Columbia - MODA vs. NYU - IFA

[M411]

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.

[Seeking]

MA in Art History and Archaeology should ideally be followed by a PhD in Art History that will lead you to an academic job in a university and also towards curatorial jobs in museums if you want to follow that route.

MA in Modern Art and Curatorial Studies will also lead you to a curatorial job in museums and art galleries but eventually you'll need to get a PhD in Art History or curatorial practice if you want to rise in your career as a curator.

The Art History department of Columbia is really very well respected. NYU department is also very good, but Columbia is somewhat more respected.

I feel you can take the NYU offer since it's in Art History and follow it up with a PhD from Columbia. That way, you can choose your career - either as an academic or as a curator.

Many departments at Columbia and NYU participate in the inter-university consortium, which allows students to offer courses in several universities in the NY area. You can find out if while at NYU, you can take a few courses at Columbia. That way, you can experience both universities and perhaps offer a few curatorial courses at Columbia while getting an Art History MA.

Good luck with your career goals.

[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...

[violetvivian]

I would choose NYU-IFA for a number of reasons:

1. If your goal is to become a curator (not a curatorial assistant, or other museum work, but a full curator), you should take the traditional MA track at the IFA. This is because you will eventually need to earn a PhD if you want to pursue this career, and a traditional MA is better preparation for that (in terms of networking, academics, research skills, etc). Then, if you're still interested in a PhD, you can apply again to Columbia or a number of schools with excellent Latin Americanists (cool field!).

2. You have already committed to NYU. I don't know the specifics of your situation, and it's true that Columbia did give you a very late admit, but it's considered a faux pas to renege on an offer after April 15. In this case, the prestige of the programs is fairly equal (particularly on the MA level), and the faculty at IFA has been very responsive and welcoming--I don't see the point of potentially burning bridges at the IFA to accept the Columbia offer. This is the big point that stood out to me when I initially read your post.

3. You seem to be leaning toward NYU in terms of strength in your field. Follow this instinct. It doesn't matter that Columbia is an Ivy if it is weak in your field. In this case, it's not weak, but I think you are right that the IFA is a better research fit (just based on what I've read from both faculties).

Congratulations on having two great offers in hand. Good luck!

[Seeking]

Greenpen says it well.

MODA will lead you to curatorial asstt jobs and you'll need a PhD later to become a full-fledged Curator. MA IFA can also lead you to curatorial jobs but will have greater options for you in terms of getting a PhD because it's a full Art History and Archaeology program and hence, offers more research skills, networking etc.

Besides, ultimately, what matters is whether your PhD is from an Ivy League.

Edited May 6, 2011 by Seeking