Fine Arts refers to pieces of drawing, sculpting, painting, literature, music, dance, photography, animation, architecture, filmmaking, graphic design, and theater. It is the process of converting an individual’s imagination into tangible or intangible art forms. The master of fine arts online program will enable students to study in a chosen field of fine arts and is ideal for creative practitioners looking to develop their skills further, tutors who want to develop their artistic practice or undergraduates who are looking to choose a postgraduate program outside of the conventional brick-and-mortar higher education system. Students who have completed their online fine arts masters can pursue jobs in varied areas like museums, universities, and colleges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for arts and design occupations was $48,220 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage of $45,760 for all occupations. Read on to find out more about this unique graduate-level program.
The best online master of fine arts degree programs emphasize studio practice, with theory, context, and professional practice integrated throughout. Therefore, students must carefully choose the right program and school that aligns with their personal and professional needs. There are various methods of ranking the best online masters in Fine Art programs like accreditation, availability of financial aid, fees vs. career prospects, admission requirements, program requirements, graduation rates, quality of faculty, and more. Based on these, OMC has prepared a list of the best master of fine arts programs online:
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
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#1 Emerson College 120 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 | $31,248 | 79% |
#2 Drexel University 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 | $36,234 | 78% |
#3 Savannah College of Art and Design 342 Bull St, Savannah, Georgia 31402 | $39,240 | 71% |
#4 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,847 | 62% |
#5 Regent University 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464 | $15,590 | 62% |
#6 Vermont College of Fine Arts 36 College St, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 | $26,680 | NA |
#7 Southern Utah University 351 West University Blvd, Cedar City, Utah 84720 | $7,574 | 55% |
#8 Radford University 801 East Main St., Radford, Virginia 24142 | $8,915 | 54% |
#9 Concordia University 1282 Concordia Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104 | $8,550 | 53% |
#10 Portland State University 724 SW Harrison, Portland, Oregon 97201 | $14,817 | 54% |
#11 Bay Path University 588 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01106 | $19,235 | 51% |
#12 Full Sail University 3300 University Blvd, Winter Park, Florida 32792 | $15,472 | 40% |
#13 Southern New Hampshire University 2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106 | $18,900 | 39% |
#14 Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 128 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102 | $39,906 | 47% |
#15 Academy of Art University 79 New Montgomery, San Francisco, California 94105 | $27,696 | 38% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
A master in fine arts degree can be obtained via 3 options, the regular brick and mortar school model, the online university option, or a hybrid option in which most courses will be conducted online, while students will physically attend classes for a specified duration. Regardless of which option a student chooses, a master of fine arts is usually a 2-year program that typically requires between 48 to 60 credits, depending on the selected college and specialization.
A master in fine art online provides flexibility to students who may be working professionals, professional artists, or individuals who have child and family care commitments. The online curriculum is structured in such a way that it is as rigorous as a program offered to students physically attending a school. The online fine arts degree program allows students to pursue their studies at their own pace through asynchronous classes available at most universities.
The online master of fine arts or MFA online degree is a broad degree, like the master of professional studies. Therefore, the degree awarded to students is always accompanied by a suffix that highlights the specialization or domain within fine arts; for example – Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, Master of Fine Arts in Design, and so on.
Students often debate MA vs. MFA. So, how exactly does a master of arts or MA differ from a master of fine arts or MFA degree? Here are some key differences:
A Master of Arts (MA) degree includes a variety of arts and creative subjects, much like an MFA. Nevertheless, the MA frequently focuses more on the academics and history of a creative subject than the art itself, making it more of a scholarly degree. Studying any form of art in an MA degree is usually to understand what it is rather than learning how to create it. Many MA holders view a Ph.D. in their field of study, which necessitates extra years of study, as the terminal degree.
The highest level of study available in a particular domain of art forms is the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree, making it a terminal degree. The MFA is all about creating art and expressing oneself through art, more than understanding art, as an MA does. Those who have MFA degrees are qualified to teach in colleges under most circumstances.
The master of fine arts, being a broad or ‘umbrella’ degree, offers several specializations within its ambit. These specializations are actually full-fledged degrees rather than mere concentrations. Students can choose one that aligns with their interests and professional goals from the many options available. Listed below are a few for prospective students to consider:
The MFA curriculum largely depends on the specializations within the chosen master of fine arts. In most MFA programs, students work within the specializations chosen by them to strengthen their understanding and refine techniques specific to the subject. Usually, the final year culminates with presenting a body of work or written analysis of it, and sometimes an oral defense of these. In general, students can expect the following fine arts courses, based on their concentration area:
Core courses in the Master of Fine Arts – Creative Writing usually cover:
Core courses in the Master of Fine Arts – Visual Arts usually cover:
Core courses in the Master of Fine Arts – Graphic Design usually cover:
Although the online master of fine arts does not call for a specific project or capstone, it is common practice for final-year students to present a body of work in their specialization. The body of work (painting/drawing/sculpture/installation art/written manuscript/graphic design/piece of music) has to be supported by a written analysis, and both the body of work and written analysis have to be orally defended as part of the MFA program requirement.
Upon completing the MFA program, graduates will be able to:
It is always advisable for prospective students to choose from accredited master of fine arts online programs or schools rather than those not accredited. When a school or program is accredited, it means that the institution has been evaluated by one or more independent accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the industry. The school is found to have gone through a high educational quality assurance procedure. To be accredited, entire institutions and/or educational offerings must undergo an extended, rigorous accreditation process and pass stringent checks against predefined standards and accreditation criteria. In most instances, colleges are accredited by regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), such as:
In the study of fine arts, some specific programs may be programmatically accredited by agencies such as:
The Accreditation Guide explains why accreditation is critical when choosing a school.
MFA programs offered by schools vary from the completely online model to hybrid programs that require students to be present in school for at least some courses or semesters. Depending on this factor, a master’s in fine arts may be differentiated as a high or low residency program.
A master of fine arts online is typically a 2-year 45 to 60 credit program that can be pursued full-time or part-time. While full-time students can earn their degrees in 2 to 3 years, part-time students would require 3 to 5 years or more. It is also noteworthy that some MFA programs require in-person attendance for some courses or semesters, especially the master’s in fine arts in visual and performing arts.
The admission process for a master of fine arts online program is similar to most other master’s programs. Students must note that each school may have specific requirements apart from general requirements. In general, however, these are the most common and basic master of fine arts admission requirements:
*An unofficial copy of the transcript showing completion of the bachelor’s degree can be submitted during the application process. However, the official copy must be submitted once admission is received.
Schools in the United States usually require scores from standardized tests from domestic and overseas students as part of the admission process. The most common standardized tests are the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
Some schools do not require the GRE or GMAT scores during admission. For example, Stanford University, Louisiana State University (LSU), Sothern New Hampshire University, Berkeley University of California, and many other schools, offer online master of fine arts no GRE programs.
Accelerated master of fine arts online programs allow students to earn their degrees in a shorter time frame than regular ones. In the accelerated MFA masters, students will cover the same content and gain the same qualifications as a regular program. While most online master of fine arts programs can be completed in about two years, some schools offer accelerated programs that take only twelve to eighteen months to finish, while others combine a bachelor’s and master’s program that students can complete in 5 years instead of the usual 6. These are great options for working professionals or students who may have family or other commitments and require a shorter program. The master of fine arts in media design at Full Sail University is a fine example of a fast-track program.
Free accredited online master of fine arts programs are hard to come by. However, enough sites offer free master of fine arts online courses suitable for those who wish to expand their knowledge beyond what a textbook provides or help with assignments and projects. Some such free courses will give the student a completion certificate at most, which may or may not be helpful career-wise. Here are a couple of places online where one can sign-up for free online MFA courses:
Course | Provided by | Description |
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Topics Related to Fine Arts | Class Central | Class Central has over 100 free courses on fine arts-related topics from reputed universities like the University of Michigan, Stanford University, UCLA, The University of Texas at Austin, and more. |
Topics Related to Fine Arts | Coursera | Coursera has over 50 free courses related to fine arts on topics such as Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes, In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting, The Language of Design: Form and Meaning, The Cycle: Management of Successful Arts and Cultural Organizations, etc. |
The cost of an online master of fine arts varies from school to school. When choosing a master of fine arts online program, students should consider the costs and weigh them against potential earnings after graduating. Although no precise statistical data is available on the cost of an MFA online, a quick assessment of most programs shows the average tuition to be about $30,000. Fortunately, students have access to several funding mechanisms that could ease the financial pressure of a college education. Here are some to explore:
Scholarships are usually merit-based and are awarded to students with an excellent academic track record. They are frequently awarded by individuals, community groups, for-profit organizations, non-profits, and even universities.
Grants are similar to scholarships, but instead of being merit-based, they are usually need-based. Grants can be used to pay for tuition or other education expenses such as stationery, books, transport, accommodation, library fees, etc
Graduate Assistantships are part-time jobs on campus. Graduate assistants assist the faculty in classroom-related activities or assist in teaching undergraduates in exchange for a fee waiver or stipend.
Students can apply for loans from the federal government, banks, or financial institutions. Loans attract interest, increasing the cost of education. They must be paid back to the source, unlike scholarships or grants.
FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available to all students pursuing a college education. Students must apply for FAFSA to check their eligibility for aid and which financial aid package suits them the most.
Read more about Scholarship Scams, the Cost of Master’s, and the Financial Aid Guide.
Scholarships are a more practical means of fully or partially funding master of fine arts online programs since they need not be repaid. They could be merit or need-based but also based on athletic and other achievements. Graduate School Scholarships are also available specifically for women, minorities, and other groups (based on sexual orientation, race, religion, medical history, family associations, etc.) Here is a couple to explore:
Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship aims to assist upcoming leaders and activists committed to increasing diversity in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) professions. The scholarship is meant for historically underrepresented black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) populations.
Award/Amount $1,500 to $10,000 + 10 paid internships
Application Deadline
November 18, 2023
The TalNexus Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a master’s in fine arts in creative writing, writing, filmmaking, and video production. The award includes automatic entry into Taliesin Nexus’ Writers Workshop or Film Lab and travel stipends for those out of state
Award/Amount
Up to $4,000
Application Deadline
September 02, 2023
The F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship offers financial support to artists with exceptional talent and promise in the fine arts. It is meant to assist the beneficiaries in becoming successful artists in painting, sculpture, photography, music, drama, dance, literature, and architecture.
Award/Amount
Up to $10,000
Application Deadline
January 15, annually
A Master of Fine Arts is a graduate-level degree that deals with the domains of Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Design Art, or Creative Writing.
Career opportunities for online master’s in fine arts graduates span various industries and fields. Organizations continue to provide excellent opportunities for professionals with exceptional verbal and visual communication skills. With the education they would have received with an MFA, graduates would be able to elevate their art to make it more unique, perceptive, and engaging. Ultimately, the career path of fine arts online master’s graduates depends on their specialization. Here are some possible career options and job descriptions depending on the fine arts domain one wishes to enter:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in May 2021, the median annual wage for arts and design jobs was $48,220, which was higher than the overall median annual wage of $45,760 for other occupations. Listed below are some roles and salaries as examples of MFA careers:
Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Job Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
Art Directors | Degree in an art or design subject and previous work experience | $100,890 | 11% (faster than average) | The work of other designers and artists who create pictures for television, movies, live performances, ads, or video games is generally overseen by art directors. They choose the overarching aesthetic through which a message is visually conveyed to its audience. |
Special Effects Artists & Animators | Degree in graphic design and previous work experience | $78,790 | 16% (much faster than average) | Special effects artists and animators work for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media, creating two- and three-dimensional models, pictures that seem to move, and visual effects. They frequently specialize in a single media, with some producing animated films or video games while others provide visual effects for motion pictures and television programs. |
Writers & Authors | Degree in creative writing and previous work experience | $69,510 | 9% (as fast as average) | In addition to advertisements, writers and authors create content for blogs, novels, magazines, plays, movies, and television shows. They choose the content they wish to use and convey it in ways that the target audience can receive the intended message. |
Music Directors & Composers | Degree in music | $49,310 | 6% (as fast as average) | Music directors lead and oversee choirs, orchestras, and other musical ensembles. By balancing the melody, time, rhythm, and volume, they make sure that musicians produce a single, unified sound. They also provide musicians with sound and stylistic criticism. |
Archivists, Curators & Museum Workers | Degree in Fine Arts | $50,120 | 19% (Much faster than average) | Documents that are historically significant and permanent records are evaluated, processed, cataloged, and preserved by archivists. Curators manage art and historical object collections and may perform charitable work on behalf of an organization. Objects and documents in museum collections and exhibits are prepared and restored by museum technicians and conservators. |
Certifications are an excellent way to enhance career prospects and move up the hierarchy of an organization. Professional certifications do not require as much time, effort, and financial investment as an academic certification. They are designed for working professionals who wish to keep up to date with current practices and knowledge. In the fine arts industry, certifications are domain-specific, in that art professionals will have art-related certifications, creative writers will have creative writing-related certifications, and so on. Some examples of professional certifications that online master’s in fine arts graduates may apply for include:
Successful artists will try to motivate themselves to become better artists, to forge a clearer vision of their art careers. They must stay ahead of the game to be ardent culture warriors. To equip themselves to do this, they will tap into various resources. The best fine art resources are the ones fine art professionals keep returning to. Here is a list of resources available for fine arts professionals:
A few domain-specific professional organizations and associations are:
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