Expert: Sean Trapani - 2/17/2010

Question
Hi Sean -

I have a question about grad school. I am an experienced Copywriter with about 7-8 years experience. I've now started looking at grad schools and had pretty much decided on Academy of Art's online MFA program in Advertising. Will having a masters give me a leg-up in an ad agency? Will it increase my chances of getting a job? Making more money? I was looking online and found a similar question you answered in the past, but the questioner's goal was to ultimately teach—mine is definitively not.

So, my question to you is will it make any difference at all to an ad agency if I have a masters degree?

Answer
Hi, Rena


I'd say no. The only two purposes of a graduate degree (in advertising) are you want to later teach (MFA); or, you are coming from another field (like graphic design with BFA) and want to be oriented to the way ad people think, and develop a portfolio.

If you want to teach, go for the MFA. Otherwise, save the $50k.


ST


PS - A one-year portfolio program might be a better option simply as a way to tune up your book.