Gordie, Master of Fine Arts.

Great article. I commend you on your determination. I graduated with an Associates in Liberal arts and Science then a Bachelor of Arts degree. My focus was graphic design and art direction. My associates was the prerequisistes with a dose of science and math. I knew several people in my class who went on to MFAs programs for painting and other forms of art. I did not go that route seeing back in the 80s that it was only to give you two more years of studio time and debt I did not want to incur.

The last number of years, I am created my own research company by performing research for people. I have performed historic research, land use and zoning, parking and traffic reports. All by using my working experience as an art director. I would do some free work to add to a working project protfolio. It is performing the work that gets you the paying work.

I am adding mediator into my tool box of skills. I am achieving this by going a different route. I was sponsored to receive free training from the state of Florida. I will receive mentoring from the county in return towards my certification. In return I will be a volunteer mediator on the roster for small claims court. I am saving myself money by not having to pay for the intial training program and then trying to find a mentor.

There are certainly ways to enhance your further education by not falling into the trap of educational debt. I will be fowllowing your progress.