BFA or MFA?

[flawed]

I'm turning 30 this year with no academic/work experience in the arts (B.Sc and MA in totally unrelated fields). 

 

So far, I have been admitted to the BFA program at SAIC and interviews scheduled with 3 other schools for MFA programs. 

 

If I choose to go to SAIC, I will be able to earn a BFA in 2.5 years since they have acknowledged about 60 credits from my previous school. Funding results will be out in a few weeks.

 

It's still early to tell since I haven't received other offers, but I'm wondering what your thoughts are on pursuing a MFA without a traditional arts background. Would it be better for me (at this age) to start out from a BFA? 

 

My purpose is to learn and develop as an artist, and not so much in the prestige associated with degrees. 

 

[technotronic]

SAIC and some other programs (SMFA also I believe) have a post-Bacc program that might be a good fit if you're in between the BFA and MFA.  I think it really depends on your skill level and experience in your chosen medium.  I'm applying to MFAs now without a BFA or traditional arts training background.  For me this feels like a comfortable fit because I have pretty extensive experience in making (I'm pursuing sculpture), and I'm looking to work through the conceptual questions at stake in my practice as opposed to a focus on becoming more competent at the level of craft.  And I still feel like the opportunity to be in art school will allow me to work on and pick up new craft and production skills along the way.

 

It's probably useful that you've applied to both BFA and MFA programs.  It could be that the decision will be made for you through the process.  If you end up being accepted into an MFA program, that probably means you're ready for it - and if I were you I'd definitely go for it if that's the case.

 

good luck!

Edited February 20, 2015 by technotronic

[flawed]

SAIC and some other programs (SMFA also I believe) have a post-Bacc program that might be a good fit if you're in between the BFA and MFA.  I think it really depends on your skill level and experience in your chosen medium.  I'm applying to MFAs now without a BFA or traditional arts training background.  For me this feels like a comfortable fit because I have pretty extensive experience in making (I'm pursuing sculpture), and I'm looking to work through the conceptual questions at stake in my practice as opposed to a focus on becoming more competent at the level of craft.  And I still feel like the opportunity to be in art school will allow me to work on and pick up new craft and production skills along the way.

 

It's probably useful that you've applied to both BFA and MFA programs.  It could be that the decision will be made for you through the process.  If you end up being accepted into an MFA program, that probably means you're ready for it - and if I were you I'd definitely go for it if that's the case.

 

good luck!

 

Thanks technotronic for the reply. I was not aware of post-bacc programs, but I would have applied if I had known. They seem like a good fit for me since I'm feeling rather in between myself, and also more appealing given my financial situation.

 

The portfolio I submitted was my first attempt at coming up with a cohesive body of work so I was actually quite surprised to get interview offers. I guess I'll just sit back and let things play out, and hopefully "the decision will be made" for me like you said. 

 

Good luck on your upcoming interviews 

[hooraypublic]

Thanks technotronic for the reply. I was not aware of post-bacc programs, but I would have applied if I had known. They seem like a good fit for me since I'm feeling rather in between myself, and also more appealing given my financial situation.

The portfolio I submitted was my first attempt at coming up with a cohesive body of work so I was actually quite surprised to get interview offers. I guess I'll just sit back and let things play out, and hopefully "the decision will be made" for me like you said.

Good luck on your upcoming interviews

it's still not too late to apply, the post bac deadline for saic is April 1st if I remember correctly

[technotronic]

it's still not too late to apply, the post bac deadline for saic is April 1st if I remember correctly

 

If you haven't missed the deadlines, you should definitely consider it.  I remember hearing someone say that the post-bacc was useful both for further cultivating your skills and body of work, but also gives you a great leg up in the MFA application process.  Since you're already in the system, you'll have access to faculty who can offer guidance and support, including with letters of recommendation that I imagine would carry solid weight with review committees.

[flawed]

it's still not too late to apply, the post bac deadline for saic is April 1st if I remember correctly

 

You're right! April 1 is the deadline for MICA and SAIC post-bac, and March 15 for SMFA. I'll probably leave the post-bacc as a plan B if the other schools don't work out. 

[flawed]

If you haven't missed the deadlines, you should definitely consider it.  I remember hearing someone say that the post-bacc was useful both for further cultivating your skills and body of work, but also gives you a great leg up in the MFA application process.  Since you're already in the system, you'll have access to faculty who can offer guidance and support, including with letters of recommendation that I imagine would carry solid weight with review committees.

 

Yeah, it was tough getting LORs from faculty in completely unrelated fields. They didn't really understand why I wanted to switch fields. I'll definitely be doing more research on this post-bacc option until the results are announced.

[wzhao]

I'm turning 30 this year with no academic/work experience in the arts (B.Sc and MA in totally unrelated fields). 

 

So far, I have been admitted to the BFA program at SAIC and interviews scheduled with 3 other schools for MFA programs. 

 

If I choose to go to SAIC, I will be able to earn a BFA in 2.5 years since they have acknowledged about 60 credits from my previous school. Funding results will be out in a few weeks.

 

It's still early to tell since I haven't received other offers, but I'm wondering what your thoughts are on pursuing a MFA without a traditional arts background. Would it be better for me (at this age) to start out from a BFA? 

 

My purpose is to learn and develop as an artist, and not so much in the prestige associated with degrees. 

 

I am so glad you asked about this flawed. I have also gotten into SAIC for BFA, although I applied to be in the MFA painting and drawing program. They said I would be called a prior degree student, which I assume is the same case as yours?

 

I am indeed confused about what decisions to make now. I am only turning 23, and don't know if I would earn a lot by taking another 2.5 years in a BFA program. I am sure taking time to make art is perfect, but would I choose to make art in a school environment for another 4.5 years? I am not sure. 

[flawed]

I am so glad you asked about this flawed. I have also gotten into SAIC for BFA, although I applied to be in the MFA painting and drawing program. They said I would be called a prior degree student, which I assume is the same case as yours?

 

I am indeed confused about what decisions to make now. I am only turning 23, and don't know if I would earn a lot by taking another 2.5 years in a BFA program. I am sure taking time to make art is perfect, but would I choose to make art in a school environment for another 4.5 years? I am not sure. 

 

Yep, prior degree is what they call it. The number of semesters may vary depending on your transcript. Those with more credits acknowledged can complete the program in less than 2 years.

 

The merit scholarship ($5000 per year) was a decisive factor for me. I simply would not be able to afford that since I had initially planned on a 2-year program. If you receive other MFA offers, I think you should take it. 

[wzhao]

Yep, prior degree is what they call it. The number of semesters may vary depending on your transcript. Those with more credits acknowledged can complete the program in less than 2 years.

The merit scholarship ($5000 per year) was a decisive factor for me. I simply would not be able to afford that since I had initially planned on a 2-year program. If you receive other MFA offers, I think you should take it.

Thank you for your insight flawed. Hopefully I get some other offers as well lol!

[stitcher]

I attended SAIC as a prior degree BFA student. I applied for a BFA program, not MFA, because I didn't feel ready for an MFA.   I also have degrees in unrelated fields. It was a great experience there.  There is no obligation to finish the BFA degree.  You can at any time try again for the MFA.    I've had candid conversations with professors about the post-bacc at SAIC and they had very favorable things to say and are impressed with the work done by the post bacc students. Some post bacc students go in thinking they'll continue on to an MFA, but then decide they have gotten what they need from the post bacc.   If you are more interested in the experience and don't "need" the degree for a career, it may be a good option.  One year is certainly less expensive than 2!   If you need an MFA for career options, the post bacc would certainly give you an advantage.    I hope this input isn't too late!  Good luck!