Navigating a Second Undergraduate Degree: When Art Graduates Return to School
Completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a significant achievement, often marking the culmination of years spent honing creative skills and exploring artistic expression. But what happens when, years later, a BFA graduate feels drawn to return to undergraduate studies—not for a master’s degree, but for a second bachelor’s in a completely different field? This unconventional path is becoming more common as professionals seek to adapt to evolving career landscapes or rediscover passions beyond their original discipline. Let’s explore why artists take this leap, the challenges they face, and how to make the journey rewarding.
Why Go Back? Common Motivations
For many BFA graduates, returning for another undergraduate degree isn’t about abandoning art—it’s about expanding possibilities. Here are three key reasons driving this decision:
1. Career Pivots
The job market for artists can be unpredictable. While some thrive as freelancers or in creative industries, others discover a need for stability or new opportunities. A second degree in fields like computer science, education, or business opens doors to roles that blend creativity with technical or managerial skills. For example, a graphic designer might pursue a degree in marketing to transition into art direction, or a sculptor might study engineering to enter product design.
2. Academic Curiosity
A BFA program immerses students in studio work and critique, but it may leave gaps in other areas. Some graduates return to school to explore subjects they missed earlier, like psychology, environmental science, or even pre-med courses. This intellectual expansion can lead to interdisciplinary careers—think art therapy, museum conservation, or sustainable architecture.
3. Credential Requirements
Certain professions legally require specific undergraduate credentials. An art graduate aspiring to teach K-12 public school art, for instance, might need a state-approved education degree. Similarly, transitioning into healthcare or tech might necessitate coursework in biology or programming that a BFA didn’t cover.
Challenges Faced by Returning Art Graduates
Returning to undergrad after a BFA isn’t just about hitting the books again—it’s a complex emotional and logistical journey.
– Adjusting to a New Academic Culture
Fine arts programs emphasize subjective critique and hands-on projects, while STEM or business degrees rely on structured exams and data-driven analysis. Adapting to this shift can feel jarring. One former painting major described her first statistics class as “learning a new language while everyone else was already fluent.”
– Financial Considerations
Undergraduate degrees aren’t cheap, and taking on additional loans after already investing in a BFA can feel risky. Many returning students balance part-time jobs or seek employer tuition assistance. Some institutions offer accelerated programs or credit transfers for prior coursework, easing the financial burden.
– Social Dynamics
Being older than typical undergraduates can create a sense of isolation. “I was 28 sitting next to 19-year-olds who’d never filed taxes,” laughed a theater graduate turned accounting student. Building connections with professors or joining graduate-level clubs can help bridge this gap.
Success Stories: When Art Meets Academia
Meet two BFA graduates who successfully navigated a second undergraduate degree:
Case 1: From Illustration to Informatics
After a decade as a freelance illustrator, Jenna felt limited by inconsistent income. She enrolled in a computer science program, blending her design skills with coding. Today, she works as a UX designer at a tech startup. “My art background lets me visualize user journeys in ways pure coders can’t,” she says.
Case 2: Ceramics to Climate Science
Carlos, a ceramic artist, became passionate about environmental activism after volunteering at a coastal cleanup. He returned to school for a geology degree, later specializing in sustainable materials research. “Clay taught me patience; science taught me how to measure impact,” he reflects.
Practical Steps for a Smooth Transition
If you’re considering a second undergraduate degree, here’s how to prepare:
1. Audit Your Goals
Ask: Is this degree essential for my desired career, or could certifications or workshops suffice? For example, coding bootcamps might suffice for tech roles, while healthcare often requires formal degrees.
2. Research Programs Thoroughly
Look for schools offering flexibility: online courses, evening classes, or credit for life experience. Some colleges even have “second bachelor’s” tracks designed for career changers.
3. Leverage Your BFA Skills
Art graduates bring unique strengths: creativity, visual thinking, and project management from years of producing portfolios. These skills can enhance group projects, presentations, or research in any field.
4. Connect with Advisors Early
Discuss credit transfers and course waivers. For instance, your BFA’s art history credits might fulfill general education requirements, shortening your timeline.
5. Build a Support System
Talk to peers who’ve taken similar paths—online forums or alumni networks can provide encouragement and practical tips.
Embracing the Journey
Returning to undergrad after a BFA is neither easy nor conventional, but it’s a testament to lifelong learning. Whether driven by necessity, curiosity, or reinvention, this path offers a chance to merge artistic sensibility with new expertise—creating a unique professional identity. As education evolves to accommodate career changers, the idea of a “linear” academic path feels increasingly outdated. Sometimes, the most fulfilling journeys involve circling back to discover uncharted territory.
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