What Are the Different Types of Art Degree Requirements?

Art degree requirements can vary quite a bit, though most schools call for someone to complete general courses as well as those that focus on artistry. General courses usually involve subjects outside of creative fields including history, science, and mathematics. In addition to these classes, many schools also require that students take a number of art courses that can depend on the specific type of degree a person is working on. There are also different art degree requirements for someone in a graduate program, which often have a greater focus on creative subjects and the completion of a written thesis or similar work.

While most schools can set their own art degree requirements, there are some common guidelines that many schools follow to gain accreditation. General classes are often required of students, which include those courses outside of the ones that focus on a specific degree. These can include subjects such as mathematics, science, and social sciences. Many schools may also have art degree requirements that include a few very specific classes, such as one in college writing and one in communications.

There are also some art degree requirements that are part of the core fine arts curriculum at many schools. This means that any student who wants a degree in art, regardless of whether it is in art history or sculpture, has to complete these courses. Such classes are usually focused on broad artistic subjects such as art history and basic composition from which any student can benefit.

In addition to these core classes, many schools have art degree requirements that are related to a more specific focus for a student. This allows those in a program for a degree in fine arts such as painting to take classes that focus on brush techniques and studio creations. Such courses can cover a wide range of subjects and are usually meant to ensure that students completing a program have practical knowledge within their field.

For graduate programs, such as those attended to receive a master’s degree, many schools have different art degree requirements. Admittance requirements often include completion of an undergraduate degree, though this need not necessarily be in an artistic field. Students may also have to demonstrate artistic skills through submission of a portfolio, though this depends on the type of art degree they wish to receive.

Art degree requirements for the completion of a program are often heavily focused on the particular subject students wish to study. Those in an art history program usually perform a great deal of research and learn more about the scholastic aspects of art theory and study. Students in a creative program may study the works of previous masters and refine their own skills in studio classes. Completion of such a degree is usually contingent upon a well-researched written thesis paper or dissertation, though students focused on fine arts might complete a portfolio or hold an exhibition of their work.