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About Art & Design Degrees
There are many paths to a rewarding career in art. Some may prefer the more expedient, convenient and affordable diploma or certificate track. Others may desire the intensity, prestige and networking opportunities of an upper-level art education. Art degrees are typically offered on the Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's levels. This directory will exclusively highlight accredited institutions that offer art degrees on the bachelor's and master's levels: more specifically, accredited colleges, universities and schools that award BFA and MFA degrees.
According to the 
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), there are two types of bachelor degrees: the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA). A BFA is usually awarded to students who aim to become professional practitioners of traditional and modern artistic mediums (painters, photographers, illustrators, film-makers). A BA is granted to those who study liberal arts programs: humanities programs such as literature theory, film theory and philosophy and technical disciplines like web design and architecture. BFA programs tend to focus on intense, hands-on work and study in the visual arts while supported by general academics. BA programs usually consist of the study and analysis of art and design within the context of academia. That said the BFA focuses more on creation and practice of visual and performing arts while the BA focuses more heavily on general, liberal arts study including history, philosophy and critique with a lighter focus on art practice. Though degree type is a good indicator of focus ration, the ratio itself can vary by institution.
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Upon completion of a BA or BFA, a student may pursue a master's degree in her or his respective discipline. The Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) differ in much the same way the BA and BFA do: the former concentrates more heavily on liberal arts coursework work and the latter on practical art creation. An MFA usually takes a minimum of one year to earn whereas an MA may require anywhere from one to three years to complete. Individuals wishing to become practicing independent or corporate artists and designers general follow the MFA path. MA degree holders tend to research, teach or write about visual and performing arts.
BFA and MFA degree holders may pursue a variety of disciplines in the visual and performing arts including: professional painter, fashion designer, professional photographer, theatrial set designer, recording engineer, concert violinist, ballet dancer and musical composer.
Accreditation: Why It is Important & When It Should Be Considered
When an institution is accredited, it means that it has met the basic standards of excellence and integrity for its programs set by a specific independent accrediting agency.
This process typically consists of a rigorous self-evaluation period for the candidate followed by independent group evaluations and final judgment by the accrediting commission. The reviews usually focus on quality of education, integrity and overall improvements. When membership is granted, it indicates the institutions have successfully complied with the minimum guidelines and procedures of the accrediting organization. But it doesn't end there: when an institution is accredited, they must make sure they stay accredited. Members must undergo regular self and independent evaluations to maintain their positions in the future. In addition to maintaining existing standards members must also remain flexible, sensitive and alert to a perpetual cycle of policy changes within the accrediting organization's guidelines and adjust accordingly.
Another form of accreditation is inclusion in a "league" of schools that meet a minimum criteria of excellence and integrity. It not only is a form of recognition for the school, but the school is also considered a working member of the organization or network itself. An example of this is the European League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA)
Some accreditation agencies are non-governmental, voluntary and self-regulatory tools of quality and improvement control.
Accreditation is an assurance to prospective students and their parents that the schools they are considering will deliver a high quality education and will give them the proper return for their investment. With such a high ticket item like a college education, all expectations should be relatively clear. In addition to other research items such as talking to former students, rankings in publications, campus visits and interviews, accreditation can be the seal that makes the deal.
Accreditation is also an important item of consideration if the prospective student is interested in programs that receive federal and state funds. The institution will only receive federal funds if its accrediting body is recognized by The U.S. Department of Education (DOE). If the student plans to rely on aid for financing their education, accreditation should be at the top of their list of criteria.
It will also be much easier for a student to transfer credits from one institution to another if both institutions are at the same level of accreditation. This is also true for those wishing to pursue graduate studies at an institution other than where they received their undergraduate education. Accreditation also influences the transfer of credits if you change schools in the midst of your post-graduate studies.
Accrediting Organizations:
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
ACCSCT is an independent accrediting agency maintaining educational excellence and integrity in more than 700 post-secondary educational institutions. The ACCSCT recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
College Art Association (CAA)
The CAA includes member institutions that have demonstrated a committment to art, art education and research of the visual arts.
European League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA)
The ELIA consists of a network of about 320 independent arts institutes in 47 countries that cover a comprehensive list of art disciplines. This list consists of fine art, media arts, design, dance, theater, music, and architecture.
Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER)
FIDER recognizes and accredits interior design programs that meet minimum standards of academic excellence.
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
NASAD is an organization of about 240 colleges, universities and schools that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in art and design.
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
The MSA-CHE (Commission on Higher Education) is a cooperative membership organization focused on educational excellence and improvement through accreditation and peer-evaluation.
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Includes the CIHE (Institutions of Higher Education) & the CTCI (Technical & Career Institutions). The CIHE chapter is a regional accreditation agency that recognizes over 200 institutions in New England.
North Central Association: Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA-CASI)
NCA-CASI is a non-profit accrediting agency that recognized over 9000 schools ranging from elementary to post-secondary.
Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities (NWCCU)
Formerly the Northwest Association of Schools, Colleges & Universities (NWA), the NWCCU is a voluntary, non-profit accrediting organization that recognizes post-secondary institutions based on integrity, performance and quality to gain the confidence and respect of the educational community and the public.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
SACS: Commission on Colleges is the regional accrediting body responsible for recognizing educational excellence in eleven souther U.S. states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) that offer associate, baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degrees.
Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC)
The WASC: Senior College Commission is responsible for accrediting senior colleges and universities in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the Pacific Basin and East Asia.