The MFA Landscape: Evolving Trends in Graduate Arts Education

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree provides advanced study in a specific artistic discipline like creative writing, studio art, design, theater, or filmmaking. MFA programs experienced rapid growth in the 1970s through 1990s. As art historian Howard Singerman notes, MFA programs took on an expanded role "from being a terminal degree for college arts educators to being a necessary credential for studio artists."

However, tuition costs for many private nonprofit MFA programs have continued rising beyond the rate of inflation, causing concern about accessibility and equitable student outcomes. Citing a study from UC Davis, the Chronicle of Higher Education reported that average total costs for the top 25 MFA programs reached nearly $120,000 in 2019—a 75% increase from just a decade prior. Compounding this issue is the fact that average salaries for careers in the arts remain relatively low compared to other fields, making it difficult for graduates to repay loans.

Some programs are implementing innovative solutions like income-based tuition models to alleviate cost burdens. Others aim to improve career preparation and networking opportunities so that students see a worthwhile return on their investment. Meanwhile, low-residency and online MFA programs are expanding as more affordable alternatives.

As a higher education reform expert, I am encouraged to see this evolution toward more accountability and innovations that support student success. But there is still progress to be made to bridge research, theory, and practice; foster more inclusive cohorts and curricula; provide targeted career support; and make arts education sustainable. Prospective MFA students should thoroughly research programs to ensure the model aligns with their goals and learning needs. Geographic location, teaching philosophies, facilities, research output, and career placements all offer helpful insights.

Situated in eastern Pennsylvania‘s culturally vibrant Lehigh Valley, Allentown offers exceptional quality of life with a significantly lower cost of living compared to major metro areas like New York City and Washington D.C. Numerous concert venues, theaters, galleries, museums, and studios make it an ideal location for emerging creatives to immerse themselves in a thriving arts scene.

Allentown is currently undergoing exciting revitalization efforts centered around arts and culture. Recent downtown development has brought new studios, co-working spaces, and shopping to attract young talent. Seasonal festivals like BaumFest and Allentown ArtsFest also draw over 350,000 annual visitors.

For graduate students, proximity to other college towns provides expanded opportunities to network and access resources. Allentown is under an hour‘s drive from arts communities in Bethlehem, Reading, Lancaster, and Philadelphia. This makes it easier to collaborate with artists across the region.

Local colleges also actively partner with community arts organizations to provide students with hands-on learning, exhibition, and outreach opportunities. With affordable rents and a collaborative spirit, Allentown offers an ideal environment for emerging creatives to develop their talents while building strong regional connections.

A Closer Look at Notable MFA Programs in Allentown

Allentown‘s colleges provide exceptional graduate training rooted in studio practice. Here we outline seven standout MFA programs covering a range of artistic disciplines:

DeSales University offers respected low-residency writing programs culminating in an MFA degree, taught by acclaimed faculty like poet Martín Espada. The 48-credit curriculum covers literature seminars, craft workshops, 1-on-1 mentoring, and a critical thesis. Assistantships and scholarships provide financial support. Graduates have published award-winning fiction and nonfiction books alongside prestigious placements.

Cedar Crest College empowers women to find their creative voices through small classes covering techniques across art forms. In studios at the Tompkins College Center, students experiment across painting, photography, ceramics, and more while building professional portfolios. Curricular offerings equip graduates to become artists, researchers, or educators.

Lehigh University is recognized as one of the top programs nationally for studio arts. The program takes place within flexible open studio spaces allowing interdisciplinary collaboration. Students take seminars focused on theory while developing strong technical skills under faculty members actively producing exhibitions. They also receive dedicated mentorship to turn experiments into cohesive portfolio pieces.

Kutztown University stands out for its future-focused Digital Media MFA emphasizing both technical abilities and critical thinking. The 36-credit curriculum covers digital filmmaking, audio production, animation, visual arts programming, and more. Students learn to push creative boundaries through research and invention using the latest software and tools. This unique program is designed to launch graduates to the cutting edge of media arts fields.

The Baum School of Art has offered immersive arts instruction to locals for over 95 years. Its open studios filled with specialized equipment provide the perfect setting for creatives to gain hands-on training. While no formal MFA degree is offered, passionate teachers like renowned ceramicist Brett Kern mentor dedicated students through workshops, classes, and camps. Scholarships improve access for disadvantaged youth.

Marywood University offers an MSW program through The Baum School of Art focusing on community impact. Field work placements at local nonprofits build practical skills to address challenges like poverty, addiction, mental health, and more through programming and policy projects. Distinguished faculty balance research with practice to prepare graduates for leadership roles advancing human rights across the region.

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) is recognized as the first arts education institution and museum in the U.S. Though located in Philadelphia, PAFA‘s continuing education offerings provide working creatives with convenient access to specialized training. Classes range from introductory to advanced levels with both day and evening options in fields like oil painting, sculpture, illustration, and more.

Know Why You‘re Pursuing an MFA

An MFA demands significant dedication in time and finances. Be clear on your motivations—is it required for faculty careers or to augment a studio practice? Define priorities for areas of study, specialized skills gained, facilities access, networking and more.

Develop a Strong Portfolio

Admissions committees focus closely on creative work samples conveying vision, technique, and evolution. Allocate at least 1-2 years pre-application to build a cohesive 15-20 piece portfolio tailored to your discipline. For collaborative fields like theater, compiled video best represents your contributions.

Secure Funding Early

In 2022, 39% of MFA students relied fully on loans to finance their degree, accruing an average debt of $111,200 according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Apply early for grants, fellowships, and tuition remission programs competitive applicants qualify for. Seek assistantships allowing you to gain experience while offsetting costs.

Get Teaching and Research Experience

Programs seek candidates demonstrating the aptitude to balance creating their own work with critical analysis and instruction of others. Attend conferences to present papers, volunteer to assist running campus workshops, or look for K-12 school partnerships. Valuable skills in ideation, course development, and managing group dynamics will emerge.

Attend Information Sessions and Campus Visits

Once prospective programs are identified, extensively explore institutional fit beyond curricula. Attend virtual info sessions for insights from current faculty and students. If possible, visit in person to get firsthand experiences of facilities, community engagement opportunities, surrounding arts neighborhoods, and more.

Connect with Faculty and Alumni

Schedule phone calls with department heads to share your interests and ask candid questions about culture. Reach out to alumni through social media groups or university career services to hear about their experiences finding mentors, developing marketable skills, processing critiques, and more.

Admitted students should line up housing, address funding gaps, and acclimate through department introductions and trainings. Immersely focus in on your artistic discipline while taking advantage of cross-disciplinary opportunities. Set aside time for self-care preserving work/life balance and mental wellbeing.

Most importantly, embrace this period of creative experimentation fully outside commercial constraints. Take considered risks. Let yourself be vulnerable sharing works-in-progress during critiques. The graduate workshop environment is designed to nurture personal growth and help move your practice to heights not otherwise possible. Network ambitiously to cement relationships offering continued support long after graduation. The rewards of dedicating yourself to furthering your art form can pay dividends over an entire career.