M411

Thanks a lot for your answer. I suppose what you're saying is that the MODA program, even if part of a more renowned department, is a specified program and therefore may limit future PhD and/or academic opportunities whereas the IFA will not in any way limit curatorial pursuits. This is indeed a concern I have and certainly ample justification for attending the IFA, but why exactly is it the case? Certainly, there must be at least some benefit to a a degree with distinction in curatorial practice if I am to pursue a curatorial profession, is there not? Particularly as the entire second year in the MODA program is focused on the writing of a thesis anyway, presumably making it fairly rigorous in straight art history/criticism/research as well...

After having eagerly accepted the MA program at NYU - IFA and having been directly contacted by a future professor in my area of intended study with whom I would love to work, I've recently been offered admission to Columbia's MA in Modern Art: Critical and Curatorial Studies (MODA) program. I'm comparing these two (roughly equally expensive) programs and I'm very curious if anyone would have any information that might help me justify a decision. I'm very interested in pursuing a professional future as a curator and would perhaps even say this is my intent but, particularly as I have a definite and specific area of interest in modern and contemporary Latin American art (which seems better suited at the IFA), not entirely sure that I wan't to burn any bridges in the academic realm. I may very well want to pursue a PhD in the future. I've read in previous threads that a number of people seem to be under the impression that curatorial practice MA's aren't necessarily respected as academic degrees even in the curatorial departments of museums, etc. and that they tend to funnel graduates towards the art gallery and art market worlds which is not my intended path. Thanks in advance for any opinions on the MODA program's strength, reputation and future career possibilities for someone interested in curating and the academic prowess of the IFA for modern Latin American art.