerse you entirely in creative subjects, universities strike a balance between art and academics. For example, New York University‘s (NYU) Bachelor of Fine Arts program mandates students take at least 72 art credits within their 120-136 credit degree.
Popular Majors for a BFA or BA in Art
- Painting, Drawing & Printmaking
- Graphic Design
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Animation & Game Design
- Interior Design
- Fashion Design
- Art Education
- Art History
Dual Degree Programs: 4-6 Years
Some dedicated artists choose to expand their skill sets even further through a dual degree program, earning multiple undergraduate credentials simultaneously.
Popular dual degree pairings include Art + Business, Art + Engineering and Art + Computer Science. For example, you could study Fine Arts + Environmental Studies to incorporate eco-conscious practices into your sculptures.
Since dual degrees must fulfill all requirements across two fields, they typically require 5-6 years to complete. However, the cross-disciplinary knowledge you gain can expand your career options exponentially.
To efficiently earn multiple degrees, strategic course planning is key. Counselors can help you determine degree combinations, course sequences and semester workloads that align with your long-term goals.
Master‘s Degrees: 1-3 Additional Years
Though not always required, a master‘s degree can provide artists and designers with specialized expertise to stand out in competitive fields.
The two most prominent graduate degree types for visual creatives are the Master of Arts (MA) in Art and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA). While MA programs focus more on scholarly study, MFAs emphasize studio work and practice of techniques.
Master of Arts (MA) Programs
Lasting 1-2 years, MA programs offer advanced study in areas like art history, curatorial studies, arts management and criticism. Rather than studio intensive, MA coursework is geared toward research, theory and academic writing on art.
Those interested in museums, galleries, auction houses, publishing or collections care pursue an MA for the connoisseurship background. Graduating with this degree equips you for roles like museum curator, art critic, researcher, appraiser or dealer.
Typical MA Curricula Includes:
- Art Historical Research
- Contemporary Art Issues
- Criticism Methodologies
- Curatorial Studies
- Thesis Preparation
Well-Known MA Programs:
- Courtauld Institute of Art (London)
- Sotheby’s Institute (NYC & London)
- University College London
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- University of California, Los Angeles
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Programs
Considered the terminal degree in studio art disciplines, the MFA takes 2-3 years post-bachelor‘s. Immersive studio curricula and mentorship prepare graduates to work professionally as artists, designers or educators.
You develop a strong personal portfolio throughout MFA study under the guidance of master faculty. Course projects challenge technique and push creative boundaries within your discipline.
MFA graduates display distinct styles that incorporate inspiration from their graduate research into imaginative final projects. These attributes make MFA holders prime contenders for gallery representation, exhibitions, fellowships, teaching jobs and prestigious client commissions.
Typical MFA Curricula Includes:
- Advanced Studio Labs
- Art Theory & Criticism
- Exhibition and Gallery Practice
- Graduate Critique Seminars
- Interdisciplinary Media Exploration
- Professional Development for Creatives
Well-Known MFA Programs:
- Yale School of Art
- Rhode Island School of Design
- School of Visual Arts (NYC)
- California Institute of the Arts
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- Royal College of Art (London)
Art & Design Certificates: 6 Months – 1 Year
For both beginners and experienced artists seeking concentrated knowledge in a specialty, shorter-term certificate programs bridge gaps in skills and techniques. Taking just 6 months to 1 year to complete, art and design certificates provide targeted, intensive training through almost exclusively studio coursework.
Often vocational in nature, certificate curriculum focuses directly on building entry-level technical abilities most relevant to getting hired upon graduation. However, certificates still engage conceptual development and material experimentation to empower more versatility long-term.
While certificates rarely hold the academic weight of degrees, they can kickstart formal training in art and design skills. Certificate holders often utilize them as launchpads into longer degree programs or apprenticeships.
Sample Specialized Certificates:
- Photography
- Graphic Design
- Web Design
- Fine Arts
- Jewelry Arts
- Textile Design
- Ceramics
- Bookbinding
- Museum Studies
Choosing Art School Duration Based on Career Plans
With myriad art and design degrees available at various duration levels, how do you narrow options to set your own ideal art school timeline?
Start by defining your career aspirations in the arts. Do you hope to become a professional sculptor, exhibit across global galleries? Or are you pursuing graphic design skills to freelance locally?
Aligning program choice and time investment with your goals ensures efficiency. Research typical credentials required for your desired jobs and let that guide enrollment decisions.
While passion for creation matters immensely, also reflect pragmatically on your financial means, existing commitments and target level of career success.
Then craft an art school roadmap with duration and milestones suiting your unique vision. Remain open to revising timelines when inspired yet don‘t overextend yourself beyond capacity.
Key Takeaways: Typical Art School Duration by Degree
- Associate‘s Degrees: 2 years
- Bachelor‘s Degrees: 4 years
- Dual Bachelor’s Degrees: 5-6 years
- Master of Arts (MA): 1-2 years post-bachelor’s
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA): 2-3 years post-bachelor‘s
- Certificates: 6 months – 1 year
Carefully consider your career aspirations and choose an art school timeline structured for success. Bachelor’s degrees offer versality for most art occupations, while focused certificates quickly build skill sets.
For the freedom to exhibit as a professional artist, the immense studio resources of prestigious MFA programs prove worthwhile despite longer duration. Balance available time, finances and passion when deciding your ideal art degree pathway.