What graduate program would you recommend?
Asked by
nayeight (
3353
)
June 11th, 2009
So I’m graduating (finally) this fall and my plans are to (a) stay in school or (b) find a decent job. I don’t really want to find a job and my parents are willing to pay for another degree so I’m looking for schools/programs. I’m going to be graduating with a BFA in Applied Design with a concentration in Commercial Photography. My question to you is what should I try to go to graduate school? Photography or something else? Is it possible to get a Masters in something different than what you have a Bachelors in? Say I haven’t found any schools with Masters programs in photography that I like, can I pick something else and get a Bachelors in it? Like say Interior Design or something? Is that allowed/common? I’m just not really sure what the rules are for degrees and all that. I don’t want to be a teacher and I want to stay somewhere in the field of art or design. I also want to stay in the Maryland/DC/Baltimore area but if I must move I will go as far as Pennsylvannia. New York is out of the question (I know, I know. Art + New York = the way the world works). I just don’t think I could live there. I just need some guidance or where to go or what to do. Any help or suggestions are appreciated!
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6 Answers
There’s no problems with getting another bachelor (there are very few rules beyond The School Wants Your Money and they’re more than willing to give you as many degrees as you give them money), but if you can find a design master’s program that will accept you based on your current bachelor, I’d recommend that. Why? One, the masters program is much shorter than another bachelor program. Two, I would say a bachelor/master combo has more value than two bachelors, but this is really subjective and what matters most is what your future employer values.
As for applying to a Master’s program with an unrelated bachelor degree, the best way to find out is to ask the program you apply to. Some will be lenient, some will not. Some will accept your bachelor as the credential, some will require you to have one from their school even. Since all schools have their own policy, the only way to find out for sure is to make a list and call them up on the phone one by one, old school style.
In general though, I would recommend you reflect on what you want to do in life, and find out what training you need to get yourself to your goal. After all, you can’t stay in school all your life, eventually you’ll need to get out there and get a job like the rest of us :)
Considering the economy and the lack of available jobs right now, staying in school might be something to consider. However, ultimately, you have to do what is right for you.
I say move on up the chain and go for the higher degree, the classes in the higher levels are a lot more fun.
I’m just having a hard time finding schools that have programs relating to photography. Most fine art schools only have MFA programs like sculpting and painting while other schools have weird programs like art therapy but no photography. Does anyone out there have a Masters in photography? Do I even need a Masters in photography? Sheesh…
Having a job will give you experience, but getting a degree will get you a better job. Doing both is possible, I’m planning to work as a pharmacist after I graduate as I get my Ph.d in Genetics. If your parents are willing to help, then go for it.
When applying for school, look for any prerequisites for their graduate program; good recommendations are probably required. If you have a bachelors in photography, maybe a good graduate program is probably advertising.
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