Guide to Master's Degrees in Art & Design
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Whether you're hoping to improve your portfolio, immerse yourself in design theory, or prepare for a doctoral degree, a master's degree in art and design may help you realize your goals. Your first step as a prospective student should be to fully understand the different types of art and design degrees you may earn at the master's level. |
A Master of Arts degree is considered strong training for aspiring educators, professionals, and those wishing to pursue a PhD. Students enjoy studio design and art courses, plus graduate-level theory in the subjects of their choice. An MA sometimes takes less time than an MFA, though programs vary.
Generally considered more artistic than theory-based, the Master of Fine Arts degree is often considered first for aspiring artists. The MFA is considered a terminal degree, meaning that it is considered the highest degree that an artist can achieve in the field. However, some art and design fields may offer additional PhD training.
Individual master's degree programs vary, which means you may find a theory-heavy MFA in photography or a studio-based MA in creative writing. Typically, aspiring artists and designers looking for a terminal degree may pursue an MFA, while those preparing for PhD programs or looking for a shorter, theory-based degree may pursue an MA.
In the art and design graduate college, students can sometimes choose between a Master of Arts (MA) degree and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. The two degrees often share similar classes, but in general, you may make the following distinctions:
Understanding Different Master's Degrees in Art and Design
Whether you're hoping to improve your portfolio, immerse yourself in design theory, or prepare for a doctoral degree, a master's degree in art and design may help you realize your goals. Your first step as a prospective student should be to fully understand the different types of art and design degrees you may earn at the master's level.
Earn a Master's Degree Online or Offline
Earning a master's degree in art and design used to mean mandatory classroom attendance. Today, students don't even need to live near campus. Online and low-residency courses are a relatively recent offering, allowing graduate students the freedom to choose their own educational style. Here are the three major ways you can earn a master's degree in art and design:
Earn a master's degree online and benefit from the convenience of logging on to class from anywhere in the world. The online master's degree is often preferred by working adults, students without easy campus access, and self-paced learners who work well independently.
This method is considered the traditional way to earn a master's degree in art and design. Students live on or near campus, meeting multiple times a week to complete studio and theory courses. Attendance commitments remove some of the convenience of online master's degrees, but many students appreciate hands-on access to art studios and software, and in-person interactions with instructors.
Popular with MFA programs, a low-residency master's degree takes place over a concentrated period of face-to-face campus time. Students complete much of their study independently, but come together with faculty and peers for intensive campus-based sessions. Many low-residency programs take place over three or four month-long sessions.
Your individual learning style and needs as a student should help determine which type of master's degree in art and design that you pursue. In general, independent and self-motivated students flourish in low-residency and online programs, while those seeking collaboration and hands-on feedback enjoy the campus-based model.
Popular Master's Degrees in Art and Design
These popular MA and MFA degrees offer the next level of training. Improve your artistic portfolio, learn history, theory, and technical details, and prepare yourself to work in the industry of your choice.
- Animation and visual effects:
Bring your wildest dreams to life with a master's degree in animation. Coursework may focus on computer animation and require specific software packages.
Improve your writing through studio workshops. Though the MFA is popular, many schools offer an MA course designed in part to prepare students for a creative or theory-based PhD.
Enhance your portfolio, deepen your knowledge of art history, and take your talent to a higher level with an MA or MFA in fine art. The MA combines visual and theoretical work.
Learn software and hardware fundamentals and earn a master's degree in graphic design. MFA and MA degrees offer a balanced approach, and students may go on to pursue more education, teach, freelance, or find a salaried design position.
Visual communication through illustration is stressed in this graduate course. Students study illustration in electronic and print media, preparing for technical or artistic careers in the field.
Whether you're interested in teaching photography or specializing in fine art, portraiture, wedding photography, or photojournalism, MA and MFA degrees prepare you for the field.
Technical and Specialized Master's Degrees in Art and Design
Combine your artistic interests with technical knowledge and high-level skill. Earn an MFA or MA degree in one of the following specialized art and design programs, and learn where your expertise can take you.
- Computer arts and new media:
Learn the tools of the trade as you work with industry-standard hardware and software with this high-tech art degree.
Learn the history of fashion and carve out your own niche in the industry, building on a bachelor's degree in fashion design or adding to an unrelated undergrad training.
Help create the high-tech products and useful objects we use every day with a master's degree in industrial design. Both MFA and MA programs are offered.
- Interior architecture and design:
Whether you're interested in filling a space with the perfect furnishings or creating the space itself, there's a master's degree for you. Architecture degrees come in pre-professional, professional, post-professional, and non-professional varieties.
- Motion pictures and television:
The artistry and design found in movies and television ranges from animation and graphic design to screenwriting. Find your own strengths with a master's degree.
Learn More About MA and MFA Degrees in Art and Design
As you begin to consider a master's degree in art and design, it helps to know your options. Research individual degree programs to learn more about coursework, time commitments, and other facts. Learn more about potential programs and pursue your graduate degree with confidence.
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