“The master of fine-arts degree has long been sufficient for artists seeking to teach at the college level. But significant change may be on the horizon, as increasing numbers of college and university administrators are urging artists to obtain doctoral degrees. Pushing artists toward doctoral programs fundamentally changes their focus and goals. The Ph.D. says to the university, ‘I am committing myself to academe,’ whereas the M.F.A. primarily reflects a commitment to developing one’s skills as an artist. Requiring studio artists to become researchers as well would diminish their ability to keep one foot in the exhibition world.”