What does MFA stand for? It has two very common meanings. In colleges and the arts, MFA stands for Master of Fine Arts, a graduate degree for painters, writers, actors, designers and other artists. In computers and cyber security, MFA stands for multi-factor authentication, a login method that asks for more than just a password.
Context picks the meaning. A writer's bio that says "she holds an MFA in poetry" is about the degree. A message from your bank that says "turn on MFA" is about protecting your account. A third, less common use is the name of art museums, many of which are called a Museum of Fine Arts.
Quick facts
Stands for (school)
Master of Fine ArtsStands for (tech)
Multi-factor authenticationOther meanings
Museum of Fine Arts, Ministry of Foreign AffairsType
Initialism, said letter by letterDegree length
Usually two to three yearsRelated terms
MFA meanings side by side
| Context | Stands for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| College, arts, résumés | Master of Fine Arts | "MFA in Creative Writing" |
| Accounts, IT, banking | Multi-factor authentication | "MFA is required for all staff logins" |
| Museums and travel | Museum of Fine Arts | "Meet at the MFA entrance at noon" |
| Government and news | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | A country's foreign ministry in news reports |
On most search pages, the first two account for nearly every use. The rest of this page covers each in turn.
What does MFA stand for in college?
The Master of Fine Arts is a graduate degree in a creative field. Students spend most of their time making work, such as paintings, novels, plays, films or designs, and getting feedback in small groups called workshops or critiques. Most programs end with a thesis project: a gallery show, a book length manuscript or a full performance.
- Common fields: creative writing, studio art, acting, directing, dance, film, photography, graphic design, theater design.
- Length: usually two to three years of full time study.
- Before it: often a BFA, a Bachelor of Fine Arts, or a bachelor's in a related subject, plus a portfolio or writing sample.
- After it: many colleges treat the MFA as the terminal degree for teaching studio and writing courses.
"Terminal" here means the highest standard degree in the field. In most subjects that is the PhD, but in studio arts and creative writing, an MFA usually fills that role.
MFA vs MA in the arts
An MA, Master of Arts, tends to focus on study and research, such as art history or literature. An MFA focuses on practice, on making the art itself. A student who wants to write novels might choose an MFA. A student who wants to analyze novels might choose an MA and later a PhD. Both are master's degrees, and both are listed after a name with a comma: "Leah Ortiz, MFA."
A bookstore event flyer: "Reading tonight: Sam Brooks, MFA, author of three story collections." The MFA tells readers that Sam trained in a graduate writing program.
What does MFA stand for in cyber security?
In security, MFA means multi-factor authentication: proving who you are with two or more different kinds of evidence before you can sign in. The idea is that a stolen password alone is not enough to break into the account.
- Something you know: a password or PIN.
- Something you have: a phone that receives a code, an app that shows a changing code, or a small hardware security key.
- Something you are: a fingerprint or face scan.
Two factor authentication, or 2FA, is the most common kind of MFA, using exactly two of these. A one time code sent by text, known as an OTP, is a familiar example of the "something you have" step.
A login screen: "Enter the 6 digit code from your authenticator app." You already typed your password, so this second step is the MFA check.
Tips for using MFA on your accounts
- Turn it on first for email, banking and any account that can reset other passwords.
- Use an authenticator app or a security key when offered, since text codes can be intercepted.
- Save the backup codes the site gives you in a safe place, in case you lose your phone.
- Never share a code with someone who calls or texts you asking for it. Real support staff will not ask.
Many workplaces now require MFA for every employee. Other security and network terms are gathered in tech acronyms, such as the VPN many offices pair with it.
Writing and saying MFA
Say each letter: "em eff ay." The name of the letter M begins with an "eh" sound, so write "an MFA program" and "an MFA prompt." Use capitals with no periods in most writing; some schools use M.F.A. on diplomas. In security writing, multi-factor is hyphenated. Other degree letters, from BA to PhD, are listed with the school acronyms.
Questions people ask
What does the MFA stand for on a résumé?
On a résumé, MFA almost always means Master of Fine Arts, the graduate degree in a creative field. It is usually followed by the subject, such as MFA in Painting.
Is MFA the same as 2FA?
2FA is a type of MFA that uses exactly two factors. MFA is the broader term and can include two, three or more checks.
Is an MFA a doctorate?
No. It is a master's degree. In studio art and creative writing it is often treated as the terminal degree for college teaching, but it is not a doctorate.
Why does my work account ask for MFA?
Your employer wants a second proof of identity so a stolen password cannot unlock company systems. Follow the setup steps your IT team provides.
How do you pronounce MFA?
Say it letter by letter, em eff ay, never as a single word.