Another Dispatch from The Cult

[rynling]

The Master's Trap, Part Two
https://annehelen.substack.com/p/the-masters-trap-part-two-069

In the arts and other “passion” fields like journalism, these grad programs pop up and disappear, proliferate and shift identities, or rely on accumulated prestige. Filmmaking, Poetry, Acting, Vocal Performance, Book & Paper Arts, Creative Writing, Screenwriting, Publishing, the list goes on — all share the illusion that a master’s degree will, in some way, provide a sustainable route into an industry, even though everyone outside of academia agrees that this route effectively does not exist.

Some programs, particularly those associated with writing, tout the experience students will gain teaching introductory level writing classes, and sweeten the deal with a tuition remission and stipend. Some promise forums, screenings, and networking events that will put students’ work in front of powerful people. Others, acknowledging that an artist cannot survive without teaching part-time and that teaching requires an MFA, simply neglect to mention how difficult it is for someone with an MFA to find adjunct/part-time work teaching in the arts.

The "pay to play" nature of academia is real, and the unfortunate truth is that a lot of instructors are just as in debt as the students. I feel like most of us are clinging to sinking rafts right now, and it's terrifying.

Comments

[lassarina]

About fifteen years ago, I was considering a writing degree from a local university (to go with the BA I already had in an unrelated, but equally "useful", field). I went to the presentation, sat through it, and came away with the distinct impression that I would learn more from one month in fandom than three years in that program, and pay a lot less. They weren't even trying to sell the "sustainable route" idea, but I think I would have been even more suspicious if they had.

ANd I worry what that means for people who are less cynical than I was/am (or more desperate). I do not think it is anything good.