In general, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is geared toward performance and requires more studio time than a Bachelor of Arts degree, which tends to have a broader focus and allow more freedom for studies outside the dance department. In some programs, however, the BA degree has its own focus on something, like teaching.

Since requirements for BAs and BFAs vary from school to school, it’s always good to check the fine print. The courses required for one dance program’s BA could be almost identical to the BFA requirements at another.