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Nov 29, 2023 · With an MFA, you can go on to work in your chosen field, such as designing costumes, writing novels, or producing films. Thanks to the terminal nature of the degree, you can also teach at the university level. The average salary for MFA degree holders is $64,000 [2]. Your salary will depend on your chosen profession, the industry you work in ...
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With an MFA, you can go on to work in your chosen field,...
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Dec 12, 2018 · According to PayScale, a compensation data company that publishes the going rates for various types of jobs, the average MFA degree-holder in the U.S. earns an annual salary of $58,000.
- Ilana Kowarski
- Reporter
- Overview
- What is an MFA degree?
- MFA majors
- MFA Requirements
- Costs of an MFA program
- MFA formats
- MFA vs. MA degrees
- Pros and cons of an MFA
If you're passionate about fine arts, whether that's writing, painting, photography, dance, musical composition, theater, acting or fashion design, you might be interested in earning a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree to expand your skills and advance your career. The graduate-level degree is available in a variety of programs for students who want...
An MFA is a graduate degree focused on visual and performing arts, design or creative writing. It appeals to those who are passionate about a particular art or creative field and want to expand their skills. In an MFA program, students learn by gaining practical experience in their field. They also learn its history, facts and classical works. Those who choose to pursue an MFA usually want to work in artistic professions and pursue careers such as:
•Author
•Editor
•Playwright
•Dancer
•Actor
1. Filmmaking
Filmmaking is a useful MFA major for those interested in working in television or film. It teaches skills related to a wide variety of filmmaking responsibilities including editing, directing, screenwriting, producing, casting and sound recording. An MFA in filmmaking often includes film projects as assignments. Some schools may offer a general filmmaking MFA while others focus on more specific areas such as camera angles, casting or set design.Related: Is a Film Degree Worth It? (8 Reasons To Pursue This Degree)
2. Acting
Acting is an MFA major related to filmmaking, but the two are generally separate degrees given the different areas of focus. While a filmmaking MFA concentrates on what happens behind the scenes, an acting MFA focuses on the actors in front of the camera or audience. Those who pursue an acting MFA learn about acting theory and methods and how to improve as an actor. They may also learn about successful actors and their performance methods. Finally, acting MFA students may learn about content creation and writing, but to a lesser extent than filmmaking MFAs.
3. Creative writing
Creative writing is a common MFA major most relevant to those interested in writing fiction, creative non-fiction or poetry. A creative writing MFA teaches students how to be better writers and the history of their craft while studying written classics. It can also prepare students to work in industries such as education, publishing, journalism and editing.Related: 12 Jobs You Can Do With a Degree in Creative Writing (Plus Career FAQ)
The requirements for acceptance into an MFA program vary depending on your school and major. Since it's a graduate-level degree, most require you to have a bachelor's degree, although it may not be in a fine arts field. Most applications require you to demonstrate your work in the field of the MFA that you're seeking, such as sharing an artistic po...
The cost of an MFA program varies by school and program. Fine arts schools often give scholarships and financial awards based on merit so students can pay for their education more easily. Many programs offer student employment or help you connect with job opportunities when you graduate.
Low residency
In low residency MFA programs, you rarely come to campus since much of the learning is online. These programs may require a short residency period of a few months to a year, but their remote educational approach offers greater flexibility in terms of location and schedule. Low residency programs may also have more openings because online courses can accommodate more students since there may be more professors to teach remotely.
High residency
High residency MFA programs require you to attend courses in person. They have less flexibility in terms of location since you're required to live nearby. High residency programs may have limited enrollment due to physical space restraints. They may offer more opportunities for networking through classes, school events and even potential teaching engagements.
Just like an MFA, a Master of Arts (MA) degree focuses on a variety of arts and creative subjects. There are key differences. Most consider an MA as more of a scholarly degree since it often covers more of the history and academics of a creative subject rather than the craft itself. It may cover more types of art or creative work because the goal may not be to create it, but rather to understand it. Between the two degrees, MAs often have a broader range of employment opportunities, while MFAs may earn higher pay for their specialized skills.An MFA is a terminal degree, which is the highest level of education for that field. This makes degree holders eligible to teach at the collegiate level. For many MA degree holders, a PhD in their field of study is the highest degree and requires additional years of study.Read more: M.A. vs. M.F.A. Studies: What's the Difference?
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When you choose what type of degree to earn and what school to attend, it's best to keep in mind your own goals and interests. Here are some of the pros of earning an MFA:
•Greater knowledge of your art and how to create it
•Chance to be critiqued by knowledgeable peers
•Increased career opportunities not otherwise available
•Potential to teach at the college level
•Opportunity to gain teaching experience through the high residency option
Jul 10, 2024 · Ph.D. holders earn a median income of $108,316 per year, while those with professional doctorates earn $108,160 per year. This amounts to an approximately 25% increase compared to master's degree holders and a 204% increase compared to those with less than a high school diploma.
Jul 30, 2015 · One of the best aspects of the MFA is the opportunity to work and study in a community of writers. This doesn’t have to end after graduation. Don’t forget to stay in touch with fellow writers and advisors. When you’re knee-deep in a manuscript and need a critique, ask the readers you know you can trust. Keep Writing.
Feb 15, 2021 · The MFA degree is the standard qualifying degree for teaching visual arts at the post-secondary level. So, those seeking a teaching career should strongly consider getting one. Likewise, an MFA may also boost an artist´s application when trying to apply for grants, fellowships, or awards, but this is not written in stone.
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Dec 12, 2018 · Experts say that though there are some extremely wealthy people with MFA degrees who achieved fame and fortune as a result of their art, the vast majority of MFA degree holders earn modest salaries.
