#ILM
I think that you first need to decide which field you want to go into
– 3D animation, film or video production – and then tailor your
courses accordingly. Let's say you want to go into video production.
Video production is a great field, and it ecompasses 3D and film. In
a typical video edit, you might be transferring 35mm negative to
video via the Rank Cintel (90% of the commercials you see today are
shot on film, because video just isn't quite there yet in terms of
that film "look"). This is a real tricky process and it would help to
have a background in film to understand it better. Once the film is
transferred to video, you might have some animation elements to deal
with. This is where your 3D background will come in handy. Also, a
good design background will take you pretty far. Take courses in
design principles, figure drawing (even if you can't draw, take it,
because you learn how to SEE things – pretty important in a field
which involves images), and art history. Once you apply these
principles to 3DS, the program will make much more sense and your work
will improve!
As far as the MFA goes, get your BFA and start working first. The MFA
doesn't buy you any competitive edge in the marketplace. Your skills
and the quality of your work count MUCH more than your degree.
The bottom line is this: today's technologies require us to be so well
versed in multiple disciplines. Learn what you can in school. The
real education, however, begins once you start working. Good luck!