Havent read all the replies. My answer is it can be both. It can also be an obsession, addiction, career, and a lifestyle. I think people with a specific talent or degree can do amazing things with fabric, texture, color, etc. than someone like me who has none of those specific talents. Art quilts are very beautiful and inspiring, just not my thing. If you want to get a degree to add to your quilting, i say go for it!