masters in graphic design? is it worth it?

<p>i dont have any plans right now other then getting my bachelors in graphic design, then <em>possibly</em> getting an MBA. but a thought just came into my mind right now - how useful would an MFA in graphic design be? im slightly scared because im worried that maybe i wont get enough training to be competitive in the field with just a bachelors - any thoughts?</p>

<p>In regards to being competitive, I think it is experience that matters most. With the right drive and determination you can be as ably competitive with a Bachelors degree as with a Masters. However, if you are really passionate about Graphic Design and WANT to further your studies, a Masters program might be right for you. </p>

<p>I have often heard it recommended though, that artists choose another major for their masters studies. It can help diversify a person in the marketplace and enrich their creative and conceptual abilities. </p>

<p>Masters degrees are also sought by artists who wish to teach part-time to supplement their income.</p>

<p>My bottom line advice, get the most out of your undergraduate education as you possibly can! When you are about to get your bachelors degree, THEN start thinking about your masters haha. You might even be able to find an employer who will pay for your tuition.</p>

<p>AN MFA degree if for the individual that wishes (primarily) to pursue a teaching career at the college level. Many students with average undergrad portfolios might pursue an MA degree to improve the quality of their work and enhance their chances for employment in a competitive industry. Best advice I can give you is to work for a year or two before making a decision.</p>

<p>//When you are about to get your bachelors degree, THEN start thinking about your masters haha. You might even be able to find an employer who will pay for your tuition.//</p>

<p>Nowadays, that rarely - if ever - happens in a design field.</p>

<p>It's still not impossible, I know a few people in design who have their masters paid for by their employers.</p>

<p>//It's still not impossible, I know a few people in design who have their masters paid for by their employers.//</p>

<p>I did not say it was impossible. </p>

<p>If they found an employer willing to pay graduate tuition nowadays, they were very lucky. I would not count on it. If you provided specifics, we might discover some unusual circumstances.</p>

<p>I have to agree with RainingAgain. It is very, very rare nowadays to find an employer willing to pay for a masters degree in design.</p>

<p>im surprised that it appears that there are employers out there who pay for an employee to go get another degree - there has to be a catch right?... (i dont know anything about this - i really am surprised)</p>

<p>If your intent is to work as a graphic artist, then the Bach would be enough. That arena of arts tends to prefer those who work within system and obtain field experience, so the Bach is enough to get you in the door. An MA would be an enhancement but not critical. Keep in mind that out the door for the first few years, what you'll be doing is prep/production work rather than full out design. At least for a large design firm that would be the norm. </p>

<p>Concerning an MFA, those are very definitely oversold by the Universities especially given the costs of such a terminal degree. And yes, it is intended as a terminal for teaching at the University college level. But, on average only about 10-15% of the MFA contingent get the coveted full time collegiate postings.
Many are part timers, and a 50,000 degree doesn't make much sense for what can often be tenous employment at semester wages which don't pay enough to make the student loan payments on the degree. Others go into gallery work, art centers and etc, and often in those environments a business or administrative degree would serve as well or better.</p>