I’m interested in continuing my education once I graduate but I intend on working so I’m looking at online degrees but there’s no school in my state that provides the graduate program I’m looking into online.
My question: Will distance be an issue? I’m in Washington state but the online school I’m looking is a regular university in Virginia that happens to offer online programs. I know a lot of graduate programs require some form of relationship with faculty and other graduates. Even if it’s online will they deny me admissions if I’m too far away? (Keep in mind I’m willing to fly out to Virginia as needed)
I’m looking at online MFA programs.
The distance should not be a problem. At most they might require a week or two of residency for special projects/work. What does matter is the quality and what all they offer with the program.
I haven’t heard of an online MFA program, but I would do your research and contact admin, current/former students etc.
As far as I know it’s accredited. It’s a “buisness design” degree mainly geared towards a leadership position in Art direction and art management. Basically a degree for someone interested in leading/managing a creative team in a professional setting.
It’s online because it doesn’t necessarily require any studio work. It’s mainly geared towards art management.
No, the distance to the university usually doesn’t matter. It definitely doesn’t if it’s 100% online. It probably still doesn’t matter for hybrid programs that require some time on campus (often called “low residency”), but you just need to be willing to get yourself there for the parts that take place on campus.
That said, there are a few reasons why doing this might not be a good idea.
-Starting a new graduate program very early on in your job/career may not be a good idea. Graduate school, even online, takes some time. In a new job, you’ll still be figuring out your role, what’s expected of you, company norms, and how to succeed. You’ll want to devote your mental energies to that, at least at first.
-You may end up working for a company that will pay for your graduate degree, but you sometimes have to work there for a year or more to be eligible for it.
-You may discover that the graduate degree you really need/want is different than the online ones you find.
-Your circumstances may change and you may be able to do a full-time, on-campus program. For the time being, full-time, on-campus programs are on average better regarded than online options.