2027 Best Master of Fine Arts Online
Verified student reviews help distinguish the best Master of Fine Arts online programs.
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From book-length manuscripts and screenplays to studio portfolios and design projects, online MFA programs help artists develop work for publication, production, exhibition, or professional practice. Student reviews add firsthand context so you can make the best choice.
Key Takeaways:
- Six online MFAs have student review ratings that are at least 4.07 out of 5.
- The three highest-rated schools also have a 100% schoolwide recommendation rate among students.
- Six of the 14 schools with tuition data list less than $15,000, including two of the three highest-rated schools.
Below the list, we provide expert guidance about how to choose the best online MFA program.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online master's in mfa degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few master's in mfa qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.
2027 Best Master of Fine Arts Online
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | 100% | $16,506 | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asbury University | 4.24 / 5 | 100% | $12,495 | N/A | ||
| Drexel University | 4.11 / 5 | 100% | $10,995 | N/A | ||
| Azusa Pacific University | 4.08 / 5 | 92% | 78% | $22,000 | N/A | |
| Bay Path University | 4.07 / 5 | 94% | 94% | $43,155 | $51,744 | |
| Full Sail University | 3.97 / 5 | 89% | $37,004 | N/A | ||
| Lindenwood University | 3.93 / 5 | 93% | $14,280 | N/A | ||
| Radford University | 3.85 / 5 | 89% | $24,420 | N/A | ||
| Adelphi University | 3.84 / 5 | 92% | $18,817 | N/A | ||
| Regent University Online | 3.83 / 5 | 83% | $14,472 | N/A | ||
| Liberty University | 3.68 / 5 | 75% | $11,136 | N/A | ||
| LSU New Orleans | 3.44 / 5 | 72% | $9,056 | N/A | ||
| Academy of Art University | 3.34 / 5 | 77% | $31,017 | $40,069 |
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Verified reviews of AMC place it at #1 in OnlineU’s Best by Student Reviews ranking for online Master of Fine Arts in Writing programs.
- The online MFA in Writing requires no campus residency, but holds three intensive workshop sessions each semester, which students can attend virtually or in person.
- Each MFA student works with a portfolio mentor and develops a book-length manuscript, connecting sustained individual guidance to a substantial creative project.
Student Review Summary: Across these reviews, Albertus Magnus College is most often praised for its small, close-knit atmosphere and the access that creates. Reviewers repeatedly say professors know them by name, remain available outside class, and take a genuine interest in their progress, which makes the experience feel personal rather than anonymous. Flexible scheduling, evening meetings, blended coursework, and short terms are especially valued by those balancing school with work. Several also mention strong preparation for future careers and lasting professional connections. Criticism is limited but notable: the workload can feel intense, and one reviewer raises concerns about the surrounding neighborhood despite campus security efforts.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 150 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $16,506
- Out-of-State Tuition: $16,506
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Asbury’s 42-credit MFA in Film & TV Production pairs required study in cinematography, editing, media ethics, business, and the media industry with a five-credit creative project.
- The online film production degree also points students toward specialized certifications, including Steadicam and scuba certification for underwater cinematography.
- Film & TV Production MFA students may pursue ARRI Academy certification through Asbury, which the university identifies as the first ARRI Certified Film School in the United States.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Asbury University are strongly favorable, driven by high ratings and near-universal recommendations. Many describe professors as the school’s defining strength: knowledgeable, approachable, and deeply invested in personal growth, career preparation, and long-term support, even after graduation. Reviewers also praise the close-knit community, safe atmosphere, faith-centered culture, and flexible online options that fit working schedules. Several mention practical learning through internships, field placements, and strong professional preparation. Criticism is more limited but consistent, centering on strict lifestyle expectations, limited diversity, aging facilities, sparse scholarship options, and, for some, a rural location or campus life that felt less engaging outside the classroom.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 306 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,495
- Out-of-State Tuition: $12,495
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Students can visit Folio Literary Management in Manhattan and take part in remote practice pitches with agents, connecting the MFA’s writing work directly to query and submission skills.
- Drexel’s low-residency MFA in Creative Writing holds three immersive residencies in Philadelphia and New York City, combining remote study with in-person craft and professional development.
- The program’s Writing Through the Walls exchange pairs MFA students with incarcerated writers for a community-based creative writing experience.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe Drexel as a school of strong contrasts. The clearest strength is the co-op model, which many say delivers substantial, career-shaping experience, sharper direction, and often job offers before graduation. Students also praise rigorous academics, small classes in some areas, supportive faculty, and flexible online options that make it possible to keep working. Philadelphia itself is often part of the appeal, adding access to hospitals, employers, culture, and networking. The recurring complaints are cost, uneven teaching quality across departments, and frustrating administration, especially around advising, billing, and financial aid. Many also found the quarter system intense, efficient, and occasionally exhausting.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 2,820 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $10,995
- Out-of-State Tuition: $10,995
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- The MFA in Visual Art follows a low-residency cohort model with a required three-week summer residency each year, bringing students together with professors, visiting artists, and speakers.
- Visual art MFA students maintain independent studio practice, making sustained art production a formal part of the degree structure.
- APU’s Visual Art MFA is accredited by NASAD, alongside the university’s institutional accreditation from WSCUC.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Azusa Pacific University as a place where many felt genuinely supported by approachable professors, small classes, and a close-knit, faith-centered environment that often translated into practical preparation for work. Online and flexible formats were frequently praised for helping people balance jobs and family responsibilities. Several also valued hands-on learning, clinical placements, and coursework tied directly to professional tasks. Still, praise is tempered by recurring complaints about cost, disorganization, uneven communication, rigid policies, and busywork. A smaller set of sharply negative reviews describes favoritism, political or cultural tension, and programs that felt poorly structured despite strong individual instructors.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 784 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: $17,015
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- The online MFA in Screenwriting integrates Transcendental Meditation into creative study through a featured course on meditation and the writing process.
- Screenwriting MFA students complete four one-week residencies over two years, with fall sessions on campus in Iowa and spring sessions conducted live online.
- Instead of letter grades, the screenwriting degree uses narrative evaluations that describe course objectives, student progress, strengths, and areas for growth, alongside pass/no-pass marks.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Maharishi International University lean positive, though the experience appears highly uneven across programs. Supportive comments describe a low-stress atmosphere, approachable professors, stimulating discussions, and a peaceful campus where good food, personal growth, and confidence-building stand out. Several reviewers also value flexible scheduling, strong job outcomes, and a sense of safety and close community. The sharpest criticism centers on instructional quality in one review, where recorded videos replaced live teaching and course time felt poorly used. Other drawbacks include Saturday classes, a quiet small-town setting, and a campus culture that may feel narrowly defined for some.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,196 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $22,000
- Out-of-State Tuition: $22,000
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Bay Path University as a school that works especially well for adults balancing jobs and family, with flexible online, weekend, hybrid, and accelerated formats repeatedly praised as manageable and career-relevant. Many describe small classes, accessible professors, and a notably warm, supportive atmosphere that helps build confidence, leadership, and immediate workplace skills. The strongest complaints center on cost, limited scholarships, and uneven administrative support, including frustrations with financial aid, registrar responsiveness, and admissions promises that did not match reality. A smaller set of reviews also points to dated coursework, limited specialization or research options, and poor residential and dining conditions.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,157 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: $15,162
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray SCAD as a demanding, career-oriented creative school that many found worth the price because of strong faculty, current technology, and unusually practical preparation for industry. Students repeatedly credit professors with real-world experience, valuable critiques, and networking access that led to internships, portfolio growth, or jobs. Several also praise the intense pace for sharpening discipline and professional habits. The most persistent complaint is cost, often paired with worries about debt, housing, and limited aid. A smaller but notable group describes serious problems, especially in some online or under-resourced areas, citing weak instruction, inconsistent administration, scarce feedback, and having to teach themselves.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 636 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $43,155
- Out-of-State Tuition: $43,155
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: $51,744
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Full Sail University are sharply divided, though the overall pattern leans positive because many reviewers praised the accelerated format, flexible online structure, and instructors with industry backgrounds. Supporters said the school felt career-focused, creative, and hands-on, with useful equipment, practical projects, and networking that rewarded self-motivation. Critics described a very different experience: high tuition, heavy debt, weak financial aid guidance, poor communication, and online courses that relied too much on outside videos or self-teaching. Several also questioned career support, transferability of credits, and whether the fast pace sacrifices depth, especially when feedback is delayed or inconsistent.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,161 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $37,004
- Out-of-State Tuition: $37,004
- Program Length: 12 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Institution Type: For-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Lindenwood as a generally well-regarded, career-oriented school where small classes, approachable professors, and flexible scheduling stand out. Many describe instructors as knowledgeable, responsive, and invested in long-term success, with practical coursework, mentorship, and hands-on experience that translate well to work after graduation. Working adults and online learners especially praise evening, accelerated, hybrid, and asynchronous formats that make school manageable alongside jobs and family life. Still, praise is tempered by recurring complaints about administrative disorganization, slow communication, uneven program quality, high private-school costs, limited career support, and, in a few cases, outdated technology, housing issues, accessibility concerns, and weak support for out-of-state learners.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,861 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $14,280
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,280
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Radford as a school where personable, accessible faculty often define the experience. Many describe small classes, easy-to-reach advisors, and instructors who explain material clearly, push learners to master practical skills, and prepare them well for careers. The campus is frequently praised as beautiful, safe, quiet, and easy to navigate, with a close-knit feel that helps friendships last. Several also value flexible scheduling and online options for working adults. Criticism centers on inconsistency: some mention weak organization, limited diversity, parking hassles, sparse social activity, and recurring frustrations with financial aid, while one nursing review strongly condemns disorganization and faculty attitude.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 934 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $24,420
- Out-of-State Tuition: $24,420
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Adelphi University as a place where small classes, accessible professors, and attentive faculty make a tangible difference. Many say instructors know them by name, offer meaningful guidance, and create an intimate environment that feels supportive rather than impersonal. Several also credit the school with strong career preparation through internships, field placements, practical training, and academically rigorous coursework. The most persistent criticism is cost: tuition, limited scholarships, uneven financial aid, and added commuting expenses leave many worried about debt. Some also describe weak advising, scarce parking, limited social life for commuters, and inconsistent support after graduation.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 603 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $18,817
- Out-of-State Tuition: $18,817
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Regent University Online skew positive, driven by frequent praise for attentive professors, accessible advising, and a format that helps many balance work and family. Several reviewers say the courses are rigorous, thoughtfully organized, and strengthened by detailed feedback, faith integration, and practical support such as writing help, library resources, and career services. The sharpest criticism centers on administration rather than instruction: confusing transfer-credit decisions, slow or inconsistent communication, billing and financial-aid problems, and course scheduling bottlenecks. Some also found the eight-week format relentless, discussion boards artificial, and the Christian emphasis either deeply meaningful or far too pervasive, depending on expectations.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 4,787 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $14,472
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,472
- Program Length: 30 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Liberty University lean positive overall, but they are sharply divided. Supporters describe a flexible online format that fits work, family, and military life, with accelerated terms, responsive professors, strong veteran discounts, and a challenging workload that can lead to quick completion and career progress. Many also value the explicit Christian framework and say the school is upfront about it. Detractors focus on inconsistent advising, slow or confusing financial aid, transcript and billing problems, and courses that feel self-taught. A recurring frustration is mandatory biblical integration in nearly every assignment, which some say crowds out subject depth or critical thinking.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 49,153 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,136
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,136
- Program Length: 30 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray LSU New Orleans as a place where engaged professors, approachable faculty, and flexible scheduling often make the academic experience feel personal and workable, especially for those balancing jobs or seeking practical preparation. Several reviewers praise supportive communities, useful labs, office hours, and a welcoming, diverse campus atmosphere. The strongest criticisms focus on institutional instability rather than classroom teaching: budget cuts, weak financial aid, limited scholarships, reduced resources, sparse course availability, and inconsistent advising. A few accounts describe serious administrative breakdowns, including poor oversight, delayed aid processing, and inadequate career placement, leaving some to build networks and opportunities largely on their own.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 245 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $9,056
- Out-of-State Tuition: $9,056
- Program Length: 20 months
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 38%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray a sharply divided experience, with cost dominating nearly every account. Many describe tuition, fees, supplies, and housing as crushing, often alongside poor credit transfer, weak advising, and a sense of being aggressively recruited but lightly supported afterward. Online learning draws the most criticism for outdated modules, vague instruction, copied feedback, and uneven professor engagement. Still, positive reviewers say they found demanding coursework, strong peer critique, industry-connected instructors, and real portfolio growth. The clearest pattern is inconsistency: some felt transformed by rigorous training and networking, while many others felt they paid premium prices for disorganization, outdated content, and debt-heavy outcomes.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,056 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $31,017
- Out-of-State Tuition: $31,017
- Program Length: 3 years
- Median Earnings: $40,069
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 34%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Institution Type: For-Profit
Compare the Best Master of Fine Arts Online Degrees
Recommendation rates show the share of reviewers who would recommend the school, and all figures here are schoolwide, not MFA-specific. Use this metric to shortlist schools, then assess the specific MFA鈥檚 structure and support to find the best fit.
AMC, AU, and DU each reach 100%, with overall ratings of 4.25, 4.24, and 4.11, respectively. The contrast between SCAD and APU is useful: SCAD鈥檚 94% rate tops APU鈥檚 92%, but APU鈥檚 overall rating is higher at 4.08 versus 3.99.
Standout Features of the Best Fine Arts Master鈥檚 Degrees Online: An Editorial Analysis
Applying Design Methods Across Industries
Radford University
Radford鈥檚 online MFA with a concentration in Design Thinking applies design methods to complex problems across professional fields. The program description says applicants do not need a design degree and that students use interdisciplinary teams to address domestic and international issues. It frames design as a tool for leadership across industries and notes that the terminal credential also prepares graduates to teach in higher education.
Field Work Embedded in Photography MFA Training
Savannah College of Art and Design
SCAD's online MFA in Photography requires students to complete a structured practical experience, making applied work part of the degree plan. Students can choose between a SCADpro collaboration and a graduate field internship. A teaching practicum is the third route. This requirement links studio work to a real-world setting before graduation.
Online Creative Writing MFA With the Resident Faculty
LSU New Orleans
As part of LSU New Orleans鈥� online MFA in Creative Writing, online students are taught by the same award-winning writing faculty. LSU describes this format as distinct from distance MFAs built around one faculty mentor for the full program. The callout is the online cohort鈥檚 integration with the resident writing community, not simply remote access to courses. Writers who want contact with multiple instructors and peers can assess whether this model fits their preferred workshop environment.
Expert Guidance About Choosing the Best Master of Fine Arts Online
"I went to Full Sail University. Full Sail is an online school. When students compare online MFA programs, they should look at whether that program serves their needs. I chose Full Sail because I was already an established author and wanted a program that could make me a better one. Every online MFA program differs, and every student has different goals. Not every MFA program can serve every student's needs.
The MFA is the doctorate-level degree for the arts. When you have an MFA you are basically telling the world that you have mastered your craft.
The biggest misconception about having an MFA is that people don't know what it entails. The MFA is the doctorate-level degree for the arts. When you have an MFA you are basically telling the world that you have mastered your craft.
My specialty in the MFA is Creative Writing. That means I can teach creative writing at any level including college, and write for theatre or Hollywood, etc. I am a master of the written word. There are other disciplines of the MFA. Other MFA disciplines include painting, directing, drawing, and acting.
When choosing the online program you will study at it's important to look at the faculty you will study under and what they have achieved. I am still friends of many faculty members I studied under. You want faculty who understand you as a student and who are approachable. A faculty member who is out of touch won't help you improve your craft."
EXPERT TIP
"Don't be scared to get your MFA. This is a big step in your career. Be proud to get your MFA and when you do, be sure to put it after your name on your emails and business cards. You worked hard and you deserve to show it off."
FAQs About Choosing the Best Online MFA Programs
Should You Choose a Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts Program Online?
Deciding between an MA or an MFA depends on your future goals. An MA in the arts has an academic focus and is often a precursor to earning a PhD. The programs typically involve a great deal of research and writing. An MFA, on the other hand, is considered a terminal degree, and coursework is designed to develop advanced skills in a particular art form.
Which Online MFA Format Fits Your Studio and Workshop Needs?
Yes, online MFA programs are widely offered from many respectable institutions around the country. Students attending these art schools can study everything from film directing to creative writing. Some of the best MFA programs will feature mostly online learning, with the option for students to participate in studios and workshops on campus.
A Master of Fine Arts online provides a unique blend of creativity and flexibility, allowing you to pursue advanced studies in creating writing, digital art, photography, and more 鈥� from any location. With a focus on individualized learning, virtual workshops, and mentorship, these online and hybrid learning programs nurture your artistic growth while accommodating your busy schedule. An online Master of Fine Arts prepares you for diverse careers in industries such as publishing, entertainment, and education.
The best online MFA programs are those that prepare you for the career you have in mind. If your dream is to write an award-winning novel, an MFA in creative writing may be the best way to obtain the necessary literary skills. If you aspire to create the next hot video game, an MFA in animation may be a good choice for you.
How Long Does an Online MFA Program Usually Take?
Master of fine arts online programs generally take two to three years to complete. In some cases, students can accelerate some coursework and finish the degree in just two years. Meanwhile, students who choose to study at their own pace can be allotted up to three years to complete their MFA degree.
What Program Requirements Should You Compare in an Online MFA?
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) offers the opportunity to study a variety of artistic professions. Many artists choose to pursue a master's program because these fields are highly competitive and take significant effort to become successful. Students in an online MFA program typically devote two to three years to taking studio and theory courses while working on a thesis project. The structure of the thesis will depend on the degree's focus. For example, students working toward a creative writing degree may be required to write a complete novel, while a graphic design degree might help students develop a series of advertisements for a particular product.
Online art and design programs in areas such as illustration, painting, or fashion design may require students to scan and upload their work for critique by peers and instructors. Some online art and design degrees, such as architecture degrees or interior design degrees, have residency requirements, meaning that students must travel to campus to participate in seminars and design labs, often lasting about a week.
While most graduates use a master's degree to further develop their artistic mission and create works of art for sale or display, some enter more commercial areas of art and design, utilizing their MFA to qualify for supervisory or leadership positions. Some MFA graduates also pursue careers in teaching.
Online master's degrees in art and design are much more variable in coursework and graduation requirements than undergraduate degrees. Some graduate degree programs may require just 36 semester credits, as well as a significant amount of hands-on studio work. However, many top MFA programs may require upwards of 72 credits plus hands-on studio work, thesis projects, and/or portfolio development.
Which Courses Should You Look for in an Online MFA Degree?
Onlines courses for an MFA can vary depending on which concentration, major, or emphasis you choose. For example, the best MFA art programs in screenwriting and directing may require students to explore courses covering the fundamentals of directing during their first year before advancing to the practicalities of production.
Overall, the curriculum of an online MFA is tailored toward your degree focus. Most coursework includes critique, studio time, and theory classes, where you'll explore the different facets of your field. Critique involves contextualizing, understanding, and assessing works of art, while studio courses allow students to practice hands-on work in a professional environment. Finally, theory classes take a look at the historical, societal, and psychological aspects of artwork.
Are you unsure about pursuing an online MFA? Explore other options on our list of online master's programs.
What Careers Can an Online Master of Fine Arts Program Support?
The following are some possible career paths for MFA holders:
- An MFA in Animation, Illustration, or Motion Media Design may lead to a career as a . Often employed by media production companies, these highly skilled artists use computer programs to create images, animations, and special effects for various types of digital media.
- One of the online MFAs focuses on writing, and this type of master's program is designed to prepare graduates for in fiction, nonfiction, technical writing, poetry, and/or screenwriting. Depending on the type of work they do, writers may be self-employed, or they may create written content for one or more clients or employers.
- can enhance their skills by earning an MFA in graphic design. Advanced designers use various computer programs to develop and produce concepts for different types of media, such as ads, magazines, and books. They often work for design services firms or large organizations, or they can be self-employed.
- An MFA in interior design may help improve their design skills and color sense so they can create beautiful, functional interiors. Some graduates become self-employed, while others work for interior design or architectural firms.
- Prospective graduate students may wonder, "Do I need an MFA to be a professor?" The short answer is yes, at minimum. College design the curricula that shape the art courses they're teaching. Therefore, it's crucial that they first acquire a high level of education to not only understand the nuances of their given artistic subject but stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research. However, most higher education institutions require professors to have a PhD.
According to the , about 51% of employed U.S. master鈥檚 graduates in the survey鈥檚 鈥渁rt and humanities fields鈥� category said their job was closely related to their degree, while about 28% reported some relationship and 22% said it was not related.
Earning an MFA gives you 2-3 years to produce hands-on work and receive feedback from professors 鈥� a process that's likely to enhance your skills. This degree may open the door to more opportunities and advanced positions that involve creative expression.
How Can You Decide Whether an Online Fine Arts Master's Degree Is Worth It?
Whether a master's degree in the arts is worth the investment of time and money depends on your personal goals and circumstances, such as finances and other commitments. While earning an MFA will most likely help you hone your creative and technical skills, most critics agree that the . There are also pros and cons to earning this degree online. Opting for distance education gives you a wider range of programs to choose from without having to relocate, but the online learning environment may not give you the level of peer interaction you want.
Potential Benefits:
- You can earn your degree on your own time from the comfort of your home while maintaining a healthy study-life balance.
- Online learning still allows you to hone your creative and technical skills through innovative computer programs without the need to work in a studio environment.
- You can follow your passion with a lower financial commitment than an on-campus learning environment that may require relocation and then daily transportation costs.
Potential Disadvantages:
- MFA programs take an additional two- to three-year commitment after you complete your bachelor's degree.
- In most cases, an MFA alone is not a sufficient credential to become an art professor at a university.
- Some students may find that physically being in a studio with other students is more beneficial to their craft than studying remotely from home. This comes down to your personal learning preference.
According to the , in 2024, full-time employed artists with a master鈥檚 degree or higher earned a median $90,660. That's 28% more than non-artist cultural workers with similar education ($70,690) but less than all full-time workers with similar degrees ($101,480). Treat the finding as context, not a promise of a pay premium, and compare likely earning pathways against tuition and the work you want to pursue.
So, is it worth it to get an MFA online? Alongside the financial, time commitment and personal considerations, consider the potential benefits and disadvantages of taking a masters of fine arts program online. If it seems like something you want to pursue, check out our list of the best MFAs online above.
Student Reviews of Online MFA Programs
Absolutely fantastic. The community we had together was close and their connections were diverse and influential. I was given connections to professional mentors across the country that helped me build my work and network and see how my art was received on a greater scale then my main community provided. They did a great service providing an environment to teach and to learn without feeling judged for not having a full knowledge of everything you were asked.
Review Date: 7/15/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No