hi all-

david mentioned a professor that some years ago taught at the
postcollegiate level with only an mfa (if i recall correctly, in art
history).  my understanding is that indeed, many years ago, an ma or mfa
could be sufficient.  but i think that by now, with the huge number of
qualified phd candidates and various other factors, you do need a phd to
teach at that level in art history.  in studio art/art making, an mfa and
other
professional qualifications may be sufficient, although, a higher degree
(the doctor of arts) does exist.  this degree, in my own department,
necessitates a performance/artistic production as well as an extensive
discussion/literature review, etc. in the dissertation.  of course, in
education (including art education), there is also the edd, or doctor of
education, which tends to be more curricular-based/practically-oriented in
the dissertation
work, while a phd tends towards the more pedagogical/theoretical.

hope this helps - it seems to me, though, that a large-ish amount depends
on the program at which you attended and what they consider the
requirements and thinking behind the degree.  i will just mention here as
an example, how some programs require extensive reading and study for the
candidiacy exam for phd's, while others might ask for a written
paper/preliminary literature review.  similarly, some programs have short
descriptions of the dissertation proposal, while others ask for extensive
literature reviews and methods sections.

thanks for indulging this long email!

meryl zwanger

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).