Master of Arts Degree in Studio Art
The mission of the graduate art program is the professional development of individual studio and scholarly abilities, exemplified by a significant body of work. Students admitted to the program demonstrate the potential to solve contemporary problems in the visual arts and address new questions and issues.
Two levels of graduate degrees are offered: a Master of Arts in Studio Art (M.A.) and a terminal graduate degree, Master of Fine Art (M.F.A.), which designates the highest level of academic achievement in studio art. The purpose of these degrees is to prepare students for professional practice in the field of studio art. Through participation in the program, students gain knowledge and insight into historical and contemporary ideas and studio theory and practice.
Applicants for graduate degrees in art shall demonstrate a special ability for growth and conceptual development in their area of concentration. Following are requirements for admission to the program:
- Official transcript confirming an undergraduate degree with a major in art or the equivalent, and a grade point average in accordance with the requirements of the Graduate School.
- Portfolio of work (20 slides or the equivalent in electronic format for ceramics, drawing/illustration, interdisciplinary art studies, painting, printmaking, sculpture; visual communications and design).
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A statement of one’s interests, abilities, and direction in the Fine Arts (250 words).
- Personal interview with graduate or studio area coordinator (recommended).
- Application deadlines are November 1 (for spring entrance) and March 1 (for fall entrance) to be assured full consideration.
In some cases, conditional acceptance is possible. Undergraduate study may be necessary where deficiencies exist. Students who already hold a Master of Arts degree in studio art may be admitted to the M.F.A. program. For details, consult the department chair.
General requirements:
- Students are eligible to advance to candidacy with an oral and visual presentation to the graduate faculty after completion of 9 semester hours and before 18 hours. Graduate faculty will make a collaborative decision regarding the student’s continuation in the program. Undergraduate study may be necessary where deficiencies exist.
- Each student must participate in the biennial graduate exhibition.
- A student may transfer from 6 to 12 semester hours of credit in the major concentration from another accredited institution if approved in advance by the graduate coordinator.
- The following studio major concentrations are offered: ceramics, drawing/illustration, interdisciplinary art studies, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and visual communications and design.
- Each student is assigned a graduate committee consisting of a major professor in the field and two additional graduate faculty members. The student must work closely with the major graduate coordinator to plan his or her program of study.
- Each full-time graduate student must take one seminar each semester until the requirement is completed. Twelve credits or four seminars are required.
- A residency of 48 semester hours is required for the M.F.A. degree and 24 semester hours for the M.A. degree.
- Students must pass a written comprehensive examination and oral presentation.
- Documentation of the student’s thesis exhibition and presentation shall be the responsibility of the student and will become the property of the University.
All students within the Masters of Arts program are required to complete 30 hours of Studio coursework within their specified major.
Students within the Masters of Arts program are required to complete 9 hours of Graduate level Studio electives from the choices below.
Students are required to complete 3 hours of Graduate level electives that may be University graduate courses, additional graduate studios, seminars, and/or written thesis.
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