masters degree
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- setsolid
im thinking of getting my MA in design... who here got one already? which school? and is it worth it? thanks guys :)
- nLHb0
a friend of mine has his masters in new media of some sort. he was a proffesor at the alberta college of art but he just moved away to get his PHD. i think if you already have you bachelors then why not go that extra step further and get your masters?
- Jaline0
I'm not getting my masters in design, but I am pretty sure that I want to master in the field I'm studying now. So go for it! I'm sure there'll be more opportunities.
- Goatlamb0
Great thread. I'd be curious to hear more opinions as well. I'm starting to do some research on masters programs in the area and want to know if it's worth it too.
I know if you ever want to get into a marketing director position or creative director position it is helpful, but not necessary. Obviously in our field your portfolio is your most powerful asset. I suppose it's more than just the degree. The knowledge gained is something you'll use and keep forever, whether or not you make more money with the added education.
- thenuge0
this is something i've debated over quite a bit. i've been thinking about getting a masters in business or marketing. it would be especially helpful because i would like to teach one day. it's just so hard to take 2 years out of your life to go back to school.
- Mimio0
Do you mean MFA?
If you have clear goals and a school picked that matches them, I say go for it.
- ribit0
If you take the long view, the diversity of experiences you get from an MA is way more useful than just two more years at work...
Now I have to go work on my proposal for a research degree (which I have been planning for like 10 years...must actually do it)
- ornj0
I know here at Drexel they have created a masters program for Digital Media but I don't really see it as being really that good of a use of my time. I can learn more, faster, for less money by myself. Instead I am going to focus on getting a MBA and learn things like marketing. I think that would be more valuable in the long run.
- honest0
i think as a designer, it:s what and if you can do the work and not so much what qualification you have. if your work speaks for itself, then you could have flunked university for I care (how many good designers quit their courses or got kicked out of college?). If you get an MA then you:re at consultant level and you:ll have to be lucky to get hired at that level with little experience in the field. get out, get designing, live design but don:t study it too much unless you want to teach.
- brooke0
In my experience, what Honest said best sums it up.
- canuck0
I'd do it as a personal thing. I really don't think employers could care. - I could be very wrong though,
I hardly ever get asked about my education in interviews (even though I did a BA and a post-grad program), they just care about work experience and portfolio, it would seem.
- setsolid0
Thanks everyone for the great feebacks. i think im gona go for it! :)
- fusionpixel0
IMHO I think times have changed, and it has been proven than if you dont have a degree but you have Good skills and desire to succed you can get as far as some one with a BA or Masters.
- setsolid0
to tell you guys the truth... its all for the paper for me... working as art director.. there are some people... just don't respect you because of your education no matter how good your your work are. most of them are clients, don't have design backgounds.
i know with work and your talent you can go a long way... and i did just that. but...i think with a master degree, it open a lots of new doors.
- lifeinbinary0
get one, like me. do something worthwile with it, unlike me.
- Jaline0
You should have one just so that people respect you more. It's true that people with little education are not treated the same way as people with education. In general.
Although, The Apprentice had two teams in the beginning (one was high school grads and the other was college grads) and there're 2 high school grads and 1 college grad left!
Okaaay...too much tv pour moi.
- speed_d0
word of advice...
It's a great idea if you don't have to pay for it...just got mine...I will be paying it off for 30 years...get a job with a company that will at least contribute some $$$...
- Jaline0
My cousin managed to pay hers off with a part-time job. I have no idea how she did that. She's becoming a nurse too.
- piperboytoy0
I think everyone has there own reasons for wanting to do there MA. You just have to evaluate what is right for you.
I have been thinking about going since 1998. I've heard all sorts of reasons from people who have completed there MA.
You just gotta do what's right, don't let anyone discourage you from going.
- raiden0
Going for an MA is two things to me - personal satisfaction, and respect. an MA in design would give you the latitude needed in order to do research with integrity, and not just scratch the surface of a concept. i have this motto that when you start working, you stop learning.
more signal, less noise.
- sweetasbro0
when you start working, you stop learning.
more signal, less noise.
raiden
(May 2 05, 21:21)when you get bored of working you stop learning is more appropriate. As you never stop learning while working - esp. in design.
If you think respect is your thing then go for it but I really don't think as a "Graphic" Designer, MA is going to change anything much - just how much research can you really do whithout stepping into Marketing or Business? Aesthetics is shallow and no MA is gonna help ;o)
The bottom line is if you have a reason to do it, do it! no need to procrastinate and if you're doubting for any reason, don't try to find excuses to weight up the balance as you will regret it.