The type of degree has a profound impact on upcoming job opportunities.
Obtaining a college degree in photography can open many doors to an aspiring professional photographer. A degree enables a photographer to pursue more job opportunities, and college courses provide invaluable lessons and teach important photography skills. While pursuing a degree in photography might be an easy choice for some, the question of whether to pursue a Master of Arts (M.A.) or a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) is not as simple. Each degree offers vastly different coursework and learning experiences for photographers.
Master of Arts Coursework
The coursework for an M.A. degree focuses more heavily on the humanities, such as psychology, sociology and history. Half of the coursework will also involve actual studies of the art form itself. M.A. coursework focuses on teaching students about the history, cultural significance and artistic aspects of the art form. The program is focused on teaching a student fully understand photography's history and place in the world, rather than teaching take photographs.
Master of Arts Job Opportunities
The job opportunities for an M.A. in photography focus on education and academia. Rather than working as a photographer, an individual with an M.A. in photography is more likely to teach photography, serve as a photography art critic, or become a museum curator.
Master of Fine Arts Coursework
The coursework for a Master of Fine Arts focuses on teaching a student capture art with photography. Professors will teach take photographs, modify film, differences in angles and lighting, and other artistic aspects of photography. An M.F.A. in photography is an ideal degree for an individual hoping to become a better photographer.
Master of Fine Arts Job Opportunities
A photographer with an M.F.A. degree is more likely to get a photography job. While many photographers are freelancers, the odds of a company hiring you is greater with an M.F.A. degree as part of your credentials. An M.F.A. degree is ideal for a photographer trying to make a living with her camera.
Tags: Fine Arts, Master Fine, Master Fine Arts, Master Arts, artistic aspects, Arts Coursework, Arts Coursework coursework