This post is in partnership with CollegeRecon!
As a military spouse, you know that this life can be a bit tricky sometimes. We support our service members in every way possible. But we also have dreams and desires of our own. We have things we want to pursue. And we need to permit ourselves to pursue them.
One way to pursue your dreams as a military spouse is to further your education. And VCFA can be a great option to do so.
What is VCFA?
The Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) is a private, graduate-level college affiliated with the California Institute of the Arts. They offer Master’s degrees in a low-residency format.
What degree programs do they have?
At VCFA, you can get a degree in:
MFA in Film, MFA in Graphic Design, MFA in Music Composition, MFA in Visual Art, MFA in Writing, and MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
What does a low-residency program mean?
Low-residency is an excellent option for military spouses. You don’t have to live in California, and you can complete most of your work in your own home, wherever that might be.
In VCFA’s low-residency MFA programs, you will meet with your class twice a year for an intense and vibrant 9-day residency on the campus. However, for the MFA in Writing and the MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults programs, a remote option is available.
During these nine days, you attend workshops, lectures, discussions, critiques, exhibitions, performances, and more. Students also have the opportunity to engage with faculty over meals and in informal conversations.
What do they offer students?
During the program, you can find mentorship, work one-on-one with a faculty advisor, and form an individualized study plan tailored to your interests and goals. VCFA also publishes Hunger Mountain, a magazine created by faculty and students in the writing program, providing them with real-life publishing experience.
VCFA also just launched a podcast, Unapologetically Creative, which features bold voices in art, design, and storytelling. You can find it on Apple, Spotify, or iHeart.
Can you use the GI Bill at VCFA?
Yes, you can use your spouse’s or your own GI Bill to help pay for these programs! VCFA also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Additionally, they offer VCFA Scholarships.
A VCFA military spouse student
Ciel-Nicole Williams, spouse of a Full-time Montana National Guard member, just started the MFA in Visual Arts program. When she realized she wanted to become a teacher and needed an MFA, she began exploring low-residency programs. As a 14-year military spouse, she recognized the need for a flexible way to earn her degree.
Ciel looked into and ultimately chose VCFA because it was a robust program that had been around a while and had a good reputation. She also used her husband’s GI Bill for the program.
VCFA, a way for military spouses to pursue their dreams
As you can see, the VCFA MFA programs can be an ideal choice for military spouses. Between its low-residency format and good reputation, military spouses seeking to further their education can find a suitable fit with this school. If you are interested but don’t have a bachelor’s degree, there are some special cases where you can move forward and work towards your MFA with a solid portfolio.
If you are interested in learning more, please sign up for one of VCFA’s informational sessions and complete their contact form. When doing so, please mention the Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life blog in the “Any questions” section.
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