Going to Art College versus getting into an art program at a regular college, does it matter?

Question

I went to a regular 4 year university and studied Art and my best friend went to Columbia College of Art / Design School in Chicago... what is the difference and does it matter ? He talks about how much better his education was and I wasted my time there..

Answer 1

It really depends on which art school, which 4 year university, and the student herself. Because if your friend had gone to, say, the Rhode Island School of Design, and you had gone to, say, East Podunk State, then yes, your art education likely wouldn't be as strong as his. However, he went to Columbia College of Art and Design. That's not a particularly elite art school.

So the real difference is that, because of the type of school he went to, he had almost his entire focus on art while he was there. There was probably a greater breadth and depth of art courses as well. But the advantage you have, coming from a university, is that you had a lot of liberal arts classes in comparison to him. This can be an advantage, especially if you decide to work in a job that either isn't in art, or else is art-related, but which requires additional skills (such as working in marketing or communications in a company).

With that said, other than those that go to the very top art schools, it almost doesn't matter where you got your art degree (so long as the school is regionally accredited and is respected by employers). Because the #1 most important thing when you come out of any art school is what's in your portfolio. If you have an amazing portfolio, and have some relevant work experience behind you, you are just as likely to get hired as a graduate of Columbia College of Art and Design.

I should know. I got my art degree from a state university. I ended up working right next to a graduate of Mass Art, which is an art school. We were in the same job, and making the same salary.

Lastly, and importantly - your degree is more flexible than his. He has a BFA in art from an art school. If he ends up wanting (or having) to work in another field, this may limit his options. You, however, have a BA in art from a university. This is a broader, less narrowly focused degree, and thus give you more options in the future.

Answer 2

I can't answer about the California state schools, but I do know about the Mass. College of Art (which happens to be the only state college in the US dedicated to art). You need a B average for Mass Art (3.0 is a B average, right?). You also need a portfolio. If they like your portfolio they will admit you without the B average and ask you to go to community college to get some academics. The admissions process is mostly about the portfolio, not the GPA. So, yes, your talent and commitment to art is the biggest factor. If you don't have a portfolio together, better get busy!

Answer 3

I think that if you are POSITIVE about what you want to do it would be alright to go to an art college, but if you have any doubt in your drive or aptitude whatsoever you should go to a 4year school. That way you can establish a backup plan and don't get screwed...

Answer 4

Getting an art degree is pointless anyways