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Program Overview
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts program in the arts is an interdisciplinary degree program designed for students who are passionate about the arts and design, and interested in exploring multiple arts disciplines rather than specializing in one.
Program Description
The program provides students with an understanding of the theoretical, historical, and cultural forces that shape the cultural expression of arts and design. Students pursue open-ended paths to explore and develop a variety of skills suitable for advanced study in multiple areas. The major includes a common core for all students; students may choose a focus from arts administration or entertainment design, or they may design an individualized focus that is subject to approval by the institute's standards committee and the dean's office.
At a Glance
- College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics or any math course that meets the MATH designation
- Math intensity: General
Curriculum
The curriculum for the program can be viewed in the 2025-2026 curriculum archives.
Concurrent Program Options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated Program Options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty. This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
- Creative Enterprise and Cultural Leadership, MA
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Tuition Information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
Global Opportunities
Students whose program of study is in the arts have the ability to further their studies around the world. Equipped with the knowledge obtained in classes, students can explore cultural aesthetic practices while studying abroad, furthering their understanding and enhancing their portfolios.
Career Opportunities
As Arizona's population grows, numerous arts organizations are being developed to provide cultural and artistic experiences for the state's residents. These organizations need and demand individuals who understand the impact that the arts have on society and who can be passionate employees committed to the arts. This program provides the necessary skill sets, including critical thinking, for such careers as:
- Arts administrator
- Arts critic
- Entertainment designer
- Media arts author or publisher
- Museum curator or director
- Public art specialist
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications, or state-specific licensure.
| Career | Growth | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Animator | 1.6% | $99,800 |
| Art Director | 4.2% | $111,040 |
| Art Professor | 1.7% | $80,190 |
| Craft Artist | 2.1% | $38,480 |
| Executive Producer | 4.9% | $83,480 |
| Fine Artist | -1.2% | $60,560 |
| High School Teacher | -1.6% | $64,580 |
| Industrial Designer | 3.2% | $79,450 |
| Performance Artist | 0.8% | $72,760 |
| Talent Agent | 8.7% | $96,310 |
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
