Transferring to a Better (Fine Arts) School?

Transfer Students
1

I just finished my freshman year at the University of Iowa. I had applied as a senior to a lot of different schools, although at the time I was convinced I was not going to study art–however once I registered for classes last summer at Iowa, I had decided to study art–so I guess I’m not ~too~ far behind on that front. If I were to stay at Iowa, I would be pursuing a BFA (applying for clearance at the end of first sem of my soph year) and the TEP Licensure (applying for the teacher’s education program in October of soph year, entering spring of soph year). I would also be able to get a minor in Art History and possible Educational Psychology as well before graduating in 2019.

I’m wondering if it’s worth it to transfer to a school with a better art department (it seems very disjointed and is not NASAD accredited… if that matters?) when I could stay at Iowa and do well academically and make it out with potentially more degrees that could enhance my employability. Especially considering that Iowa is only costing me a net $5k a year (even as an OOS student).

I’m interested in drawing, painting, and secondary education. I’d prefer to pursue teaching at the college level but I know that’s especially hard to do.

Current Stats:
GPA: 4.02 cumulative, 4.0 in my major (art)
Credits: 20 from AP, 36 completed freshman year, will complete an addition 36 during the entirety of sophomore year, hoping to transfer for my junior year onwards (or perhaps into spring of soph year, if available depending on the school)
ACT: 33
HS GPA: 4.42

The current schools I’m looking at are RISD, Pratt, MICA, VCUArts, and WashU (I got into WashU when applying as a senior, although I did not apply as an art student, and I didn’t receive enough aid to attend). I’m just unsure if it would be ultimately worth it to just stick it out at Iowa and aim higher for grad school (which I’ll have to wait for, probably, since high schools as i’ve been told rarely hire teachers with master’s degrees and no teaching experience), or to transfer now and perhaps add a year onto my studies for a more prestigious, rigorous, and ultimately more fulfilling environment?

I’m also taking three studios my first semester of sophomore year and will be using those as well to measure how I feel about Iowa’s art department, plus they’ll hopefully help expand my portfolio as a potential transfer applicant.

2

Since you are looking at teacher certification, stay where you are. Your first year teaching salary won’t be any different with a RISD degree.

If you don’t land a teaching job right out of U of IA, you could consider pursuing an MFA which would put you on track toward an eventual teaching position in a college or university. Run the numbers. I expect that you could complete your program at U of IA and then an MFA at RISD/MICA/etc. for not much more (if anything) than just a RISD/MICA/etc. BFA program.

3

@happymomof1 thank you for your response! I think I probably will end up staying at Iowa and pursuing an MFA at a top ranked grad school. Buuuuut all the (HS) teachers I’ve spoken to have recommended against getting a graduate degree right away. If my goal is to teach at the college level, do you think it would be beneficial to do the MFA right away after graduation if I don’t find a good teaching job (or as soon as I can if I do find a teaching job), even though it might hurt my employability at the HS level if it doesn’t work out? Also, do you think an MAT or MAE would be useful if I plan to teach college, or would those apply more to teaching at the secondary level?

4

The MAT will help you find a community college or college/university job. It may bar your employment as a beginning K-12 teacher because the school district will need to start you at the higher Master’s level salary. Coming in with just your Bachelor’s degree is better for their budget.

The MAT is for people who finish college and then decide to become certified to teach K-12. It won’t do you any good for college teaching. If you are headed into adult education or community college administration, a Master degree in adult ed may make sense.

5

here’s a slightly different take , you’ve certainly have an interest in art/art studies. The art schools will give you much broader exposure than you are likely ever going to be getting where you are. If your dead set 100% to only teach k-12 its probably fine . If you have a desire to experience art making first hand and then let it take you where it will , I say try a program like VCUARTS. You can pursue teaching cert there but also won’t be sacrificing the art experience. I also know if you wish to do a MFA than going through a program like for instance VCUARTS foundation year will better prepare you for the elite MFA programs. Good luck.