<p>What are some of the benefits of earning a Masters of Fine Art? You would have a terminal degree, which makes you eligible to teach, but where do you see the benefits beyond that? </p>
<p>In conversations with professors at my college I've heard two opposing sides: The people who have gotten MFAs loved their experience, and they're now teaching at a nice, private institution, and are published authors/professional artists/curators, etc. On the other hand, Professors who achieved those things without the MFA say, "If you're a writer/artist, you don't need someone to tell you how to be a writer/artist."</p>
<p>I'm curious about what y'all think. I've been doing research online and in my college's career center, but a much greater emphasis is given to Law, Med or Business school, and I've found that it's been difficult to find helpful sources that agree with each other on the merits of MFA programs and how their effectiveness should be measured.</p>
<p>As you’ve learned, the MFA has both advantages and disadvantages. If you are set on teaching at the college level and don’t have the publishing/performing credentials, you should look into PhD programs instead, which are on the rise for the performing and visual arts. If you have at least some credentials already or have significant backing from your professors (meaning that they think you are competitive for the best MFA programs), then the MFA can serve you well.</p>
<p>Students have a lot of misconceptions about MFA programs. First, MFA programs are designed to prepare you academically as well as artistically for your field. If you just want to learn how to better write/paint/sing/etc., then you’d be better off pursuing private lessons from a professional. You will be studying/analyzing materials in addition to polishing your craft. Next, most programs push their students toward the experimental/academic side of the field to better understand the cutting edge work being done today; if you are a traditionalist, you will likely be disappointed and/or not accepted. For example, if you are a writer and like to write mysteries, an MFA in creative writing will likely be the wrong place for you. Last, even though you are qualified to teach after earning your MFA, it doesn’t mean that you will get a job. (Note: the same holds true for PhDs.) To get a coveted tenure track position, you’ll need arts credentials in addition to the degree. Most MFAers without significant artistic credentials end up as adjuncts at community colleges or employed in an unrelated field. Actually, even those with accomplishments can have trouble securing a position. Because American culture does not support the arts as it once did, more artists are trying to earn a living through teaching their craft, which makes the competition fierce.</p>
<p>Your acceptance to a program will be based almost entirely on your portfolio. Although many programs require GRE scores, that’s really for the university, to meet its institutional standards. The same holds true for GPA. If you are a brilliant artist, you can get into an MFA program with a 3.0 (usually the stated minimum.) </p>
<p>The benefit of an MFA program, besides the obvious ones, is the immersion into an intellectual artistic community. For some people, that high-octane, inspiring environment is all they need.</p>