Off the top .... MFA Design Programs

[StephenLeeOgden]

I'm contemplating an MFA in Design so I can be qualified to teach at a university (one day). I've been a professional designer for 8+ years now and presently enjoy quite a bit of success (the way business people might measure it). That said, I still want to teach and recently had the opportunity to instruct as an Adjunct as a way to get my feet wet. It really lit a desire for me to maybe make the jump into academia once again.

I have a family and have grown up in smaller communities. As much as I, personally, might enjoy a large metro area, I do not think it would be the best move for my wife and baby girl. The burden of cost of living expenses is a major consideration. So I'm looking for MFA programs that are somewhat 'off the top' of the best of lists (most of which are in major metro areas with sky high living costs).

Does anyone have any experience with programs in the southeast or midwest? Any recommendations or similar situations (family considerations)?

 

I completed my BFA at Western Kentucky University.

[kafralal]

No experience here, but you might look into Cranbrook http://www.cranbrookart.edu/. Their 2D (design) program looks pretty interesting. Their website says that "rent in the Cranbrook area is about average for the United States"—whatever that means. Tuition is high, but it sounds like need based awards are given when they have the funds to do so.

[douchamp]

The best design mfa programs are

 

Yale
Risd
Cranbrook
Cal arts
VCU
Carnegie mellon

 

The top four are especially at the top. Risd in particular is primarily a design school and has been consistently the best undergrad and grad GD program.

[StephenLeeOgden]

Thanks. I'm really not interested in "the top" ... VCU interests me a little but ultimately not enough to apply there. Most of these are high dollar, no funding, private institutions. Which is fine and good if your circumstances allow for that. Mine unfortunately do not. I'm looking for an underdog program in a low-cost of living market.

For example: Notre Dame is a program of great interest. It's well connected and research oriented … In close proximity to Chicago and has a robustly successful track record for serious work and strong student transition to professional practice in design. But, they are not on any of the 'lists'.

I'm looking for other off-list schools to consider. I'm also considering schools like UT Knoxville (ranked in the 40s I think) and the University of Missouri at Columbia, Iowa State U, U of Iowa, etc. I think there are tons of great programs that don't get that gloss of accolades the top-dollar metro centered programs enjoy. I'm looking for those sorta reccomendations.

 

I may be visiting the SECAC conference later this year to meet numerous program representitives in person.

[kafralal]

I hear you. I mentioned Cranbrook because it looks to be well outside the city, but I've only seen it on Google maps. My thought was that it could be part of a plan on the chance that they give you money for tuition.

 

You may get more helpful responces when there are more people logging on and posting.

 

Thanks for posting the link!

[dwise1]

Stephen,

 

I applied to three schools last year...Yale, Cranbrook, and MICA.  I was interviewed by the first two, accepted by the second, wait listed by the first, and rejected by the third, all with a portfolio teetering on the edge of what could be considered "graphic design".  I wouldn't sell yourself short.  If you are passionate about teaching and making it will show through in your statement and portfolio.  Most schools are looking for applicants whose views and ideas of what design is challenges the common understanding.  Why do you want to teach and how will going to _____ institution matter?  Just wanting the mfa isn't enough and shouldn't be(NOT questioning your desire or drive).

 

I would apply to a mix of the top schools and the not so top("off the top") schools.  Regardless of the privatization these top schools do give out money, not full rides, but considerable amounts and award financial aid.  It is two/three years of your life, a hefty weight on the resume, and an experience that I imagine to be really invaluable despite its monetary label...Getting the teaching jobs at the universities where the students have the most drive and the most excitement(speaking from experience of being stuck in a state undergrad depart...lets face it the students really make the institution more so then faculty and facilities, but it is a balance...getting off point, but you know what I mean, right?) usually garners a degree from the same.

 

Good luck,

David