Master of Fine Arts Curriculum

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program is an intensive, two-year studio art-making experience that involves daily interaction with an outstanding faculty of resident and visiting artists.

The program provides additional emphasis on achieving a high degree of skill in drawing and studio art-making practice in regular private and group critiques, seminars in critical readings, a written thesis component, an outstanding visiting artist program and participation in drawing and studio classes.

The master's program is centered in the traditional studio arts of painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture, but displays within these disciplines considerable diversity in approach. All students are provided a private studio in the new Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building, with 24-hour secure access to facilities.

First Year

30.0 Credits

Critiques 1

15.0–18.0 Credits

Complete 15.0–18.0 credits of critiques, three critiques each semester. Critique credits are variable to accommodate optional elective credits.

Seminars 

6.0 Credits

Complete the following classes:

   

MFA 725A

Seminar: Readings & Research

3.0 (fall)

 

MFA 725B

Seminar: Readings & Research

3.0 (spring)

Drawing/Open Media 

6.0 Credits

Complete the following classes:

   

MFA 750A

Drawing/Open Media

3.0 (fall)

 

MFA 750B

Drawing/Open Media

3.0 (spring)

Electives 0–3.0 Credits

 

PB565

Painting Elective

3.0

Students are permitted to audit one Certificate course per semester to develop particular skills. In addition there is one master's level painting course available for credit each semester.

Second Year

30.0 Credits

Critiques

 

15.0–18.0 Credits

Complete 15.0–18.0 credits of critiques, three critiques each semester. Critique credits are variable to accommodate optional elective credits.

Seminars 

6.0 Credits

Complete the following classes:

   

MFA 825A

Seminar: Readings & Research

3.0 (fall)

 

MFA 825B

Seminar: Readings & Research

3.0 (spring)

Thesis 

6.0 Credits

Complete the following classes:

   

MFA 850A

Thesis

3.0 (fall)

 

MFA 850B

Thesis

3.0 (spring)

Electives

 

0–3.0 Credits

 

PB565

Painting Elective

3.0

Students are permitted to audit one Certificate course per semester to develop particular skills. In addition there is one master's level painting course available for credit each semester.

Total MFA Curriculum

60.0 Credits