Completion involves either a comprehensive exam or written thesis.
A three year program, considered a terminal degree for production oriented study, an M.F.A. involves a specialized study in one or more areas of design. For completion of the Ph.D. comprehensive exams are taken, both written and oral, and a dissertation is written. All graduate degrees enable you to teach on the college level, however, competition is keen, and more often than not you will need an M.F.A. or Ph.D. to be considered qualified to apply. M.S. and M.A. degrees may be sufficient in smaller non-research oriented schools or community colleges. Generally, your own talent and creativity means more than the degree, but these aspects can be enhanced through the educational process.