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

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.

Course 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 their 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.

Studio Art Studies: 39 credit hours

Choose any 600-level or above ART studio art courses.

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

Academic Studies: 12 credit hours

Any ART art history courses 600-level or above Credits: 6
ART 826 - Graduate Seminary Credits: 3
ART 887 - Contemporary Art Theory and Criticism Credits: 3

Electives: 9 credit hours

Choose courses at 600-level or above.

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 supervisory committee. This is a Graduate School and departmental policy, not a student’s option.

Kansas State University

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