Become a Master of Fine Arts

A Master of Fine Arts degree is a post-baccalaureate level terminal degree. The term "terminal" simply means that it is considered the highest level degree attainable for people who practice in MFA related fields. The MFA is to artists what the Juris Doctorate is to lawyers. A Master of Fine Arts degree focuses studies on the visual and performing arts. MFA concentrations generally include art, theater, or performing writing, however many schools offer their own specific concentrations in order to draw in students who desire an MFA in less popular areas. Many schools have also taken advantage of technological advances to offer Master of Fine Arts degrees in software, computer aided design, video game design, etc.

Several of the major MFA concentrations will have their own distinct concentrations. For example, a Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing may carry a concentration in playwriting, poetry, fiction / non-fiction writing, or screen writing. Master of Fine Arts degrees in Film may carry concentrations in acting, producing, or editing.

A Master of Fine Arts degree is ideal for the person looking for something different. The MFA program is ideal for many working adults because acceptance into MFA programs does not necessarily depend on the bachelor level concentration of study. These days, an admission into MFA programs is often decided by the prospective student's portfolio or live auditions. This means, that if a person decides that they want a master level degree but does not want to pursue the degree in the same subject as their bachelor's, they can build their own portfolio and apply for admission to whatever art program interests them.

Options for total MFA completion online do exist, but it is far easier to find "low resident" programs. These programs are aimed at the distance learner but require the student to satisfy brief residency requirements (usually around ten days, but this number differs by school). The residency portion of the program will resemble an intense and subject specific work shop to allow students to meet, interact with their professors, and complete core specific exercises and reviews. The purpose of the residency is to establish rapport with the virtual learners, professors, and mentors in the program in the hopes that the rapport will carry over into the virtual class room. MFA instructors often prefer that their students engage in creative discussions about the field of study (or even not the field of study) in the hopes that students learn to let their creative juices flow from the casual conversations and creative discussions.

Students of MFA programs often pursue careers as artists, freelancers, or designers / consultants for established companies. Many also choose to establish their own creative / design firms and work for themselves.

Sources:

What's an MFA? Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design.

Residency. Spalding University.