Should You go to Graduate School for Your MFA?
Over the years, I’ve gotten the same question from students, artists and artist friends about whether they should investigate attending a fine art graduate program. The article below is excerpted from a recent email conversation I had on the subject with an artist friend who asked me that burning question “Should I go to graduate school?” I discuss the whys and why nots, but my answers are mostly just my story and ultimately my story ends with pointed questions to ask yourself as this decision is so very individualized. Also, I must preface by saying that my personal experience with graduate school is as an older student with no children and its possibly more appropriate for other women with life experiences similar to mine to see themselves in it. My answer to the graduate school question might be very different were it directed at a recent undergrad.
I attended graduate school when I was 34-36 years old and for me it was the best thing I ever did, it changed my life. I was 29 when I was first accepted into the Fibers & Materials Studies Graduate Program at Tyler School of Art, but because of an unexpected illness with devastating consequences I was forced to defer the acceptance. By the time I had healed, both emotionally and physically, I was ready for big changes and to challenge myself creatively. The second time I applied, I received an acceptance with a Fellowship that included a full ride and a stipend-Big Surprise! At the time, Tyler’s graduate program included a full load of classes, plus studio work. With my extra Fellowship hours and a full-time waitressing job to make ends meet, I didn’t have a social life at all and although this isn’t necessarily the typical graduate school experience, it isn’t far off. Attending graduate school isn’t easy on your social and family life and you may incur debt. As an artist, it’s a definite possibility that this debt may take a long time to pay off. When your goals fully align with your acceptance of sacrifices, your decision should be clear.
My reasons for seeking this degree were to expand on my studio work, I felt like there was something more I wanted to say with my work and I wasn't getting there on my own. The last thing I wanted to do was teach, but part of my Fellowship required me to teach, so I was thrown out to the wolves and found out I actually loved it. Not only that, I was good at it AND I expanded on my studio work in the process. I also sold a painting at my Thesis Show to someone I didn’t know and I had never sold anything I had made before. Aptly named Fulfillment, that seminal painting is pictured above at the top of this article.
Earning this degree truly changed everything for me. I was extremely terrified to go back to school and was challenged everyday with something that took me out of my comfort zone. It turned out that taking me out of my comfort zone was the best thing for me and I surprisingly accepted each challenge, however, not always gracefully.
Graduate school is artist boot camp, it will shake you up and spit you out as a newly formed artist-the same person, but totally changed in a lot of ways. I can tell you that there were many days during my first year, especially, that I was either crying or leaving school with a migraine, or both. Because of the combination of the Fellowship, my other job, a full load of classes, plus newly married and a new homeowner, I was pretty stressed out and sleep deprived every day for a solid two years. Not to mention the constant questioning of myself as an artist and 'am I good enough to be here' kind of thinking. I was pretty much a mess, but so was everyone else in my program! I think that was part of it...like boot camp, they broke us down to build us back up and it truly worked for me. I was making work that I never even imagined I could make. Sometimes I wish I could go back.
Whatever stage you find yourself, you will definitely need to cut some things out of your life if you take on a graduate program-this kind of thing really demands your full attention. I was a little older than most graduate students, but not the oldest in my group. There were others who had young families -they were there to simply secure a university teaching job, but they worked just as hard and were just as talented. This is a do-able thing for you if you really want it, but you will have to learn to juggle some things. In fact, you’ll be a professional juggler (metaphorically, of course) by the time of graduation.
Now, keep in mind that what I’ve written here is coming from a perspective of one who attended graduate school 20+ years ago. Today, there are many more choices available for those seeking a terminal degree in fine art. Lo-res programs, focused, intensive, virtual and in-person study with art coaches and experienced artists, long term and short-term artist residencies, all could greatly expand your work. The degrees, certificates and experiences all differ in what they could offer in the way of teaching jobs, but it doesn’t hurt to investigate these things. These programs are certainly less expensive, demand much less of your time and are just as rewarding. I know several people who have attended lo-res programs and their work changed drastically in a good way in a very short time. It all depends on your goals and what you’re looking to do with the degree. Check out the list of questions below to help guide you to where you want to go as well as a helpful video focused on aiding you in making this important decision with a Q&A offering a variety of perspectives on the subject. Good luck in whatever you decide to do !
Questions to ask yourself if you’re considering graduate school.
1. What is your goal for going back to school?
2. What is the purpose of this degree for you?
3. Do you want to teach at the university level?
4. Do you want to raise the bar of your studio work?
5. Are you interested in making connections to galleries, curators, or other Fine Art networking opportunities?
6. Are you looking to check a box on your bucket list?
7. Are you prepared to sacrifice some things to achieve this degree? Money? Time with family and friends? Your mental health?
8. Can your main goals be attained in some other less expensive, less time-consuming way?
9. Do your goals make you a good candidate for a lo-res MFA Program, a long term in-person Residency Program or some other kind of intensive study?
Alternatives to the typical University MFA Program (not at all an exhaustive list, please let me know if there is something I should add here)
1. Res Artis Artist Residency Listing
2. Artist Communities Alliance Artist Residency Listing
3. Nicholas Wilton Creative Visionary Program (Virtual)
4. Michael David’s Yellow Chair Salon (Virtual)
5. Michael David’s Master Class Residencies