MCAD, MFA program insights?

[anataylor]

Hello,

I've been accepted to MCAD's mfa program for photography/video. Does anyone have insights about/ experience with the program?

Is the "film" department supportive of experimental video and installation?

How experimental is the photography faculty?

Thanks all!

a.

[leee]

Hi anataylor, I've also been accepted to MCAD but in the painting program. Have you visited the grad studios there? From what I saw when I walked through, it seemed one could experiment and cross into some other areas if it fits your ideas. I saw some photo work as I walked around, but didn't see much work there over all which was surprising. Do you plan on attending? I'm still up in the air yet , waiting to hear back from one more school then making up my mind. Best of luck. If you have any questions about the school or studios I took a bunch of pictures while there and would be happy to share them with you if you haven't had the opportunity to view the Whittier Studios.

[anataylor]

Hey leee,

Congrats on your acceptance! maybe we will be classmates!

I'm on the fence about attending. I'm not sure if I will get the support I need at MCAD, but they sent me the best financial aid package.

I spent some time researching the media faculty, and it seems their experience is heavily based on commercial work- Something I'm definitely not interested in. I'm not clear if any faculty has an interest in non-linear experimental video/ photography either.

My next step is to take a visit and talk with some faculty.

What were your impressions of the school? What appeals to you about the painting program? Did you meet any current grad students? Did you get to talk with any faculty? Have you looked at any faculty portfolios, what do you think?

Thanks for your reply!

best of luck with your decisions,

A

[justjean]

Hi everyone, I'm just finishing my BFA in painting from MCAD and I have been to the Whittier studios a couple times and know some MFA grads. It is a wonderful program, so much that I almost wish I hadn't of came here for my BFA so I could get my MFA here instead. The reason why I love it here is because it is very diverse and encourages concept and multi-disciplinary studies. There is plenty of studio space in the Whittier studios and computers and scanners, etc. It is also mentor based and the professors are very approachable and willing to help, studio visits are a normal routine. There are many great teachers: Howard Quednau, the current fine arts chair, Michael Karaken, Aaron Van Dyke, etc etc. The photo teacher Rik Sferra has been at MCAD for more than 20 years. It's strange that MCAD's faculty work seems commercial to you, but that's understandable. Some of the faculty that I enjoy unfortunately don't have current work up anywhere on the internet. I personally have loved MCAD because although I am a painting major I have switched up mediums and been able to do what I want in my classes to fit the concepts of each piece I work on.

[leee]

thanks for all the info. Jean! Very much appreciated. Also, I find your work very engaging! Was curious as to what your thoughts are on the neighborhood of Whittier in Minneapolis, most concerned with safety issues. any info on this would also be appreciated! Thanks again.

Edited April 11, 2012 by leee

[justjean]

Thanks leee =)

Will you have a car or a bike? I've lived in over seven different apartments the last four years so I can definitely help you out. You don't want to live on 3rd Ave S, it's right by the school, but this area isn't safe. You can walk around, but have friends with you. Nearer spy house and bad waitress, this stretch is called eat street and there is more traffic so you will be okay to walk around there. I suggest trying to find an apartment on blaisdell. If you want to be closer, there are apartments available right above spyhouse and right across the street, it's only a block from the school so the convenience is nice and walking near here is safer. Stay away from Washburn Fair Oaks, usually lots of bums sleeping there. Mint Properties owns a few apartments on blaisdell, they're are an okay management company. If you can, get a place in Uptown, it's a better environment and cooler area to live in, 3MIN driving, and you can take a bus to school. If you have any more questions, you can e-mail me =) If you do decide to come to MCAD, let's meet up for some coffee or I can show you around =)

[little_kro]

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread but it looks like they have a new website : http://www.mcad-mfa.com/

 

Might be worth taking a look!

[Rabbitttttttt]

Got accepted this year! Would like to hear opinions about the program?

Edited April 1, 2013 by Rabbitttttttt

[little_kro]

What discipline? Its a pretty highly regarded program, especially for experimentation and collaboration.

 

It's interdisciplinary but has a stronger representation in some fields than others.

Edited April 1, 2013 by little_kro

[Rabbitttttttt]

What discipline? Its a pretty highly regarded program, especially for experimentation and collaboration.

It's interdisciplinary but has a stronger representation in some fields than others.

I got into photo! What about ranking and not having as many notable graduates that are successful compared to other more well known schools like SAIC, Calarts, Cranbrook, Massart etc

[little_kro]

Its mentor-based so you'd be working with an established photographer that either works at MCAD or one that you connect with in the area (Compensated by MCAD) - Or choose someone outside of the discipline, your call. 

 

I'd disregard ranking as it means very little though considering notable graduates is an interesting statistic. 

 

All depends on the kind of experience that you want - some have more structure, some have less. MCAD is based on a European model - you steer the ship with guidence of the faculty, mentor, and peers.

[Rabbitttttttt]

Its mentor-based so you'd be working with an established photographer that either works at MCAD or one that you connect with in the area (Compensated by MCAD) - Or choose someone outside of the discipline, your call.    I'd disregard ranking as it means very little though considering notable graduates is an interesting statistic.    All depends on the kind of experience that you want - some have more structure, some have less. MCAD is based on a European model - you steer the ship with guidence of the faculty, mentor, and peers.

Great! Thanks for the info