Art is an essential part of our lives, of our existence as human beings.
Being able to create and appreciate the beauty, power, and emotion that art can transmit, sets up apart as a species in the world.
But talent and creativity need a basis, knowledge, practice, and discipline that must be continuously nourished.
One of the best options to accomplish this is to get a postgraduate degree that focuses on the subjects you’re most passionate about.
In the next few sections, we will discuss the basic information about MFAs degrees, focusing on MFAs in Studio Art and how much they cost.
Table of Contents
What Is an MFA?
MFA means Master of Fine Arts, which is a postgraduate degree that is only awarded within the arts field, specifically, the creative arts.
MFAs are mostly focused on Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Design, Creative Writing, and Studio Art.
What Is the Difference Between an MA and an MFA?
Although MFAs are only for the Creative Arts, it is still possible to obtain an MA or Master of Arts, in the same field.
MAs can encompass a large variety of disciplines and fields; they are not just for the Creative Arts.
MFAs are centered on developing and improving the creative abilities of the artist, whereas an MA is significantly more inclined to theory and analysis.
What is an MFA in Studio Art?
An MFA in Studio Art is focused on enhancing the artist’s knowledge and skills in a range of disciplines, such as ceramics, metals, drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and printmaking, among others.
The students must work constantly on projects individually and in groups, as well as participate in art exhibits and the curation of art pieces.
This continuous exposure to other artists’ critique, whether they are part of the faculty or not, will additionally help you to comprehend and see your work from other people’s perspectives, therefore helping you shape your unique point of view.
Why Study an MFA in Studio Art?
Getting an MFA in Studio Art will allow you to strengthen your skills in the discipline of your choice, if you want to pursue a career path as an artist, a curator, or even as an activist.
Being surrounded by a large and diverse group of artists will also help you to make connections in the field, something that is usually associated with finding more suitable career opportunities.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MFA in Studio Art?
An MFA in Studio Art can generally last two or three years, depending on the university you choose to study and how much time you can dedicate to it.
Although most programs are full-time, there are some low-residency programs where students can study part of the time at home, reducing the time spent on campus.
How to Choose an MFA in Studio Art?
In order to choose the right MFA in Studio Art for you, you must consider several factors.
Every university has different concentration disciplines or areas, so it’s going to depend mostly on which area you want to specialize in.
Another important factor is how much time you have to dedicate to your studies.
If you don’t have any limitations, you can study full-time.
If this is not the case, a low-residency program can be the best option for you.
Your budget is always a significant element when choosing to get a postgraduate degree.
Can you afford it or can you be sponsored as an artist to continue your studies?
Nowadays, there are diverse opportunities to get scholarships in almost every field, so it’s always a good idea to check which universities and programs have this option.
How Much Does an MFA in Studio Art Cost?
The total cost of an MFA in Studio Art will vary according to the university, program, and city where you want to study.
Mandatory fees can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 per year, and health insurance could cost from $800 to $3,000 per year.
Tuition fees on average can cost from $8,000 to $30,000 per year in order to obtain an MFA in Studio Art.
