Your Guide to Pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Program

Key Takeaways

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program is for graduate students who want to pursue a career in an artistic field.
MFA majors include visual arts, creative writing, performing arts, design, and media arts.
To get into an MFA program, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree and submit a portfolio of your work, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
The benefits of an MFA include honing your artistic skills, expanding your network, standing out in a competitive job market, gaining access to top resources and mentors, and having dedicated time to build your portfolio.

Calling all creatives! Did you know you could go to graduate school to just focus on creative arts? If you have a passion for an artistic field like creative writing, visual arts, or theater, you could earn a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. That’s right! Just imagine: instead of biology and statistics classes, you’re heading off to art history or ceramics.

Thinking this could be the path for you? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about an MFA degree, its specializations, what to expect from the curriculum, the top MFA programs, and the career opportunities that come with it.

What Is a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree?

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree is awarded to graduate students who choose to pursue a specific discipline in the creative arts. This can range from anything like acting and dancing to photography and graphic design. These programs are different from other academic degrees, as they aim specifically to help you sharpen your artistic skills and creative development. Most MFA programs typically take between two and three years to complete and are considered terminal degrees.

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What Majors Can I Pursue Within an MFA Program?

There are many different majors within an MFA program you can choose from. Typically, they fall under these concentrations:

Visual Arts: Love being in the studio? Your options include painting, sculpting, photography, drawing, ceramics, and printmaking.
Creative Writing: Choose to concentrate on fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, or playwriting.
Performing Arts: Think theater, dancing, acting, and music composition. But this is also for those who want to be behind the stage managing or directing.
Design: Specialize in graphic, game, fashion, or industrial design and bring your ideas to life.
Media Arts: If you love telling visual stories, consider documentary filmmaking, TV and film production, scriptwriting, cinematography, or animation.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an MFA Program

Your admission to an MFA program relies heavily on your artistic ability and if the school sees potential for you to grow and develop. Though each MFA program may have different admission requirements, here are some of the most common ones you’ll find schools looking for:

Bachelor’s Degree: Just like any other graduate program, you’ll need to show proof of your bachelor’s degree.
Portfolio or Writing Sample: Depending on what you choose to specialize in, you’ll need to submit your talent. This could be in the form of audition tapes, a digital or physical portfolio of your work, or writing samples (if applicable).
Statement of Purpose: This is your written letter to help you stand out from other applicants that states why you want to pursue an MFA at the specific school you’re applying to.
Letter(s) of Recommendation: Certain MFA programs may require that you submit letters from mentors or professionals who can speak to your creative talent.

What Can I Expect From an MFA Program?

When starting your MFA degree, you can expect a lot of hands-on, immersive learning. There will also be plenty of time to work on your art—which is a great thing! You’ll have collaborative workshops and lectures that will teach you more about your art. You may even get to choose elective courses, which are a great opportunity if you’ve always wanted to try something new!

MFA programs are typically small, which means you’ll be able to work closely with your mentors and professors throughout your program. Most students will need to complete a thesis project of their original work (i.e., a novel, film, or art exhibit) to graduate.

Top MFA Programs

When it comes to choosing the right MFA program, you’ll want to consider who is going to be teaching you, what kind of curriculum is taught, and the location of where you’ll be attending. Here are some schools with MFA programs to get you started on your search:

Yale University: Offers MFA degrees through their graduate and professional school, Yale School of Art, in Graphic Design, Painting/Printmaking, Photography, and Sculpture.
Rhode Island School of Design: Offers MFA degrees in Ceramics, Digital & Media, Furniture Design, Glass, Global Arts & Cultures, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Landscape Architecture, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Teaching & Learning in Art & Design, and Textiles.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Offers MFA degrees in Architecture, Art & Technology, Ceramics, Comics, Design for Emerging Technologies, Designed Objects, Fashion Body & Garment, Fiber & Material Studies, Film Video New Media & Animation, Painting & Drawing, Performance, Photography, Print Media, Sculpture, Visual Communication Design, and Writing.
Columbia University: Columbia University’s School of the Arts, offers MFA degrees in Film, Film & Media Studies, Theatre, Visual Arts & Sound Art, and Writing.
University of California-Los Angeles: Offers MFA degrees in Ceramics, Interdisciplinary Studio, New Genres, Painting & Drawing, Photography, and Sculpture.

The Benefits of an MFA Degree

Is an MFA worth it? That’s up to you, but for many, getting their MFA degree is a transformative experience. Here are five reasons it may be the right move for you:

Skill Development: This is your time to fully commit to your craft. There are no distractions, definitely no math classes, and instead, just time to be creative. Once you graduate, you’ll have refined your skills and built a newfound confidence in your work.
Networking Opportunities: You’ll be surrounded by other artists, mentors, and industry professionals who not only relate to your talent but can also help connect you to others in your desired industry.
Potential Career Advancement: Jobs in the creative field can be hard to come by and they are usually competitive. Having an MFA can help you stand out to employers.
Access To Top Resources and Mentors: Most MFA programs keep class sizes small, so you’ll get to know your professors well. And not to mention, you’ll get access to professional studios and high-end equipment that you otherwise might not have on your own.
Portfolio Development: An MFA gives you dedicated time to create a body of work that truly represents what you can do.

What Jobs Can I Get With an MFA Degree?

According to Payscale, the average salary for an MFA degree holder is $71,000. Here are some common careers for those with an MFA degree and their average salaries:

Is a Master of Fine Arts Degree for You?

If you desire to work in creative fields as an artist, designer, or writer, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree may be your next step. Not only will you further develop your artistic skills, but you’ll also help yourself stand out in a competitive job market. You have the creative vision, now go make it happen!

Wondering which creative career is right for you? Use College Raptor’s Career Finder to look at job openings, salaries, required education levels, and the necessary skills needed for any career.