Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)



The Department of Art   offers the Master of Fine Arts degree with emphasis in one of the following areas: ceramics, drawing, graphic design, Digital/Experimental Media (D/X media), painting, printmaking, photography, metalsmithing and jewelry, and sculpture. There are 18 full-time Graduate Faculty members who in addition to teaching, are active in exhibiting, performing client work, engaging in social practice, or publishing.

Master’s degree requirements


The graduate course requirements for the M.F.A. consist of 60 credit hours, normally distributed over six semesters of the three year program. M.F.A. program students are expected to be in residence working in their studio on campus each semester of the academic year, for the duration of his or her program. The 60 credits include courses in art history and cognate areas of study. Required program credits may not include course work that is necessary to resolve undergraduate deficiencies.

Course requirements:


      Area of Concentration   35-40 credit hours
  Supporting Studio Courses   3-8 credit hours
  Art History Electives   6 credit hours
  Contemporary Art Theory   3 credit hours
  Graduate Seminar   2 credit hours
  Free Electives   6 credit hours

 

Courses outside the area of emphasis should be taken from faculty other than the major professor, in order to get as much experience as possible with other members of the Graduate Faculty. Students are also encouraged to take a portion or all of their free electives outside the Department of Art.

Each student’s program of study is subject to the approval of their major professor and their supervisory committee.  It is emphasized that this is a Graduate School and departmental policy and not a student’s option.

Graduate Exhibition and Final Exam


The M.F.A. is a degree program that culminates in a final, solo graduate exhibition. This exhibition includes a substantial body of original works and is exhibited on campus during the final semester of the student’s program.

An accompanying written document is required in which the candidate demonstrates proficiency in analyzing, interpreting and organizing material, and provides evidence of the ability to communicate perceptions, insights, and conclusions.  A digital portfolio of the graduate exhibition and related written materials is required and will be kept by the Department of Art as documentation.  Satisfactory completion of both the visual and written portions of the graduate exhibition is required for the awarding of the M.F.A. degree.

The final oral examination for the M.F.A. degree will be taken when the student is in the final semester of completing their program of study, has installed his or her graduate exhibition, and has delivered a copy of the written document to each member of the supervisory committee.