Design program decision

[horchata]

So I need to choose between 3 very different programs...an MFA in Media Design at Art Center, an MS in Communications Design at Pratt, and a BFA in Graphic Design at CCA.

I have some experience in design, but not much art/design schooling, and a desire for rigor and being hands-on (but also wanting good conceptual/theoretical understanding...a totally applied and technical college style program wouldn't cut it).

A BFA at CCA might let me capture the art foundation i never had (have tried to wrangle it DIY style through night classes, but I still crave a comprehensive foundation). I apparently would only be one of many 2nd degree students there. Still, the thought of 2-3 years of high tuition, surrounded by mostly kids, for another bachelors, is a bit tough to choose, esp. when a masters is on the table too. Pluses would be that the pressure of a thesis would be off, and I could use the freedom to study photography, printmaking, and lots of things that I think would enrich my design. I also love San Fran.

Art Center seems like a really amazing school...the facilities boggle the mind. The students are a talented and diverse bunch, to say the least. I would have dedicated studio space with large format printers within a stone's throw, not to mention wood, letterpress, and metal studios in the building, exclusive to grad students. The only thing is that with the MFA's emphasis on defining and inventing the discipline's future through non-medium-specific exploration, heavily leaning towards technology and non-trad approaches to design, I worry that I won't have enough of a footing in the basics to be happy and confident exploring the outer limits. I like their approach and could see launching off into that, but worry I just ain't ready yet. Still wanting a deft and confident command of visual vocabulary and form-making.

Pratt's seems to be a more pragmatic program...most faculty are full-time in the industry. Yet they don't skip over theory altogether. There is still a thesis component as well, but the degree is not meant to be academic enough to to prepare you to teach at the college level (I think). Pratt seems like it will meet me where I am, though. I do wonder if it's a tad large and impersonal. I suppose it is if you compare it to the the tiny class size and intimate environment at Art Center. What do people know about Pratt's MS in Communications Design? I liked the chair when I went to their info session.

As far as my future plans go, I might want to teach someday, but perhaps it would make more sense to hold off on the MFA until I'm ready for very advanced programs aimed at established designers? And who knows maybe I'd get more funding and choices then? (I only applied to the few MFA programs that offer a 3 year option).

whew that was a long brain dump. Any thoughts?

[deekim85]

Hi, I also got admitted to Art Center's Media Design Program(3-year). I agree that the program doesn't concentrate in one area, but explores many thnigs related to the term 'Meda'..I like 'design', but I'm not sure whether or nor I want to be a 'designer'.. That's why I'm hesitant of this 3-year intensive program..

My biggest concern in money... Though they offered $4000 scholarship, I heard their amount of tuition and other fees are huge compared to other schools. You know they have a mandatory summer x-term which costs like $16,000.. I don't see them giving RA and TA opportunities to 3-year track students that much..

Very strong program.. but I'm considering other schools with scholarship or more specific finacnial assistance information. are your thoughts on the mony problem of MPD?..

[aimelie]

Hi,

I applied to MFA design program too! and I am in the same situation as you.... don't have much design background (I graduated in advertising, working as a copywriter), self-taught designer, do some freelance graphic design.

Well, I totally understand your stress. Thinking to go into somewhere that may surrounding with many 'genius' design people.

I don't know much about Art center so I will kept it for other people who knows better.

As for CCA, I used to talked with one of their faculty staff. Since I do afraid that I don't have design foundation and I don't know if I am 'capable' to fit in their Master degree. She just said that even the department require student with design background but for the lack-design-knowledge-student who have the 'eye for design' is kind of student they want to develop. She think the department can help you with some foundation you don't have.

I do understand that you're accepted to CCA's BFA not MFA...I think MFA is value and the faculty's staff told me that the portfolio of the MFA student and BFA is totally different. MFA has more focus in the work while BFA is in middle of that. My though is you should go to MFA. I think BFA is taking too much time for the money you've to pay for... you know, CCA is pretty expensive art school.

Anyway, I applied to CCA's MFA design too but I was rejected from them so... enough talking about CCA T_T

I am accepted to Pratt master in communication design too. The thing I don't like in Pratt is I think they are too greedy.

As international student, I am force to take their english exam even I have TOEFL score of 610. It is really unfair because they state clearly in website that TOEFL over 600 is not require to take the exam.

The approximate student in communication design program is 70.... 70!! it is very very huge class. Beside academy of art in SF, all my friend who want to study design are accepted to Pratt and someone I know who graduate from Pratt aren't that good.

However, I do found some value in Pratt. Their program is designed for student who don't have much design background. So, basically, they will teach you like BFA class in their MFA program! some typography class, composition class blah blah blah.

Now, my hope is Cranbrook academy of art. I was interview in mid-March. now, waiting for their final decision. It might be the toughest because I heard that the class is pretty intense. However, I like the idea of the program that the artist-in-residence will taught you to be the best designer YOU can be .But in other school, they will taught you to be the best designer THEY want you to be.

Anyway, I heard that Detroit city is pretty scary..

horchata, just choose what you think is value to your life most. I mean, calculate the money you have to lose and compare it with the final outcome when you've graduated. Graduated from Pratt Mdes, CCA's BFA or MFA art center - Will you become who you want to be with all the money you have spend?

[cmster]

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[cmster]

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[horchata]

My biggest concern in money... Though they offered $4000 scholarship, I heard their amount of tuition and other fees are huge compared to other schools. You know they have a mandatory summer x-term which costs like $16,000.. I don't see them giving RA and TA opportunities to 3-year track students that much..

Very strong program.. but I'm considering other schools with scholarship or more specific finacnial assistance information. are your thoughts on the mony problem of MPD?..

Yes I echo your concern. The $4000 scholarship only levels the tuition with other schools. It's a lot to get loaned for for three years. Hmmm, I hadn't thought about the extra $ that the X-term would add. ouch.

[horchata]

As for CCA, I used to talked with one of their faculty staff. Since I do afraid that I don't have design foundation and I don't know if I am 'capable' to fit in their Master degree. She just said that even the department require student with design background but for the lack-design-knowledge-student who have the 'eye for design' is kind of student they want to develop. She think the department can help you with some foundation you don't have.

hmm, I should have applied to the MFA, it looks like. For some reason, I didn't gather that I was eligible, but after reading their website more, it looks like I may have been.

I am accepted to Pratt master in communication design too. The thing I don't like in Pratt is I think they are too greedy.

As international student, I am force to take their english exam even I have TOEFL score of 610. It is really unfair because they state clearly in website that TOEFL over 600 is not require to take the exam.

Do they make you pay to take their english exam?

The approximate student in communication design program is 70.... 70!! it is very very huge class. Beside academy of art in SF, all my friend who want to study design are accepted to Pratt and someone I know who graduate from Pratt aren't that good.

Is that the entire program, or just one class? Either way, it's pretty big.

However, I do found some value in Pratt. Their program is designed for student who don't have much design background. So, basically, they will teach you like BFA class in their MFA program! some typography class, composition class blah blah blah.

I'm hoping that by virtue of having people from many backgrounds, with life and work experience, the crits and discussion will be more interesting than in a BFA program with very young students. Wonder if that's the case...I'm going to try to visit a class if I can.

Now, my hope is Cranbrook academy of art. I was interview in mid-March. now, waiting for their final decision. It might be the toughest because I heard that the class is pretty intense. However, I like the idea of the program that the artist-in-residence will taught you to be the best designer YOU can be .But in other school, they will taught you to be the best designer THEY want you to be.

Good luck! I think it looks pretty cool.

horchata, just choose what you think is value to your life most. I mean, calculate the money you have to lose and compare it with the final outcome when you've graduated. Graduated from Pratt Mdes, CCA's BFA or MFA art center - Will you become who you want to be with all the money you have spend?