Masters Degree - Is it worth it?

[Lewisdc]

I'll start off with where i currently stand:

• I'm currently coming to the end of my 2nd year of a Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Degree, of which has thrown me around a lot with different experiences.

• I've documented a Lib Dem MPs campaign during the Gen. Election last year, I'm currently working with an Air Ambulance Charity and the Fire Service ( Shooting on B&W film ) on individual projects, along with working into another with the Police Force.

• I very recently just finished a work placement at the Times Newspaper working the Picture Desk, and am undergoing a module that has me setting up everything i need beyond the lens in the working world ( Or so i believe ).

Overall i've thoroughly enjoyed it, i've been given the opportunity to spend a lot of my time shooting black and white film, mixed from 35mm/120mm. However, the problem is that i'm still left uncertain as to just where to take this degree after graduation.

Because of this, i have been looking into honing in with a Masters Degree, of which i've been looking for abroad ( I simply desire to begin networking elsewhere rather than at home [UK] ), and this has had me researching into the courses given by institutions such as the International Center of Photography, The New School, Royal College of Art and even the course available at Yale ( Among the many that are in a much more reasonable price bracket ).

I suppose what i'm trying to ask is, whether putting in those few extra years into studying would be of any benefit afterwards? Besides aiding in whether i'd wish to teach in later life.

 

[BAK]

If your teaching is in an academic setting, the more degrees the better.

If your goal in teaching is to help people take photos in a practical way, the Master's is probably a financial-practical waste of time. (I taught hundreds of sessions sponsored by a camera store, helping people understand the buttons and knobs, but not the history or portraiture.)

If your personal goal is to be very immersed in the art and craft and professionalism or pro photography and artistic photography, the Master's might be very satisfying, if not an easy payoff.

I do not think a newspaper or wire service is going to pay you more because you have a master's degree.

BAK

 

[RhysM]

I'll start off with where i currently stand:

• I'm currently coming to the end of my 2nd year of a Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Degree, of which has thrown me around a lot with different experiences.

• I've documented a Lib Dem MPs campaign during the Gen. Election last year, I'm currently working with an Air Ambulance Charity and the Fire Service ( Shooting on B&W film ) on individual projects, along with working into another with the Police Force.

• I very recently just finished a work placement at the Times Newspaper working the Picture Desk, and am undergoing a module that has me setting up everything i need beyond the lens in the working world ( Or so i believe ).

Overall i've thoroughly enjoyed it, i've been given the opportunity to spend a lot of my time shooting black and white film, mixed from 35mm/120mm. However, the problem is that i'm still left uncertain as to just where to take this degree after graduation.

Because of this, i have been looking into honing in with a Masters Degree, of which i've been looking for abroad ( I simply desire to begin networking elsewhere rather than at home [UK] ), and this has had me researching into the courses given by institutions such as the International Center of Photography, The New School, Royal College of Art and even the course available at Yale ( Among the many that are in a much more reasonable price bracket ).

I suppose what i'm trying to ask is, whether putting in those few extra years into studying would be of any benefit afterwards? Besides aiding in whether i'd wish to teach in later life.

I'd say absolutely not, certainly not in photography/photo journalism at least.

You'd be much better off doing a Masters in something complimentary like business management, economics, etc so that you have a more broad skill-set to enhance your career prospects in the long term.

A photography teacher/lecturer at a university who can also understand the business aspects of the industry would be far more useful than yet another overly artsy farsty photographer with a masters in photography. Plus you'll be in a lot better position to advance your career in terms of becoming a dept. head further down the line.

 

[johnbandry]

In terms of increased earnings, you will probably never recoup the cost, especially if you take the opportunity cost of lost earning during your studies into account.

Unless you intend an academic career (in which case you probably need to aim for a PhD), you should look for the value in terms of personal satisfaction, deeper understanding (of whatever!) and maybe self-confidence.

You could also work for a couple of years and come back to academia when you have more practical experience under your belt.

 

[BrianYarvin]

I'm sort of with the others - if your goal is an education career, well then an MFA is a good next step. I agree that you'll really need a doctorate to land a tenure-track position or something similar in the museum world. Otherwise ... well ... start asking people at the places you've already worked at what they'd do.

And best of luck.

 

[Richard Weisgrau]

In any aspect of the photography business a Master's degree in photography is not going to be of benefit. After you graduate you grow by doing, reviewing, and improving. However, should you wish to teach the Masters is required in most cases in a university but not a lower school. My 40 + years of continuing learning in the business taught me much more about how to improve my skills as a photojournalist and then as corporate photographer. You would be better taking business courses as you progress because professional photography is a business, and too may pros fail to understand that and therefor fail for lack of business acumen.

 

[hotdog321]

Unlike most, I actually have both a bachelors and Masters in photojournalism. It proved quite useful and opened some newspaper job opportunities that might otherwise have remained closed. I suggest first working in the real world for a couple of years to get seasoned and target your future studies. You might also consider a different field of study: law, anthropology, psychology, business, etc. to broaden your outlook and credentials.

Education is never wasted and the extra training provided a deeper background in my photographic career as well as writing and teaching.

That said, lots of graduates just hit the bricks and start earning a buck, picking up knowledge piecemeal over the years. Good luck!

 

[Photomonkey]

As others have pointed out, business education, networking, professional associations and continual practice in the field will get you further than a costly degree.

If your goal is teaching, then it is useful in the USA (and I presume other places).

It has absolutely no value for getting experience or work as a photographer. Most photographers are self employed. Employers are scarce and generally uninterested in degrees in place of a portfolio.

Arguably, one could start working as an assistant right out of high school and gain more value in the field than even a BFA. However the BFA from a decent school does offer the advantage of a structured instructional environment as opposed to the (at times) chaotic learning on the job.

I have an MFA as i had intended to teach photography. I found that I made a lot more money in photography than teaching. Not one person ever inquired as to my education other than out of curiosity. They are impressed that I have an MFA but they certainly don't hire me on that basis.

As I approach retirement the MFA is a useful thing for me in getting a low impact teaching job. Coupled with a career of experience it will help in getting that sort of job however there are no guarantees.

 

[Deardorff]

Are you planning on teaching at an institution of Higher Learning?

Are you female or a 'minority'?

The woods are full of MFA grads who are white and can't get a job.

If you want an MFA then get one. It is your accomplishment.

 

[BrianYarvin]

Arguably, one could start working as an assistant right out of high school and gain more value in the field than even a BFA. However the BFA from a decent school does offer the advantage of a structured instructional environment as opposed to the (at times) chaotic learning on the job..

Photomonkey:

I don't know what market you're in, but in the commercial studios of New York, it's pretty much impossible to assist (as I did back in the seventies) without a photography school degree. Even if that degree isn't a stated requirement, you'll be competing for that job against people who have it. Even back in the seventies, the first question at every interview was "where did you go to school?" You had to prove you were better than the grads in order to get a foot in the door.

What I don't know is if this holds true in every market. Do they ask you this in London? Tokyo? Los Angeles? I have no idea. Nor do I have any idea of what happens outside the commercial studio world.

What's the story in your market?

 

[Photomonkey]

Arguably, one could start working as an assistant right out of high school and gain more value in the field than even a BFA. However the BFA from a decent school does offer the advantage of a structured instructional environment as opposed to the (at times) chaotic learning on the job..

Photomonkey:

I don't know what market you're in, but in the commercial studios of New York, it's pretty much impossible to assist (as I did back in the seventies) without a photography school degree. Even if that degree isn't a stated requirement, you'll be competing for that job against people who have it. Even back in the seventies, the first question at every interview was "where did you go to school?" You had to prove you were better than the grads in order to get a foot in the door.

What I don't know is if this holds true in every market. Do they ask you this in London? Tokyo? Los Angeles? I have no idea. Nor do I have any idea of what happens outside the commercial studio world.

What's the story in your market?

I said "arguably" as it was possible in the L.A. market to do just that back in the 70's. A degree from a good school such as Art Center was most helpful. However I know some who started assisting without a degree and thus got a 4 year head start on those in school. For a photographer there were pluses and minuses.

A degreed person knew more at the start but would ask more. An eager HS grad with some skills was energetic from the word go but needed more attention. However the assistant generally got paid less.

These days a BFA is really necessary in L.A. as the competition is intense.

However, I feel smaller markets can still be a possibility. And there are still those motivated individuals that get gigs by sheer persistence.

An MFA is of scant value unless you need to get employment from an employer demanding one. Generally this will be an educational institution or government.

 

[Jacques Cornell]

I'll start off with where i currently stand:

• I'm currently coming to the end of my 2nd year of a Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Degree, of which has thrown me around a lot with different experiences.

• I've documented a Lib Dem MPs campaign during the Gen. Election last year, I'm currently working with an Air Ambulance Charity and the Fire Service ( Shooting on B&W film ) on individual projects, along with working into another with the Police Force.

• I very recently just finished a work placement at the Times Newspaper working the Picture Desk, and am undergoing a module that has me setting up everything i need beyond the lens in the working world ( Or so i believe ).

Overall i've thoroughly enjoyed it, i've been given the opportunity to spend a lot of my time shooting black and white film, mixed from 35mm/120mm. However, the problem is that i'm still left uncertain as to just where to take this degree after graduation.

Because of this, i have been looking into honing in with a Masters Degree, of which i've been looking for abroad ( I simply desire to begin networking elsewhere rather than at home [UK] ), and this has had me researching into the courses given by institutions such as the International Center of Photography, The New School, Royal College of Art and even the course available at Yale ( Among the many that are in a much more reasonable price bracket ).

I suppose what i'm trying to ask is, whether putting in those few extra years into studying would be of any benefit afterwards? Besides aiding in whether i'd wish to teach in later life.

If you aspire to a career as a fine-art photographer, an MFA can give you cred with galleries and institutions that might exhibit & sell your work. Outside of that field, though, real-world experience, professionalism, and a great portfolio are what will sell your services. I second the advice of others to get some training in the nuts & bolts of establishing and running a business. Basic management, marketing, bookkeeping & accounting, running a payroll, and the details of insurance, taxation and regulatory requirements. This kind of training doesn't require a university - it may be available on a "continuing education" basis from a local community college or even through local, state or national government institutions.

 

[gipper51]

It's a hard question to answer, especially as pro photography is a field that has very few barriers for entry. If you wanted to become a surgeon, lawyer or architect, it's pretty obvious what education you need just to get into the field. Photography has success stories with educations spanning from high school dropouts to multiple PhD holders. There is no proper path that has to be followed in this profession.

That said, more education is rarely a bad thing, and can certainly open doors beyond just being a photographer. If you later find the photography career isn't what you'd hoped for, a solid education gives you more options for "plan B".

Just my opinion, but in today's world a broad skillset that can span multiple fields is something to strive for. Technology changes everything, and changes it fast. Spending an entire working career in one profession may not be possible or desirable.

 

[Gato Amarillo]

Repeating advice from an earlier post, get a couple of years working experience. Then decide if you want or need the masters.

In the US, as a friend of mine puts it, "an MFA is just a license to look for a teaching job."

And teaching jobs are scarce.

A masters in journalism would be more valuable if you intend to work in the field, but a good portfolio and solid experience will trump a degree for most employers. And let's face it, there are not that many jobs around any more -- you're much more likely to be freelancing. If you go for more education, I suggest something that prepares you to run a small business

Having worked in newspaper and sat in on many hiring sessions, I'd say a good portfolio and an interesting resume are the best assets you can have, along with doing a good interview. The degree is less important. Good writing skills are important, and these days you need some video as well. An undergrad journalism degree is a help in that sense. If you go for a masters I suggest you go to a different field, something related to the areas you want to cover -- history, politics, business, and even literature are all good possibilities.

At the last newspaper I worked for they preferred a journalism minor with a major in history, business or law over a straight journalism degree at the undergrad level. A masters was not required, in fact a masters without job experience could be a negative.

These days, whatever you do, you should be prepared to be self-employed. That means having business, promotion and sales skills along with your photography.

Good luck.

Gato

 

[CJoshua]

I'm currently coming to the end of my 2nd year of a Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Degree, of which has thrown me around a lot with different experiences to get my task done

Hi, once there was a period in my life, when I was considering a "huge career" of an ophthalmic photographer with a Master's and even a PhD degree, but my plans changed and I realze now that the markers of my proficiency and knowledge are not the diplomas, but my projects (portfolio with tangible and worthy works).

 

[Teila Day]

The fact that people still have to ask this question about their degrees or about a degree that they're thinking about doing is telling in my opinion.

Cadiologist - Do you see med centers hiring cardiologists? Yes. Do they make enough money to pay the average rent without having to resort to eating noodles, bread and water to have several (at least) thousand dollars left over each month after bills? Of course.

Anesthesia Assistant or CRNA (nurse) - Do they have the same kind of viability as the above? Typically, yes though they make less money due to their level of training and degree; generally a MS (Masters of Science)

Engineer - Is a graduate degree in engineering fiscally viable? Depending on the job/licensing, it can be a requirement. No brainer for many engineers depending on what his/her goal may be.

.. and so it goes

--------------

Until we reach the ridiculous...

Does it make fiscal sense to pay $80k in student loans for a Sociology, Psychology or Social Work (MSW) graduate degree when you look at the median return on your scholastic investment? Hmmm... doesn't take much math to come to a relatively quick conclusion

Photography degree... (sigh) .. I think it's evident to anyone who's college material as to whether or not it's a degree worth getting....

 

[Klaus dk]

The opening post can celebrate its four years anniversary tomorrow and the poster has not contributed since that first post.

 

[Ellis Vener]

Yes if you planning to teach at an institute which requires a master’s degree.

No if you are not.

--
Ellis Vener
To see my work please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
Or on instagram @therealellisv

 

[calson]

Only if you plan an academic career path. A Master level certification from the PPA is worth more in a client's eyes than a MA degree and you will know all a great deal more.

 

[Teila Day]

The opening post can celebrate its four years anniversary tomorrow and the poster has not contributed since that first post.

Matters little; it’s more about the dissemination of info. for others with the same question