by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you have a passion for one of the many types of arts, consider majoring in Visual and Performing Arts. A degree in this field will help you improve your skills and prepare you for a professional career.
Students take classes in a variety of subjects depending on the major they choose. These classes include dance, singing, computer design, acting, stage management, talent management, cinematography, sculpting, and more. These classes will not only help you become a more skilled artist, but expose you to other types of art within the Visual and Performing Arts field.
Since this is a large field, students typically decide to focus on a certain areas of specialization. Those who wish to study a little bit from each field can major in General Visual and Performing Arts, while those interested in forming crafts or materials with their hands can major in Craft, Folk Art, and Artisanry. Other majors in this fields are Dance, Design and Applied Arts, Drama and Theater Arts, Film, Video, and Photographic Arts, Fine and Studio Arts, or Music. Those interested in the business side of the arts can major in Arts and Media Management.
Visual & Performing Arts was the 10th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 150,273 degrees in this year alone. Our 2025 Best Visual & Performing Arts Schools ranking analyzes 641 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for visual & performing arts students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of visual & performing arts programs later in this article.
Students in the Visual and Performing Arts field are extremely creative and talented. Often, they have been performing, practicing, or working in their field since youth and are pursuing an education to improve technique and skill. Those who are successful in Visual and Performing Arts are persistent, disciplined, and hard working. They have a passion for the arts and are determined to achieve their best.
While some careers require a bachelor's degree, others only need an associate's degree or experience in the field. It is best to intern or find a summer job in the career you want to pursue to learn what type of education or certification may be necessary.
visual & performing arts degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific visual & performing arts careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are many different visual & performing arts degree levels. Visual & Performing Arts programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest visual & performing arts degree you can get. Visual & Performing Arts programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to visual & performing arts, with approximately 35.6% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for visual & performing arts workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 34.8% |
| Master’s Degree | 16.4% |
| High School Diploma | 11.2% |
| Some College Courses | 9.5% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 7.3% |
Most workers in visual & performing arts have at least a bachelor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in visual & performing arts have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which visual & performing arts career you choose.
Visual and Performing Arts students hold positions in a variety of occupations including dance companies, performing arts studios, as artists, sculptors, music directors, talents agents, actors, and more. The classes you take in this field will improve your technique and prepare you for a successful career as a professional within the arts.
Want a job when you graduate with your visual & performing arts degree? Visual & Performing Arts careers are expected to grow 7.2% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to visual & performing arts.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| High School Teachers | 1,095,500 | 7.5% |
| Managers | 1,071,700 | 8.0% |
| Graphic Designers | 277,400 | 4.2% |
| Professors | 258,700 | 9.4% |
| Musicians and Singers | 182,800 | 6.0% |
Recently graduated visual & performing arts students earned an average of $26,873 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $4,699 to as high as $120,888. As you might expect, salaries for visual & performing arts graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for visual & performing arts graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers visual & performing arts grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Managers | $115,590 |
| Art Directors | $104,590 |
| Architecture Professors | $99,320 |
| Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers | $90,930 |
| Producers and Directors | $89,840 |
With over 17,183 different visual & performing arts degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased visual & performing arts school rankings to help you with this.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Fine & Studio Arts | 37,604 |
| Design & Applied Arts | 36,323 |
| Music | 25,860 |
| Film, Video & Photographic Arts | 17,626 |
| Drama & Theater Arts | 17,039 |
Image Credit: By Bonnielou2013 under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
