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[ampersand7]

Hi. I recently graduated with honors from a large, middle-tier research university with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Communication Art and Design. I currently work as a graphic designer, but I've decided to pursue a PhD in Visual Culture (or Visual Studies or Visual Criticism, depending on which program's terminology you want to use). (Before you ask, I know I have a Fine Arts degree, but my academic record is very strong and I have no doubts about my ability to conduct research.) Most of the PhD programs I've been looking at require a Master's degree. It would be much more convenient for me to simply continue my Master's studies at my undergrad university, but they don't offer the specific program that I want. I could, however, construct my own interdisciplinary Visual Studies program through Liberal Studies or Humanities. There are only a handful of universities that offer the program anyway, and they're all relatively new programs.

Now for my questions:

How much does the prestige of your Master's university matter when it comes to getting into a top PhD program? Does it matter if you get your Master's degree at the same university you got your Bachelor's in? Should I stay or should I go? And does anyone have any information they'd like to share on programs in the Visual Studies field?  Thanks.