Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Location(s): Manhattan Campus

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The Master of Fine Arts at Kansas State University is a terminal degree program, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The M.F.A. provides students with the competency and experience to have successful careers as professional artists and designers, to teach in higher education, and to pursue a variety of other art related occupations. Inquiry begins from the standpoint of a focus area that is then paired with exploratory studio, research of current and historical contexts, and multiple opportunities for exchange of ideas. Focus areas include ceramics, drawing, digital/experimental media (D/X media), painting, printmaking, photography, metalsmithing and jewelry, sculpture, and visual communication design. Studio practice that extends beyond one area into other art disciplines is encouraged.

Housed in the Department of Art , M.F.A. students receive in-depth mentorship from Graduate Faculty members, who in addition to teaching, are active in exhibiting, performing client work, engaging in social practice, or publishing. Students in the program are expected to be in residence working in their studio on campus each semester of the academic year, for the duration of their program.

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Fine Arts program culminates in a solo, thesis exhibition shown on campus during the final semester of the student’s program. This exhibition includes a substantial body of original works, and must demonstrate the skilled handling of materials, subject, and form, an awareness of contemporary art or design practice and theory, and mastery of the visual, conceptual, and technical tools necessary for the effective, visual conveyance of ideas. An accompanying written document is required in which the candidate demonstrates the skills necessary for critical analysis, including proficiency in examining, interpreting, and organizing material, and the ability to communicate perceptions, insights, and conclusions in support of the exhibition.

The final, oral examination will be taken while the student’s M.F.A. thesis exhibition is installed. A digital portfolio of the thesis exhibition and related written materials is required and will be kept by the Department of Art as documentation.

Course Requirements

The graduate course requirements for the M.F.A. consist of 60 credit hours, including studio art studies, seminar courses in contemporary art practice and theory, art history, and cognate areas of study. Program credits are normally distributed over the six, consecutive academic semesters of the three-year program.

Studio Art Studies (39 credits)

Choose any 600-level or above ART studio art courses. The entire program must include at least 36 credits at the 800 level.

Studio Art Focus Area Credits: 24-36
Studio Art Exploration (Non-Focus Area) Credits: 3-15

Academic Studies (12 credits)

ART history elective courses, 600-level Credits: 6
ART 826 - Graduate Seminar Credits: 3
ART 887 - Contemporary Art Theory and Criticism Credits: 3

Electives (9 credits)

Choose courses at 600-level or above in support of creative direction. Courses may be taken within or outside of the Department of Art.

Each student’s program of study is subject to the approval of their major professor, supervisory committee, and graduate program director.

Kansas State University

Course Catalog