A Fine Arts degree provides practical training in a wide range of visual art forms: painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, and printmaking. Programs typically begin by focusing on the fundamentals of art, then focus on specific art forms such as drawing, sculpting, or painting. Studio practice and portfolio development are an important part of a Fine Arts degree. Where applicable, students also take on internships or apprenticeships.

Fine Arts degrees are available at the associate, bachelor, and master level. Associate degrees are often in Applied Arts, which Bachelor and Master degrees focus on Fine Arts (BFA and MFA). The associate degree typically emphasizes technical training, while the Fine Arts programs also offer a foundation in art theory and history.

Digital arts offer some of the strongest career prospects for Fine Arts degree holders. Visual arts training is essential for graphic design, multimedia, web design, animation, and other high-demand commercial art fields. In recognition of these career opportunities, Fine Arts programs increasingly offer training in computerized design applications and principles of digital and multimedia design.

Salaries vary widely across Fine Arts careers. The Department of Labor projects average growth for artists and related workers, but offers a rosier outlook for multimedia artists and animators. Art directors also enjoy strong prospects, with a median salary over $63,840, the 2004 median. Salaried fine artists enjoy a surprising $38,060 median. Multimedia artists and animators made an average $50,360 three years ago, with movie and video game specialists making nearly $20,000 more.

Fine Arts is a labor of love. But with the right training, artists can practice their vocation and enjoy a stable, comfortable living.

Online Degrees in Fine Arts

Penn Foster Schools

Penn Foster Schools, the largest accredited school of independent home study, offers more than 80 distance education career diploma programs. Students enrolled in these programs have the option of studying online, in print, or through a combination of the two. In addition, Penn Foster Schools offers high school diplomas and 22 different associate degrees. more

Fine Arts Degrees Offered:

Artist
In this program, you can learn new techniques and create beautiful pieces of art. You'll learn about color theory, basic drawing, and figure drawing; portrait art, pen and ink, and watercolor art; oil painting, acrylic painting, and matting and framing your art work; mixed media and cartooning; and professional presentation of your work and conducting the business of an artist.

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Most Requested Programs for Art & Design

If you have decided that a design school career is right for you, the next step is to find an art degree that will suit your needs. You need to think carefully what you want to do in the industry, and what you are best suited to. For more information on online art degrees, review our program listing and decide which path is right for you.

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