#ma program

[author-mandi-bean]

Considering a MFA program? Read this first!

I'm all set to graduate from what I believe to be a stellar MFA program on January 17th. Could there really be something I didn't learn? Would prestigious, world-renown faculty really leave something out?

Recently, I came across an article from Writer’s Digest titled “What They Don’t Teach You in MFA Programs: 5 Rules for Writing Stories That Work” by Chris Mooney, a “Bestselling author and creative writing instructor.” I was obviously intrigued because I’m all set to graduate from what I believe to be a stellar MFA program on January 17th. Could there really be something I didn’t learn? Would…

[whimsyqueen]

If you’re comfortable sharing, how did you decide grad school was right for you? I’m having trouble deciding if it’s something I want to pursue.

Hey @smack-talking-jellyfish yeah I'd love to answer this for you, as best I can at least.

It was a bit of a weird decision for me, because I kind of actually hated my undergrad program (I got my BA in Theatre at the same place where I'm currently getting my MA in English/Creative Writing). I was of the opinion that college wasn't for me because I thought that it was dumb that I wasn't able to just pick what I wanted to learn and how I wanted to learn it.

But I was sort of in denial, because once I got down to it, when it came to classes that actually MATTERED to me, I LOVED school (and what is a Masters degree if not you just taking classes that really really matter to you?). I made a post literally last night about how I truly never feel more inspired than when I'm in a fiction workshop class. So I was able to kind of realize (at the back end of my junior year of undergrad) that more school was probably for me. I considered law school for a bit (entertainment law specifically, copyright and intellectual property law actually really excite me) but then I realized that all of the other aspects of law would bore the shit out of me, so grad school it was. I picked English (and creative writing specifically) because I didn't want to lose the love of storytelling that I knew I had, and also, I simply am a writer, that's just how it is.

The bigger question for me was whether I wanted an MA program or an MFA program, actually. All Masters English programs focus on honing your craft as well as professionalizing you, getting you ready for what publishing looks like, allowing you to find a community and mentorship (not to mention like... funding for conferences is HUGE, at least in my program and I hope most others, we're encouraged to use department money to go places and do things ALL THE TIME). HOWEVER!!! An MFA program is hyper focused on your thesis. It's a project degree, and you will be working solely on your writing and your work, while an MA program is more of like... a fast track to a PhD, in a way. I'm taking several literature analysis classes as well as my writing classes, because on top of just wanting to be a writer, I want to potentially be able to teach other people to find that same love for writing (and a PhD would be dope). I might get an MFA as well someday, just because I love being encouraged to write and I love finding that community, but an MA was more my speed because I love the anthropology of storytelling just as much as I love the actual act of it.

I truly hope this helps, it's a super personal decision, and academia is a weird and frequently terrible place. Please feel free to message me if you have any more questions, need advice, or even just want to talk about your decision! I can't guarantee that I'm the quickest responder, but I'll do my best to help how I can!

[graduate-student-sighting]

lmao how does anyone graduate from a department with no support from faculty, cohort, family, etc

[leftcatninja]

Online and Distance MA

An online and distance MA (Master of Arts) program is a postgraduate degree program that can be completed entirely remotely, without the need for students to attend classes on a physical campus. MA distance education programs are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in a specific academic field or professional area.

MA Course duration and requirements may vary depending on the institution and program. However, in general, an MA program takes approximately two years to complete, though some programs may be completed more quickly or slowly depending on the student's pace.

[i-fucked-your-milkshake]

I’m in the “I’m a terrible writer, a total hack, and an awful student, they shouldn’t have given me BA let alone let me into an MA” stage of writing my final papers for the semester.

[casiavium]

Actually the worst thing to come out of the new pjo series is people deciding Annabeth's dad was 19-22 when he was given her by Athena (and therefore "just a kid at the time" so it's not his fault, he was in debt and couldn't afford it) He was in the middle of/nearly finished with his PhD, the Chase family was rich and he was probably a legacy (college not demigod wise) so no, he was just a shit dad. And she was also like 7 when she ran away and he was already married to her stepmom who was half the problem. Characters can be 30+ actually it's okay I promise

[olibheare]

Getting letters

[qqueenofhades]

Unfortunately, I have once again gone ahead and applied to graduate school.

[lonestarflight]

I was with my family at the Houston Natural History Museum the other day and saw they have an early Mercury Capsule on display. This one was flown on Mercury Atlas 2.

[saturns-ninth-moon]

How was it?

Fucking transcendent.

my other npmd work

[alliluyevas]

got into at least one grad school, lads. woot woot.

[firespirited]

I've found my Lagoona, my definitive Lagoona! Lagoonafire and freshwater/13 wishes have clicked with me from the start.

but actual Lagoona Blue? I've had dozens in hand and almost kept Picture day or Black carpet. I thought it might be signature Lagoona, I liked her the best.

I've been looking at exchange student Lagoona's for a while but many had eyes too low or too high, worse wonk than this one.

The moment she was in hand I knew she was a keeper. And once I got sig out, I think it's the more forward facing eyes and different shape: less fishy, bigger eye shines: she's actually making eye contact with both at once LOL.

The icing on the cake is that she's made in Indonesia and won't require glue treatment.

Better photos on my camera, to be edited later, maybe tomorrow.

I'm starting to feel a bit better from the flu but don't look like it. Huge purple eyewells and swollen eye bags. I've been checking the oxymetre, that's fine so it's probably blood pressure and general exhaustion *greek chorus yells well duh, what an understatement *

[boltedfruit]

I updated my art wall with some steddie!

[septembersung]

Sitting here staring at my bookshelves contemplating how when there are more of them, with more adjustable than fixed shelves, I can organize better

[hexjulia]

ugh reading a book of poetry based on really liking a single poem and then the rest is just sort of mid navelgazing with extra space is really depressing for some reason

[fluffyllamas-23]

I am about 1/3 of the way through my medical assisting program, and now instead of just one class, we have two classes.

The fully online one is going to be incredibly boring (it’s essentially how to be professional and how to present yourself professionally in a business setting, which I know how to do), but the other one should be so interesting (medical office emergencies).

One of my assignments is to make a flyer or brochure for a medical office on concussions and what to do and man am I ON IT 😂