Should You Call Someone With an MFA a Doctor? Degrees, Titles & MFA Etiquette Explained

You’ve probably heard an artist or professor introduced with a list of impressive letters after their name and wondered—should you call them “doctor” if they have an MFA? There’s a lot of confusion out there about academic titles, especially when it comes to creative fields. Most people want to be respectful, but it’s not as simple as memorizing a few magic words. The answer isn’t just about formality; it connects to centuries of education traditions, cultural quirks, and plain old common sense.

What Exactly Is an MFA and How Does It Compare to Other Degrees?

The term “MFA” stands for Master of Fine Arts. Unlike a regular master’s degree (like an MA or MS), the MFA is considered a terminal degree in creative disciplines—think fiction writing, visual art, theater, dance, photography, film, or even creative nonfiction. A terminal degree just means it’s the highest academic credential offered in that field, a bit like a PhD is for scientific research or literature.

Here’s a comparison of common graduate-level degrees and what fields they cover:

While a PhD is more research-oriented, the MFA is focused on creative practice. You’re learning by making, and the final project might be a novel, a film, or a gallery show, instead of a dissertation. The key thing to remember: the MFA is a “master’s” degree, not a “doctorate.” Even though it’s the highest in its field, it doesn’t come with the “Dr.” title—just the right to teach at the college level, direct studios, or, say, land certain publishing contracts without needing a PhD.

Where Did the 'Doctor' Title Come From and Who Gets It?

The word “doctor” comes from the Latin “docere,” meaning “to teach.” Way back in the Middle Ages, only those who’d reached the highest academic level—first in theology, then law, then medicine—could use the term. Over time, the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and various doctorates (MD, JD, EdD, DBA, etc.) all established certain rights and customs for their holders. In the United States, only those with a doctorate are called “doctor” in academic and most social settings.

The confusion shows up because in the arts, the MFA is “terminal”—there’s nothing higher—but it still isn’t technically a doctorate. No university will call an MFA recipient “doctor.” Even at fancy gallery openings or national writing conferences, MFA grads introduce themselves as “professor,” “artist,” or simply by their names, not by the “Dr.” honorific.

• If you spot “Dr.” before someone’s name at a university art show, check their CV—they may have a PhD, EdD, or even a Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA).
• Many famous writers and artists have MFAs, not doctorates. Think Jhumpa Lahiri, Ocean Vuong, and Michael Chabon—they go by “Professor,” not “Doctor.”
• In classrooms, etiquette usually favors using “Professor” if someone teaches, or plain “Mr./Ms.” in professional settings. Reserved for rare cases, “Dr.” only applies if their degree says so.

A useful way to think about it: Earning a black belt in karate is an amazing feat, but you wouldn’t call someone with a black belt “Sensei” unless they’re officially a teacher. Titles in academia work a bit like this—reserved for the specific level someone’s achieved, and recognized by the wider professional community.

MFA vs PhD vs DFA – Who Uses Which Title, and Why?

The MFA is considered equal in terms of academic standing to a PhD within its creative field, but the two are not interchangeable. Universities, colleges, and art institutions are clear about the distinction.

Here’s a direct breakdown:

• MFA (Master of Fine Arts): Highest degree for practice-based creative arts (writing, studio art, theater, etc.). Graduates are eligible for college/university faculty jobs, but are called “Professor,” not “Doctor.” The degree takes about two to three years post-bachelor’s and typically requires a creative thesis.
• PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): Focuses on original research and theory, even in arts-related fields. A PhD in English literature or art history earns the title “Doctor” and can also teach, conduct scholarly research, and publish academic papers. PhDs commonly take five to eight years.
• DFA (Doctor of Fine Arts): Rare in the U.S., usually honorary or granted as a research degree in the UK, Australia, or parts of Europe. DFA holders are technically “Doctor” as well.

For example, if you’re working at an art school and your boss has a PhD in Art History, you’d refer to them as “Dr. Smith.” If your creative writing teacher has an MFA, call her “Professor Jones” or simply “Ms. Jones” (unless she asks you to use her first name). It’s a tradition meant to clarify each person’s level of training, without undercutting the value of the MFA.

One tricky area: public universities and colleges in North America rarely, if ever, allow anyone without a doctorate to use “Dr.” officially. But some private art academies or community art programs are more relaxed, calling their lead instructors “doctor” if they want some artsy flair. That’s not the norm, though, and is more a quirk than a rule.

Your best bet? If you’re unsure, a polite “What’s your preferred title?” does wonders. No need to guess and risk embarrassment—most educators appreciate the respect.

Tips for Addressing Someone With an MFA (and Avoiding Awkward Mistakes)

It’s easy to get anxious about titles, especially when you don’t want to offend anyone or look uninformed. Here’s a down-to-earth guide to handling MFA etiquette like a pro:

• Stick with “Professor” if the person teaches at a college or university—this works regardless of their degree.
• If their role isn’t academic (for example, if they’re showing artwork or giving a reading but aren’t faculty), default to Mr., Ms., or just their full name.
• Never call someone with only an MFA “Dr.”—unless they specifically tell you they have a doctorate.
• Check program bios or faculty listings if you’re uncertain. Universities almost always list degrees and preferred titles. Don’t guess! One glance at the university website can spare lots of embarrassment.
• When in professional correspondence, signing off as “Jane Doe, MFA” is acceptable if you want to highlight credentials, but don’t turn it into a title (“Dr. Jane Doe, MFA” is a big no-no).
• If you’re writing a recommendation or praise, focus on professional achievements (“award-winning author Jane Doe, MFA” or “visiting professor Jane Doe”).
• In publications, MFA-degree holders sometimes use “MFA” after their name—especially in literary journals—to showcase their specialized training. This is fine, but never a substitute for “Dr.”
• If unsure, especially in diverse or international groups, just ask. “How do you prefer to be addressed?” almost always gets a friendly, clear answer.

Believe it or not, most MFA graduates are used to people misunderstanding their title—and won’t hold it against you if you mix it up once. The only real faux pas is insisting on a title they haven’t earned, or overlooking what they actually prefer. Etiquette always starts with listening.

If you’re thinking about pursuing an MFA, know that it opens doors to college teaching and professional acclaim, but not to being called “doctor”—unless you go on to earn an actual doctorate later. So the next time you meet a celebrated MFA grad at a gallery or reading, greet them like the creative professional they are, not a doctor. They’ll thank you for getting it right.