It can be hard to choose how to continue your education, let alone where, what programs to take, how much time to invest… So with the help of AMUA instructor, Kevin St. James, we’re giving you some friendly advice that might help you decide.
Kevin shares: “As I was finishing my undergraduate degree in theatre, I spent countless hours deciding which graduate program I should continue on with. If I was serious about a career in professional theater and/or film and TV, it seemed the more degrees, the better. But I’m living proof that that’s not the only way.”
Since then, Kevin has worked professionally in heatre for over 2 decades. He has been part of major music videos in Nashville and he currently teaches the beauty makeup courses at the Academy of Make Up Arts. He often wonders if a Masters or PhD would have benefited him all that much. On the flip side, he would be saddled with massive debt instead.
Here are 3 reasons why a trade school may be a better option than a university for you and your career path.
- You’ll spend less time. Our trade school is only a 1 year commitment instead of 4 years at a university. This just means you’ll get to start doing what you love and making money sooner!
- You’ll spend less money. About $40K tuition for trade school instead of often double, if not more than double, that investment at leading universities.
- Your time will be more productive. We always advise aspiring makeup students/artists to check how many hours are actually spent on makeup-related classes in any program they are interested in, but especially in a 4 year program. In one year at the AMUA, you’ll spend over 1600 hours learning only what you need, no fluffy stuff.
Here at AMUA, we offer training programs in Wig & Hair Design, Special Effects and Beauty Makeup. All our programs focus on working professionally in the theatre, film and TV industries and are taught by qualified and experienced professionals who’ve already done it.