If you’re exploring college majors and asking yourself, “What is a Bachelor of Arts degree?” you’re not alone. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) is one of the most popular undergraduate degrees because of its versatility, focus on communication and critical thinking, and broad application across industries.
A BA degree gives students the chance to study a specific area of interest while building transferable skills like writing, problem solving, collaboration and media literacy. These degrees are often a good fit for students who enjoy creativity, culture, storytelling or leadership. At Tiffin University, our BA programs combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, preparing students for graduate school or careers in music, media, the arts, education and humanities.
What Does a Bachelor of Arts Degree Mean?
A Bachelor of Arts degree is a four-year undergraduate program focused on critical thinking, communication and creative problem solving. Unlike degrees that center heavily on technical or scientific coursework, a BA emphasizes broad knowledge in the humanities, arts and social sciences while allowing students to specialize in a subject that aligns with their interests and career goals. BA students often develop strong writing, presentation and research skills that are highly valued across a range of industries.
At Tiffin University, BA programs are part of the School of Arts, Education and Humanities and are designed to help students turn personal passions into professional strengths.
- Creative and Media Arts: Majors in commercial music, digital media, photography, video production and storytelling. Students gain hands-on experience using industry tools and build professional portfolios through real-world projects.
- Education: Programs include licensure tracks for middle and high school teaching, along with non-licensure options in athletic coaching, paraprofessional support and educational technology. All education majors complete field experiences and have the opportunity to transition into graduate programs in special education or instructional design.
- Humanities: Students explore the cultural impact of sports, study leadership in the modern workplace or pursue graduate-level work in art, writing or communication. Programs emphasize critical thinking, creativity and career-ready skills.
Bachelor of Arts Degrees at TU
Tiffin University’s Bachelor of Arts degrees are designed to help students grow both academically and professionally. Each program offers a mix of classroom learning and real-world experience, giving students the tools to succeed in their careers while exploring subjects they’re passionate about. From media production to education and leadership, TU’s BA programs connect creative thinking with practical application so students graduate confident and career-ready.
Commercial Music
This program gives students a strong foundation in music theory, performance and the business of the music industry. Students explore a variety of genres while developing skills in composition, recording and live performance. All commercial music students have access to Tiffin University’s Performing Arts Lab (The PAL), a 14,000-square-foot facility that includes a professional recording studio, production lab and rehearsal spaces for ensembles, bands, choirs and more.
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Commercial Music – Songwriting
Students focus on the craft of songwriting and lyric writing for a variety of genres. The program blends music theory, performance and storytelling with opportunities to write, revise and perform original songs.
Commercial Music – Studio Production
This concentration trains students in audio engineering, recording and producing music in a studio environment. Students gain hands-on experience with mixing, mastering and digital production tools.
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Commercial Music – Studio Writing
Studio Writing teaches students how to write music for film, television, games and commercial settings. Students work on real projects and learn how music supports storytelling and emotion in multimedia.
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Commercial Music – Teaching and Performing
This pathway prepares students to teach private music lessons or perform professionally. It combines advanced music instruction with education methods to help students share their talents with others.
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Digital Media
The BA in Digital Media at Tiffin University prepares students for careers in media creation, design, and communication. This degree blends creativity with strategy, covering video production, social media, branding, design, writing, and marketing. Students learn how to create content that connects across platforms and industries.
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Digital Media – Audio Production
Students in this concentration learn how to record, edit and produce professional audio for music, podcasts and digital content. The program emphasizes studio skills, sound design and live production.
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Digital Media – Digital Storytelling
Digital Storytelling teaches students how to use media to tell meaningful stories across formats. Students explore writing, video, design and social media to connect with modern audiences.
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Digital Media – Photography and Design
Students gain technical and creative skills in photography and visual design. The program includes photo editing, layout design and visual storytelling for print and digital platforms.
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Digital Media – Sports Media
This program focuses on producing and reporting sports content for TV, radio, podcasts and social media. Students learn skills in commentary, broadcasting, editing and live production in sports settings.
Digital Media – Strategic Communication
Strategic Communication teaches students how to create messages that inform and influence. The program combines media studies, public relations and branding with hands-on projects.
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Digital Media – Video Production
This concentration prepares students to work behind the camera as directors, editors and producers. Students learn shooting techniques, post-production editing and how to bring creative ideas to life through video.
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Educational Studies
Tiffin University’s BA in Educational Studies is designed for students who want to work in education without pursuing a teaching license. This program helps students build foundational skills in teaching, psychology, communication and cultural understanding, preparing them for roles in school settings, community programs and beyond.
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Educational Studies – Athletic Coaching
This concentration prepares students to coach at the youth, high school or collegiate level. Students learn about sports psychology, leadership, training plans and ethical coaching practices.
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Educational Studies – Educational Paraprofessional
Students prepare to work as classroom aides, support staff or intervention specialists. The program covers learning strategies, behavior support and classroom communication.
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Educational Studies – Educational Technology and Communication
This track focuses on the use of digital tools to support learning. Students learn how to create content, deliver instruction and manage online learning environments.
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Global Sports and Culture
Tiffin University’s BA in Global Sports and Culture is ideal for students who are passionate about sports and curious about its cultural impact. This unique program blends sociology, psychology, communication and sports studies to help students understand how sports shape identity, influence society and connect communities across the world.
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Teacher Education – High School
Students in this program prepare to become licensed high school teachers. The curriculum includes subject-specific courses, classroom management and field experience in local schools.
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Teacher Education – Middle Childhood
This program prepares students to teach grades 4-9 in subjects like language arts, math, science and social studies. Students learn instructional strategies and gain hands-on experience through practicum placements.
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Earn Your BA at TU
Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree at Tiffin University is about finding your strengths, building a foundation for your career and gaining real-world experience along the way. With small class sizes and faculty who care about your goals, you’ll get personal support and opportunities to grow inside and outside the classroom.
Whether you want to create, teach, lead or perform, TU’s BA programs are built to help you take the next step with confidence. Each program combines classroom learning with hands-on projects that prepare you for graduate school or the job market.
Ready to explore your future in education, humanities, and the arts? Learn more about Tiffin University’s Bachelor of Arts degrees and find the path that’s right for you.