MFA suggestions

[mysticblossom]

So remember how last week I asked questions about Medieval Art History program?  I've been spending the better part of this last week trying to decide between an MFA in creative writing and a PhD in art history, because I'm currently about to finish a BA in creative writing but I'm also very, very interested in art history.  Right now I'm leading

Comments

[endsindillusion]

Um, ok

Asking random questions about grad school is not a crime!

Second, why are you more qualified for the MFA?

Third, I am sure any MFA program will be more than happy to take your money to groom you into the next non-Jodi Picoult writer.

You could try Fred Durst's MFA program which is "poof! you're a writer. go write."

[mysticblossom]

Lol, I'm aware it's not a crime. I'm just a nervous nelly. And I'm more qualified for the MFA because I have much more experience with creative writing than I do with art history.

[endsindillusion]

You would not get into an art history PhD program without relevant experience and I would venture to say, at this time where many people are going to graduate school, without an art history PhD. You would most likely have to go for a master's first.

[endsindillusion]

*edited*

without already having an art history BA degree.

[fullofpink]

Just for the record, having an art history internship or two is not going to make you into a better candidate - knowing what you want to do, having the grades, and a good writing sample (research :P, not creatively which I admit would be super awesome) is so much more important. Concentrating on internships might be a waste of time if you don't want to go into curatorial work. Also, a low key internship just introduces you to the field ESPECIALLY if you only minored and not majored. Having research experience is a much bigger thing.

Also, to reiterate someone else's comment, you may not be able to do a Phd, even with a Masters in another region - you may have to begin with a MA.

[mysticblossom]

Thanks for the advice, and the last bit I'm completely aware of. I understand that if I get an MFA in creative writing I would still have to go for a Masters in art history. Basically, when it comes down to it, I don't want to choose between the two areas, but creative writing for me would be better to do first based on a lot of reasons that I won't get into here.

[fullofpink]

then that is obviously the appropriate choice :)

Masters in Art history can get you a lot of places and I actually have a good friend with two masters that balance each other out. :)

[mysticblossom]

Oh, that's a thought. I hadn't even thought of not going for a PhD in art history lol. But it never occurred to me that if I have the MFA in creative writing (which is pretty much the highest degree you can get in writing, if I'm thinking correctly), then I wouldn't necessarily need a PhD in art history in order to teach that subject as well.

You are opening my brain too all kinds of neat possibilities today :)