<p>I am a non-traditional student and I am finally finishing up my bachelor's degree in art at a liberal arts school (I think a well-rounded education is important).
I have the choice between getting a B.A. in 3 years at an unknown school with a mediocre arts department (and I may only minor in art) and then going on to get a 2 year M.F.A., or going to a much more prestigious school with a great arts program and finishing up my B.A. in 5- 5.5 years, at which point it would be uncertain if I'd go on to grad school. How necessary is grad school for an artist- what does it qualify you for over just a bachelor's degree? Is it more important to get really great undergrad training at any cost or to get a master's degree?</p>
<p>MFA is the terminal degree in Art and Design - with the exception of art history. To teach at the college level, you generally need a terminal degree. If you have no desire to teach, an M.A. might be sufficient to continue your portfolio development, or if you wish to make a career change. </p>
<p>Otherwise a degree means very little because it all comes down to your portfolio.</p>
<p>RainingAgain is correct in saying that an M.F.A. degree is generally required in order to teach art/design at the college level.</p>
<p>Depending on what you want to do after you get your B.A., even a M.A. degree might be unnecessary – IF you have had a solid undergraduate training in your field of art/design. Many working artists have only a B.A. or B.F.A. degree. Success in the art/design world depends primarily on your own talent, creativity, and drive.</p>