What is an MFA?
An MFA is an abbreviation for Master of Fine Arts, a graduate-level degree that focuses on creative studies. There are several types of MFA degrees, including creative writing, art, drama, and photography. MFAs typically last two years, but can sometimes be three years, depending on the school. A student may decide to obtain an MFA simply to engage in an advanced education with the subject of choice; however, an MFA is also a terminal degree, which enables the graduate to apply for jobs as a professor of the particular subject that he or she holds the MFA degree in. Most MFA programs focus on both practical and theoretical study. For instance, in a creative writing MFA program, the student would be required to take classes equivalent to graduate level English courses, which focus heavily on theory and academic work. Additionally, the student would participate in workshops, in which each student brings in their own work and shares it with the other students. The students then engage in
The MFA (Master of Fine Arts) is a specialized, terminal degree available on the graduate level in both fine arts and design. The same aspects that distinguished a BFA from a BA, distinguish an MFA from an MA. The MFA is a concentrated “professional” degree for students seeking advanced education prior to becoming practicing artists or designers. The MA, on the other hand, is usually a “liberal arts” degree with less emphasis on practice. A further distinction is that the MFA must be a two year, 60 credit program, whereas the MA need only be a one year, 30 credit program. Finally, the MFA requires between 65% and 85% of the course work to be in art or design practice, whereas the MA requires approximately 50% in studio areas. In virtually every state in the country, the MFA is considered a “terminal” degree in fine and applied arts majors. That is, there is no higher level degree available or required for the practice oriented student. Approximately half of AICAD’s members offer the MF
