MFA vs. PHD

[ripley9]

So after applying and being accepted to both an MFA program in literary translation and a PhD program in Comparative Literature (no word on funding yet) I'm struggling to decide what would be a better place for me.

My career goal is to teach at the university level, but not necessarily exclusively in the States, which leans me toward a PhD since I don't think the MFA carries much weight abroad. But the MFA program has a reputation for being one of the best, which will certainly make a difference (according to my undergrad professors) here in the States.

Any thoughts on this? I've been looking for job placement rates with an MFA vs a PhD, but haven't found a good resource yet.

[engguy]

Why does the choice have to be either-or? Without knowing what this prestigious MFA program is, it's hard to say, but it seems to me that MFA degrees are increasingly becoming a dime a dozen. You should not count on getting an academic position based on an MFA, certainly not outside the states.

Why not wait to see what the PhD offer is, and if it's not good, do the MFA and then re-apply to PhD programs in a few years?

If, on the other hand, you are dead set on putting yourself on the market within the next five years, PhD is the way to go -- again, without knowing the specifics of your situation, exactly what field you're in and what kind of position you're looking for down the road.

[ripley9]

engguy - Thanks for the advice. Sorry, for some reason my signature didn't show up. The MFA is Iowa, the PhD is Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

I think one of my concerns is just the potentially staggering amount of debt I could be getting into and with no word on funding I'll have to continue to wait and second guess myself all the time.

I've thought the same thing about MFAs, but have now started to hear that there are no jobs for Comparative Literature PhDs... who knows. I'd be happy teaching in a creative writing program, or in an English/Literature program, or a Comparative Literature program - in my fantasy I would have the opportunity to teach something of craft, criticism and theory.

[engguy]

impossible to say, mon. an mfa from iowa is a nice thing to have in yr back pocket, but no guarantee of a job. i've heard funding can be tight there once you hit year three. i moved on to the phd from an mfa because i saw most of my classmates lucky to get adjunct work, let alone anything resembling a TT position. my best advice is to go with whatever allows you to do the work you want to do NOW, and let the future take care of itself.

[cc11505]

I have an MFA, and am happy to have it, but am about to go for a PhD in comp lit. still nervous about finding a job, but hopign it'll be better with the phd than the mfa which I have more for pleasure than business. that said, I wouldn't do it without funding!

good luck!

[glasses]

From what I've heard, even if you manage to snag a teaching gig with an MFA, you'll likely be stuck teaching creative writing. So, it's true, Iowa's really great--although they've slipped a bit in recent years--but when you talk about teaching at a university someday, do you see yourself in the Comp Lit dept. or the Creative Writing dept.?

[cinephile]

I have an MFA and will start PhD in the fall. If you decide to do the MFA program you will very likely only get an adjunct teaching position with that degree (shockingly low pay, no benefits, highly exploitative labor, not valued by institution-- you are disposable). With my Ivy League MFA I got "a prized adjunct professor" position at NYU-- but as an adjunct you're still unable to support yourself-- it's no way to live. If your goal is teaching at the university level I strongly recommend that you go for your PhD.