Saturday, July 23, 2011

more than one MFA?

Today I'm working with writing students at Macomb College. We're working on building and designing writing blogs, so we're mostly just posting for fun. But, here's a question that came up in discussion:

Is there such a thing as having too many degrees?  

What do you think about this -- Can you have more than one MFA? Why might you pursue a second masters in writing? Or is that just redundant? 

We're curious. Respond away. We'll be right here, moving around pics and stuff.

4 comments :

  1. Hi Lori,

    I am a proponent of life-long learning - in all of its varying forms, traditional and non-traditional. I think if you strive to obtain degrees just for the letters, more than one masters isn't needed. If you pursue multiple degrees because you are looking for knowledge, perspectives, ideas, conversation,practice etc. then I say go for it. Happy blogging!

    Best,
    Dawn Leas

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  2. I don't have even one MFA, but I'm a former lawyer contemplating apply for an MFA in 2 years.

    Love your book on Low-Residency programs, Lori. That's probably the way I'll go!

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  3. I was just talking the other day with a friend about whether anyone ever got a second MFA in a different genre from the first. No doubt it could be useful for some writers, especially if the first MFA is from a highly specialized program.

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  4. Thanks for the comments! Today's class has just wrapped up and it was a great tool for first-timers to see what all this blog business is about - and also to respond to their interesting question.

    Personally, I say why not. Especially if a writer is working in different genres or has specific things he/she wants to work on, that extra time with attentive faculty and peers may be very useful. I do agree with Dawn, too, that letters are only useful for the purpose of letters. It's what's behind the letters (or, perhaps in front?) that matters.

    Also, thanks Anjali. I hope you found the book useful for your search. Best of luck with applications!

    Thanks, all, for commenting. My students and I appreciate it.

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