<p>Background:</p>
<p>-I work in the fine arts
-I finished an MA in my field last year at a well respected American University
-I am an international student (or was in this case)
-I will be applying to the top schools in my field for a PhD/DMA this upcoming year (for Fall 12’ start)
-I would like to remain in the country UNTIL my PhD begins
-I have interests that fall outside of my own field / my work in my field is influenced by subject matters that lie outside of my concentration</p>
<p>Which of the following options seems most interesting? </p>
<p>-I could stay in the country by requesting an O-1B VISA (individuals with an extraordinary ability); outside of the bureaucratic mess, this wold not be that difficult for me to get. I would be allowed to stay in the country for an additional three years. I could then simply drop the O Visa and switch to an F-1 once I am admitted to the PhD Program for a Fall 2012 start.</p>
<p>-I could start a 2nd MA degree, this time in Liberal Studies, that allows me a deeper academic look into other subjects that serve to influence my work. This is the plan that most interests me, but there are obvious obstacles. Going this route takes more money than getting the O VISA, as I would be paying for the majority of the degree out of pocket. The course SHOULD take two years, and I cannot transfer credits from my previous MA… so it likely will take two years. If I was admitted into one of the PhD Programs I will be applying for, I would be forced to leave. The PhD spots are all paid fellowships, meaning that it would make most sense to simply drop the 2nd MA and move on. If the PhD programs don’t work out for 2012, being in the MA program would be best, as I would be engaged with academia on some level inside of 2012. This scenario is preferable to me, as opposed to working solely on my own projects. </p>
<p>-I could leave the country. </p>
<p>Additional information: </p>
<p>-I am somewhat skeptical about the prestige of “Liberal Studies Programs”.
-Money is not an issue per se, I can afford all of my options. Still, no one wants to waste money needlessly. </p>
<p>Thanks to those who take the time to read over my thread. </p>
<p>Best,</p>