Is an MFA Degree Right for Me?

MFA degrees can help students perfect their chosen art form and make connections in the art industry. Consider your passion for art and your career goals when determining whether an MFA degree is right for you.

Do you have a passion for a particular art form, such as writing, sculpting, or graphic design? Would you like to take a deep dive into your chosen subject, learn more about it, and improve your skills? A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree can help you do just that.

An MFA degree is a graduate-level degree that allows students to pursue advanced studies in visual or performing arts, writing, design, or another art form. This program enables students to pursue careers in creating or teaching their art form and establish a professional network within their field.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is an MFA Degree?

An MFA program is a type of master's degree in which students gain advanced education in and practice a specific art form. There are many types of MFA degrees offering studies in subjects such as:

creative writing
screenwriting
filmmaking
dance
fashion design
photography
theater
musical composition
acting
visual arts
painting
sculpting

MFA programs may be offered in person, online, or in a hybrid format. Students may attend either full-time or part-time depending on the requirements of the program. These graduate programs may take anywhere from one to four years to complete, with two to three years being the most common.

Some MFA programs are fully funded, meaning students receive benefits such as a stipend, teaching assistantship, and insurance to help cover the costs of the program. These programs are highly competitive. MFA programs that are not fully funded can be extremely expensive, and students often rely on:

Because MFA degrees are graduate-level programs, students are generally required to hold a bachelor's degree before being accepted into the program.

What Does an MFA Student Study?

Students in MFA programs study a specific specialization within the art world; the courses they take vary widely depending on their chosen specialization. For example, someone in a creative writing program will take a variety of writing classes, participate in writing workshops, have faculty members critique their writing samples, and gain valuable connections within the writing community.

Meanwhile, someone in a performing arts program will have a different MFA experience. They will take advanced classes in performing arts, be critiqued and reviewed on their performances, and have opportunities to meet agents, actors, directors, and other professionals in the performing arts community.

Regardless of the specific focus, the best MFA programs allow students to go deep within their chosen art form, perfecting their skills through:

classes
mentorships
residencies
fellowships
internships

Why You Should Consider an MFA Degree

If you are passionate about your particular art form, there are many good reasons to pursue an MFA. Some of these reasons are as follows:

Master the Craft

Attending graduate school as part of an MFA degree program is a great way to learn more about your preferred art form. You will have many opportunities to practice your craft and receive feedback, which in turn will allow you to become a master of the art you love.

Make Connections

MFA programs enable students to meet other students, faculty members, and professionals within their chosen industry, helping them make valuable connections in the field. Building these relationships will help you grow your professional network, helping you gain recognition and find better job opportunities specifically related to your art.

Have Access To Resources

When you're part of an MFA program, you will have access to resources such as specialized equipment for your craft, state-of-the-art facilities, top-level technologies, performance spaces, and much more. Having these resources gives you more opportunities to explore your craft, experiment, and grow as an artist.

Receive Recognition

When you graduate with an MFA, this credential can give you greater recognition within your chosen field. Others in the industry will recognize you as someone who put in the time and effort practicing and perfecting the craft. This recognition can lead to better job opportunities and will help others take you more seriously as an artist.

Improve Career Prospects

Those who pursue an MFA recognize that the degree doesn't guarantee a lucrative career; MFA graduates often work a full-time job outside of their creative pursuits. That said, having an MFA can make it possible for you to combine your creative endeavors with your day job, enabling you to pursue higher-level positions within your field or a related industry.

Job Opportunities for MFA Degree Holders

Those with MFA degrees commonly work in creating or performing. They may also teach their art form at the high school or college level. Depending on the specific MFA, some of the job opportunities for MFA graduates include:

MFA Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

Still not sure if grad school and an MFA degree are right for you? Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you decide.

Do I Want To Pursue Art as a Career?

MFA degrees provide opportunities to take your art to the professional level. For example, a creative writing MFA can give you better prospects for pursuing a creative writing career. Is this your goal? Are you simply interested in pursuing an MFA for personal fulfillment or to improve your skills in your passion? There is no right or wrong answer here, but understanding what you want to do after your MFA can help you decide if this degree is a good choice for you.

Is There a Better Degree for My Career Goals?

Perhaps you don't want to pursue an art career but would like to teach it. An MFA can help you accomplish this goal, especially if you want to teach high school or community college classes. However, if you want to become a professor, you may want to pursue a terminal degree, such as a PhD in education or art. If you're interested in working in another field altogether, an MFA may or may not provide the right education for your preferred career path.

Is an MFA Worth It To Me?

Finally, MFA degrees require a lot of time and money. Getting the degree can be an extremely rewarding process, but it's important to consider how passionate you are about your art before committing to an MFA program. If you are willing to put in the time and effort and do whatever it takes to finance your education, then an MFA degree may be the perfect choice for you.