Which Degree is Right for Me?

B.A. - Bachelor of Arts

B.F.A. - Bachelor of Fine Arts

B.M. - Bachelor of Music

B.S. - Bachelor of Science

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) 

This degree focuses on the broad study of liberal arts with a strong foundation in Music or Theatre. Approximately 60% of your coursework will be in the liberal arts and 40% of your coursework will be in your major-specific classes. 

B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts)

This degree focuses on the in-depth study of one area combined with a broad liberal arts education. Depending on your major, approximately 60 - 75% of your course work will be in your major-specific classes and 25 - 40% of your coursework will be in the liberal arts.

B.M. (Bachelor of Music)

This degree focuses on the in-depth study of one area combined with a broad liberal arts education. Depending on your major, approximately 70 - 90% of your course work will be in your major-specific classes and 10 - 30% of your coursework will be in the liberal arts.

B.M. (Bachelor of Music in Combination with an Outside Field)

This degree focuses on the in-depth study of one area combined with a broad liberal arts education and focused study in a field of your choice outside of Music.  Depending on your major, approximately 70 - 90% of your course work will be in your major-specific classes and 10 - 30% of your coursework will be in the liberal arts.

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

This degree focuses on the in-depth study of one area combined with a mandatory Business minor and a broad liberal arts education. Approximately 60% of your course work will be in your major-specific classes and Business minor and 40% of your coursework will be in the liberal arts.

The Integrative Core Curriculum

Ithaca College's liberal arts requirements are known as the Integrative Core Curriculum (ICC). Through ICC seminars and courses, you’ll learn to integrate ideas analytically and comprehensively. The program is designed to help students develop skills in integrative thinking, critical and analytical problem solving, and reflective learning.

Which degree you choose to apply for is a personal decision. No degree is better or worse than another; only you know what is best for you! Some things to consider as you make your decision are:

• Do I want a focused and intense college experience in one area or do I want a broad and varied college experience? 
• Do I want the majority of my time to be in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance or do I want to be able to take a lot of courses all across campus?
• Do I want to double major?

Applicants who want a focused and intense college experience in one area and want the majority of their time to be in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance may be best suited for a B.F.A, B.M., or B.S. degree.

Applicants who want a broad and varied college experience with courses all across campus and those who want to double major may be best suited for a B.A. degree.

No matter what degree you apply for, your time at Ithaca College and the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance will prepare you for a career in whatever field you choose to pursue, be it administration, education, engineering, design, management, performance, or even fields outside the arts like law, medicine, politics, and many more!