Is an MFA an Advanced Degree? Understanding the Master of Fine Arts

When you hear "MFA," the first thing that comes to mind is probably a studio‑filled classroom, a gallery‑opening, or a late‑night crit. But beyond the creative buzz, many wonder: MFA degree - is it truly an advanced degree?

What Exactly Is an MFA?

MFA stands for Master of Fine Arts, a graduate‑level program focused on intensive practice in visual arts, writing, theater, or design. Unlike research‑oriented master’s programs, the MFA’s core is a professional studio or workshop where students produce a body of work that serves as a final thesis.

Is the MFA Classified as an Advanced Degree?

In the U.S. higher‑education system, any master’s degree-MA, MS, or MFA-is considered an advanced degree because it follows a bachelor’s and requires at least 30‑36 credit hours of coursework. Accreditation bodies such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) explicitly list the MFA under the “Graduate Programs” category. Employers in education, museums, and creative industries often require an MFA for senior‑level positions, confirming its status as an advanced credential.

How Does an MFA Stack Up Against Other Graduate Degrees?

Below is a quick side‑by‑side look at the most common graduate degrees in the arts and humanities. The table uses

Key takeaways: The MFA is terminal for most artistic fields, meaning you don’t need a doctorate to reach the highest professional rank. It’s also practice‑heavy, whereas an MA leans toward theory and a PhD toward original research.

Online MFA Programs: Do They Carry the Same Weight?

Digital classrooms have matured. Many reputable institutions now offer fully online MFA tracks that retain the same credit requirements and faculty mentorship as campus‑based programs. For example, University of Texas at Austin launched an online MFA in Creative Writing in 2022, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Because accreditation looks at curriculum, faculty credentials, and outcomes-not delivery mode-an online MFA from a regionally accredited university is considered equal to its on‑campus counterpart.

When vetting an online program, consider these checkpoints:

1. Regional accreditation (e.g., SACS, Middle States).
2. NASAD membership for arts programs.
3. Student‑faculty ratio - low ratios mimic studio interaction.
4. Capstone or thesis requirements - ensure a substantial body of work.
5. Alumni success stories - look for graduates placed in galleries, teaching positions, or published works.

Accreditation: Why It Matters for the MFA

Accreditation is the quality seal that tells employers, grant agencies, and other schools the degree meets national standards. The two primary accreditation types are:

• Regional accreditation - covers entire institutions; required for federal financial aid.
• Programmatic accreditation - specific to fields; for arts, NASAD is the gold standard.

Take the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) - it holds both regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and NASAD accreditation for its MFA studios. Graduates can confidently claim their MFA meets rigorous academic and professional benchmarks.

Career Outcomes: Does an MFA Open Doors?

Employers in academia, museums, and media often list an MFA as the preferred credential for senior creative roles. According to the 2024 American Institute of Arts & Letters survey, 68% of university art departments required an MFA for tenure‑track positions, while 54% of top galleries listed it as a “nice‑to‑have.”

Beyond traditional routes, an MFA equips you with:

• Project management skills from overseeing large‑scale exhibitions.
• Critical thinking honed through peer critiques, useful in marketing and brand strategy.
• Entrepreneurial confidence to launch independent studios or freelance ventures.

Even if you pivot to a non‑art field, the rigorous portfolio process signals discipline and creative problem‑solving - traits employers love.

Bottom Line: The MFA Is an Advanced Degree

Summing up, the MFA fulfills all the criteria of an advanced degree:

1. It requires a bachelor’s degree for entry.
2. It delivers graduate‑level coursework and a substantial thesis.
3. It is recognized by regional and programmatic accrediting bodies.
4. It serves as a terminal credential for most artistic professions.

If you’re aiming for a career that blends practice with academic credibility, the MFA should sit at the top of your list - whether you study on campus or online.