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:
| Degree | Field | Terminal? | Typical Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFA (Master of Fine Arts) | Creative arts, like writing, painting, or theatre | Yes | Professor, Mr./Ms. |
| MA (Master of Arts) | Humanities | No | Mr./Ms. |
| PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) | Many academic disciplines | Yes | Dr. |
| MD (Doctor of Medicine) | Medicine | Yes | Dr. |
| DFA (Doctor of Fine Arts) | Fine Arts | Yes | Dr. |
| EdD (Doctor of Education) | Education | Yes | Dr. |
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.
Comments
John Fox
Honestly, I've always been a bit confused about using the "Doctor" title for MFA holders.
It seems like a pretty big distinction from a PhD, especially since MFA is a terminal degree in the arts, but not necessarily in the same vein as a PhD in say, sciences or humanities.
People sometimes just use doctor to show respect or because they assume anyone with a master's or above gets that title, but that's not really accurate, right?
It would be nice if there was a clear guideline everywhere, but culture also plays a big role.
Also, in creative fields, the focus is more on skill and portfolio than on titles, so the etiquette probably reflects that.
What do you all think? Should the MFA carry the doctor title or should it be saved for PhDs?
Anuj Kumar
Calling MFA holders "doctor" is just handing out undeserved recognition, if you ask me.
PhD is the tougher degree with more academic rigor and original research requirements.
MFAs are more about practice and creativity, which is great but shouldn't be confused with doctoral work.
Frankly, I feel it's part of this trend to overinflate titles and dilute real achievement.
It's like everyone wants a fancy title to sound smart, but that means the value of the real doctorates decreases.
Also, the entire 'etiquette' around it seems way overcomplicated for something that should be simple: doctor = PhD or MD, not MFA.
Kathy Yip
I've always wondered about this too, and I think it comes down to respecting boundaries and understanding the cultural context of titles.
From a philosophical perspective, what does the "doctor" title signify? Is it knowledge in a particular field or a certain kind of authority and recognition?
The MFA is a terminal degree, but it's different in nature from a PhD — it's practice-based rather than research-based.
So maybe using "doctor" for MFA holders could confuse expectations, especially in academic or professional contexts.
However, we should also honor what the MFA represents — serious study and mastery of creative arts.
An interesting middle ground might be to acknowledge the degree fully without necessarily extending the "doctor" title.
Bridget Kutsche
This is a super interesting topic! In my experience, etiquette really depends on context and what the MFA holder prefers.
Many MFA graduates don’t typically use "doctor" because their programs focus more on creative practice than academic research.
It’s kinda like how in some fields the terminal degree is the highest you’ll get, but that doesn’t always translate to traditional titles.
People should definitely respect how MFA holders want to be addressed—if they’re comfortable being called doctor, great, but otherwise, it’s not a requirement.
In teaching environments, I’ve seen MFA holders be called simply by their names or Mr. or Ms. It keeps things respectful but not confusing.
What’s cool is that awareness and respect for titles is growing, so conversations like this help us get it right.
Jack Gifford
Adding to what others said, I think the key is understanding what the degree represents.
PhDs are awarded after significant original research that contributes new knowledge; it’s an academic title.
MFAs are considered terminal degrees in creative disciplines—they certify expertise and mastery but in a practical, artistic sense rather than research.
So while it’s not incorrect to call someone with an MFA "doctor" technically if their institution awarded it, it’s not the norm, and often it’s not expected.
In many cases, it might actually feel out of place to do so.
That said, the arts world has different traditions, so flexibility is often welcomed.
I’d say the safest bet is to ask the individual what they prefer.
VIRENDER KAUL
From a formal scholarly perspective, the title "Doctor" is specifically reserved for those with doctoral-level academic research qualifications.
Practice-oriented degrees like the MFA, while terminal within their domain, fall short of the rigorous academic and methodological standards defining doctoral work.
Using the title 'Doctor' indiscriminately lowers the prestige and clarity essential within academic and professional hierarchies.
Etiquette must honor these distinctions to maintain intellectual integrity and respect.
Thus, it is not appropriate to address MFA holders as doctors unless they have earned a research doctorate in addition.
I observe much confusion on this matter, creating needless ambiguity undermining degree meanings.
Let us advocate for clearer societal understanding respecting educational distinctions.
Santhosh Santhosh
I've been thinking about this whole doctor vs. MFA discussion deeply.
Given that the MFA is a terminal degree in its own right, it reflects years of dedication, portfolio work, and creative achievement.
However, the cultural weight behind "doctor" implies a different set of expectations, mainly scholarly research contributing new knowledge.
Many MFA holders may hesitate to accept the doctor title because it invites comparisons with PhD holders which can be taxing.
Also, in academia or professional spaces, the clarity of roles and titles matter, so ambiguous use complicates mutual understanding.
Nonetheless, the important thing is respect for the individual’s accomplishments without overly fixating on the title.
I've met MFA grads who are incredibly knowledgeable and 'doctor' qualities notwithstanding, equally impressive spirits.
Veera Mavalwala
Frankly, the whole post reeks of academic snobbery.
Why is the MFA always the poor cousin compared to the PhD?
The creative arts require intense, vibrant, imaginative work that transforms culture—sometimes more than dry research.
Titles matter, sure, but obsession over "doctor" is a dull stale argument that ignores the unique vibrant glow MFA holders bring to the table.
I say, if someone deserves respect and acknowledgement for their mastery, the label shouldn’t cage us into pointless protocol battles.
Instead, let's celebrate the colorful mosaic of educational paths and the beauty in each.
People should just recognize those who put their soul into their craft, not get tangled up in title semantics.
Natasha Madison
This entire debate feels like an overcomplicated attempt at gatekeeping, honestly.
Titles are tools for respect, sure, but obsessing over who gets what sounds elitist and counterproductive.
MFA holders have earned their credentials through intense study and should be treated with dignity.
Whether that's with a "doctor" or not is less important than giving them the platform they deserve.
It's almost like a political power play, defining who gets prestige and who doesn't.
Instead, focus on merit and contribution rather than labels, which can be arbitrarily assigned or denied.
Let's keep the conversation real and grounded in showing respect beyond conventional titles.
sampa Karjee
My view is stark and straightforward: The title of 'Doctor' must remain sacrosanct and reserved solely for those who have earned a research doctorate.
Equating an MFA, which is fundamentally a professional practice degree, with a doctoral qualification undermines academic rigor.
Such conflations dilute the prestige and meaning of advanced educational attainments.
Moreover, promoting MFA holders as "doctors" risks misleading the public regarding scholarly authority.
The blog post touches on degree etiquette but needs to be firmer in preserving clear academic boundaries.
Otherwise, we tumble into a slippery slope of relativism that erodes respect for scholarship.
One should honor the arts and creativity, but not at the price of conflated educational distinctions.