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What Is the Difference Between a BA, BS, and BFA?

Are you curious about what different types of degrees you can earn as an undergrad student? Figuring out what degree you want to pursue is a great place to start when selecting a major and area of focus.

At Columbia, our undergraduate studies allow you to concentrate in the arts, sciences and professional development through three main types of bachelor’s degrees—BA or Bachelor of Arts, BS or Bachelor of Science, and BFA or Bachelor of Fine Arts. We also offer a Bachelor of Music degree, which we’ll cover as well. Columbia offers a practice-based creative education which means many of our programs focus on creative fields such as performance, film, design, and media.

Let’s dive into the differences between a BA, BS, and BFA

What are the different types of degrees?

BA vs. BS

The Bachelor of Arts degree also known as a BA, is widely considered the standard liberal arts degree in higher education. The BA degree emphasizes a well-rounded study of humanities, which includes language arts, philosophy, performing arts and other aspects of human and cultural studies.

Columbia’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs allow for greater flexibility and exploration within the curriculum. This includes the ability to tailor elective coursework beyond your major or add a minor. Around 90 percent of Columbia students are pursuing a BA degree, according to Columbia’s Admissions Department.

For students who wish to hone their technical skills relating to science, mathematics, and technology will typically pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Columbia’s Bachelor of Science degree in Music Technology goes beyond the basics, incorporating essential STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) coursework to ensure you truly understand the scientific concepts behind the music technology. Possible career opportunities for someone who pursues a BS in Music Technology are audio engineer, audio programmer, audio software and hardware developer, and user experience (UX) designer.

BFA vs. BMus

A Bachelor of Fine Arts or BFA places more emphasis on a specific career path and is largely based on portfolio building and professional development. At Columbia, there are nine BFA options available to students. The BFA areas of study include Acting for Stage and Screen, Fashion Design, Film and TV, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Architecture, Musical Theatre, and Photography.

Columbia also offers a BMus (Bachelor of Music) degree, which is within the School of Audio and Music. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Music in Performance and Songwriting in which they must audition to get accepted into the program.

Our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Music (BMus), and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs feature more intensive required coursework in the major with limited flexibility for electives.

At Columbia, you'll collaborate with faculty who are practicing artists, receive ongoing feedback in nurturing critique settings, and gain opportunities to display your work in both campus galleries and art spaces around Chicago. The program focuses on honing artistic skills, exploring the social impact of art, and its potential to drive change.

How will I know which degree is right for me?

To determine which degree is right for you, it's helpful to consider your personal interests, career goals, and the kind of learning experience you're looking for. If you are trying to decide what type of degree to pursue at Columbia, here is a handy guide to help you figure out a creative career path that’s right for you.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

If you value flexibility and a well-rounded education: A BA offers broader exploration within the liberal arts, allowing you to take electives outside your major and even add a minor. If you're someone who enjoys learning across different subjects (like language arts, philosophy, and cultural studies) and wants to keep your career options open, a BA might be a good fit.

Best for: Students who want to pursue a variety of interests, who might not have a specific career path in mind yet, or who enjoy creative and theoretical subjects.

Bachelor of Science (BS)

If you’re interested in technical skills and sciences: A BS emphasizes specialized, technical knowledge, especially in subjects like science, math, and technology. If you’re drawn to fields that require scientific or technical expertise, such as Music Technology, this might be your best choice.

Best for: Students who want a career that requires a deep understanding of technology or science and are comfortable with a more focused, technical course load.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

If you're looking to focus intensely on a creative career path: A BFA is highly specialized, providing intensive training in a specific art form. If you are committed to building a professional portfolio and want to focus entirely on developing your craft in a particular area (like acting, fashion design, or photography), a BFA might be the right fit.

Best for: Students who are certain about pursuing a creative career and want to develop technical and professional skills in a specific artistic field. A BFA tends to be more career-focused with less flexibility in terms of electives.

Bachelor of Music (BMus)

If you're serious about a career in music performance or songwriting: If you’re passionate about music and are aiming for a career as a musician or in the music industry, the BMus degree will provide you with the formal training needed to hone your performance and songwriting skills. This degree requires a specific audition, and the curriculum is focused on music-related coursework.

Best for: Students who are looking to pursue a professional career in music performance or songwriting and are ready to commit to a structured, specialized music program.

Why Choose Columbia College Chicago?

Our exceptional faculty members and student advisors will help you discover where your passions lie based on what subjects you’ve enjoyed in the past and the type of work you can see yourself doing day-to-day. They can help steer you toward the degree that aligns with both your personal interests and professional aspirations while also providing you with:

Hands-on experience: Develop your skills through workshops, critiques, and portfolio-building opportunities.
Professional connections: Intern at renowned organizations and gain access to industry partnerships unique to Columbia, and work alongside faculty mentors who are experts in their field.
Access to resources: Apply for grants and awards, like Persistence Scholarships or Albert P. Weisman Award, to support your creative work and path to graduation.
Real-world experience: Experience one-of-a-kind partnerships with companies such as SXSW, NASCAR, and L'Oréal. Showcase your work in galleries, exhibitions, and city venues to build your portfolio and professional reputation.