MFA
Terminal creative degree
An MFA is a Master of Fine Arts, a terminal graduate degree in creative disciplines including creative writing, studio art, dance, and filmmaking: He got his MFA from Iowa.
The degree typically takes two to three years and culminates in a thesis project or exhibition.
MFA also stands for multi-factor authentication, a security method requiring multiple forms of identity verification to access an account—typically something you know (password) plus something you have (phone) or something you are (fingerprint): Enable MFA on your bank account.
Advanced graduate credential
- graduateOne who earned degree
- thesisAcademic argument requiring defense
- portfolioCollected works or assets
- exhibitionPublic display of items
critique · studio · curriculum · residency · workshop · seminar · adviser · faculty
Login requiring multiple proofs
- two-factorAuthentication using paired credentials
- passwordAuthentication string
- verificationProving something accurate
- loginAuthentication act or screen
token · authenticator · biometric · fingerprint · security code · SMS code · identity verification · access control
Pigment on canvas
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
- drawingMarks forming a picture
- printmakingProducing images through impression
- ceramicsHardened clay objects
photography · installation · mixed media · video art · digital art · conceptual art · performance art · gallery
Imagined narrative work
- poetryMetrical literary composition
- nonfictionLiterature about real events
- playwritingAuthoring theatrical scripts
- screenwritingComposing scripts for film
memoir · workshop · manuscript · revision · voice · craft · narrative · prose
Temporarily holding position
- directingOverseeing a production
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
- danceRhythmic bodily movement
- theaterVenue for live drama
dramaturgy · stage design · movement · rehearsal · devising · ensemble · improvisation · voice training
master's
Advanced graduate credential
- graduateOne who earned degree
- thesisAcademic argument requiring defense
- portfolioCollected works or assets
exhibition · critique · studio · curriculum · residency · workshop · seminar · adviser · faculty · diploma
multi-factor authentication
Login requiring multiple proofs
- two-factorAuthentication using paired credentials
- passwordAuthentication string
- verificationProving something accurate
login · token · authenticator · biometric · fingerprint · security code · SMS code · identity verification · access control · account security
painting
Pigment on canvas
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
- drawingMarks forming a picture
- printmakingProducing images through impression
ceramics · photography · installation · mixed media · video art · digital art · conceptual art · performance art · gallery · curator
fiction
Imagined narrative work
- poetryMetrical literary composition
- nonfictionLiterature about real events
- playwritingAuthoring theatrical scripts
screenwriting · memoir · workshop · manuscript · revision · voice · craft · narrative · prose · verse
acting
Temporarily holding position
- directingOverseeing a production
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
- danceRhythmic bodily movement
theater · dramaturgy · stage design · movement · rehearsal · devising · ensemble · improvisation · voice training · physical theater
weaving
Interlacing strands into fabric
yarn · knitting · embroidery · dyeing · felting · tapestry · quilting · pattern · sewing · textile design
- Master's DegreesMBA, MSc, MPA, MSN, MM
- writingwriting, drafting, authors, author, books
- securitysecurity guard, security cameras, alarm system, security system, lock
- art museumspaintings, The Louvre, galleries, permanent collection, exhibitions
- authenticationpassword, login, logout, fingerprint, ID
- defenseswall, walls, fence, gate, barrier
MFAPhD
Highest academic credential
doctorate · BFA · high school diploma · GED · associate's degree
MFAMA
Advanced arts degree
PhD · academic degree · MBA · JD · MD
MFAself-taught
Educated without instructors
autodidact · untrained · outsider artist · amateur · hobbyist
- MFA programGraduate fine arts degree