Compare free enrollment and scholarship information for both the Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degree programs before deciding which arts school you'll attend.

As you enter graduate education in the arts, you'll need to choose between MA programs and MFA programs in your chosen concentration. While both degrees teach you about your concentration in sculpting, painting, writing, dance, music, photography, and so on, the overall coursework is different for each degree.

Basically, a Master of Arts (MA) graduate degree is general, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is practical. Here are the main differences between the two degrees.

MA in Applied and Fine Arts

• About half the coursework is focused on your concentration, and half is in general liberal arts.
• Can be completed in as little as a year, but most MA degree programs take two years.
• Flexible course choices so you can tailor your degree more easily.
• Coursework may be more research and analysis-oriented.
• The best choice for students who will go into a doctoral program in the arts.
• A great choice for students who wish to become elementary or secondary teachers.
• The perfect choice for dual degree seekers such as students getting an MA in photography and an MA in journalism, or an MA in theater and and an MBA in Management.

MFA in Applied and Fine Arts

• About three-quarters of the coursework focuses on art course, and only one-quarter focuses on related liberal arts disciplines.
• The MFA provides hands-on experience for artists and you create original works to fulfill degree requirements.
• Builds a portfolio you can use immediately after graduation.
• The MFA is a two-year program; some MFA programs are three years.
• The best choice for students who want careers as practicing artists.
• A great choice for students who will open their own consulting or training studios.
• The MFA is a “terminal” degree, meaning you do not need to earn a doctorate in arts (unless you want to).
• Will allow you to teach at some colleges and universities.

Read an Interview with a Doctor of Musical Arts: Besty Stodola Anderson to learn if a doctoral degree in music is worth the time and effort, or get more information on graduate degrees in the arts.

Compare free enrollment and scholarship information for both the Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degree programs before deciding which arts school you'll attend.