Sep 27, 2016 08:17 AM EDT By Jane Reed, UniversityHerald Reporter

Are you trying to decide whether you should take a business course, an engineering degree or study performing arts? But you are faced with questions as to why you should study performing arts in the first place? What kind of job are you going to get when you graduate?

Don't overwhelm yourself just yet. Here is a quick guide that can help you make the decision you need to make. When considering a performing arts degree, Times Higher Education has the following points you should keep in mind:

1. But first, what is performing arts?

"Performing arts is a form of creative activity that is performed in front of an audience, which includes drama, music, and dance. Degrees that focus on performing arts are highly practical, and actively immerse you in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary practice which prepare you to enter the competitive industry," lists THE.

2. How long does it take to get a performing arts degree?

Most performing arts degrees take three or four years. But it depends on where you study. You will either end up with a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree.

3. What am I going to learn?

Performing arts degrees are either practice based or academic based. The former deals with a lot of actual performance and experience. The latter, mostly study. However, most degrees combine both practices. A mix of workshops and lectures are being offered for students to acquire the skills needed in their field. Some even learn circus skills.

4. What should I take in high school to apply for a performing arts degree?

Some schools are specific than others when it comes to academic requirements. But some universities are specifically inclined to receive applicants who have studied a similar or related subject in school. But some are happy to receive students who do not have previous studies.

5. Am I going to get a job after graduation?

Jobs directly related to a performing arts degree include, among many others: actor, community arts worker, dancer, music therapist or theater director. But there are more jobs than you can imagine. You do not have to restrict yourself to the above mentioned alone. You can also go into teaching, broadcasting, script writing or even stage management.

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