MA / MFA - Teaching at the College Level

[One-Way]

It feels like just yesterday when I was asking about getting an undergraduate degree. I'm still two years away from graduating but will need to start thinking about graduate school soon and will need to apply by this time next year.

So, I've been doing a little bit of thinking. Ideally, I wouldn't go to graduate school although I really would like to. I'd be happy with graduating and making films or graduating and working in the business at different companies and studios. I think it's best to apply to graduate school though, in case.

I can do my graduate degree in cinema in several different programs. If I stick with my current program, I'd be able to teach the history of film at the college level. If I go with an MFA in Film Production, I'd be better skilled at making films, but I would probably only be able to teach film production in schools.

So, the problem is what degree to go for. I really would love to teach for a year or two after graduating from graduate school, but I only want to teach film history/theory/aesthetics. I don't necessarily want to get my MA in that though. I'd like to go for an MFA in Film Production or something else pertaining to Producing, but does that mean I won't be able to teach film history?

I mean, this is a bit general, I know. I have asked several institutions and they're all a little unsure. I would obviously (in their eyes) not be capable for teaching film history with only an undergraduate degree. I would just like to get an MFA in Film Production or Producing, and teach film history at a local college while I do my own thing. Is that not possible?

[Haykakan]

Re: MA / MFA - Teaching at the College Level

I am finishing up my MBA and have taught at a local community college. There is a demand for teachers, i have several offers to teach businesss even before getting my master degree. I enjoyed teaching but making films sounds a lot more interesting to me. In the end the decision depends on what you want to do but i bet you could teach regardless which degree you get.

[One-Way]

Re: MA / MFA - Teaching at the College Level

Thank you for the reply.

I have contacted several administrators at local universities and they told me that I can't teach at the university level without a PhD, or significant experience in my field. I understand that, because that means, if I go out and become a very successful filmmaker, and decide to teach years later, I can do so, because I have life experience.

I would love to teach at a local community college while I work on my own projects. I just don't know if they will let me teach Film Studies if I have an MFA in Production. In either case, I'm still leaning towards an MA in Critical Studies, so it's all good.

[Haykakan]

Re: MA / MFA - Teaching at the College Level

Good luck to you either way. If you dont care personaly which way to go then go with the one that gives you the most options down the line.