Course of Study in the Master of Fine Arts Program
Master of Fine Arts – Graphic Design
• Graphic Design courses: 33 hours • Electives: 6 hours
• Graduate Seminar: 9 hours
• Art history: 9 hours
• Graduate Exhibition & Capstone Research: 3 hours
Total: 60 hours
A maximum of 6 hours of non-art electives are allowed, contingent upon the approval of the Graduate Coordinator.
Master of Fine Arts – Photography
• Photography courses: 33 hours • Electives: 6 hours
• Graduate Seminar: 9 hours
• Art History: 9 hours
• Graduate Exhibition & Capstone Research: 3 hours
Total: 60 Hours
A maximum of 6 hours of non-art electives are allowed, contingent upon the approval of the Graduate Coordinator.
Master of Fine Arts – Studio
• 2D Emphasis (Drawing, Painting, or Printmaking): 33 hours or • 3D Emphasis (Ceramics, Sculpture, or Installation): 33 hours • Electives: 6 hours
• Graduate Seminar: 9 hours
• Art History: 9 hours
• Graduate Exhibition & Capstone Research: 3 hours
Total: 60 Hours
A maximum of 6 hours of non-art electives are allowed, contingent upon the approval of the Graduate Coordinator.
Graduate Seminar
A one hour course taken each quarter, this seminar consists of weekly meetings throughout the fall quarter, discussing personal artwork and artist statements. The winter quarter consists of weekly meetings of reading and discussing contemporary issues in art and design. The spring quarter consists of a culminating paper summarizing and interpreting the issues discussed in the winter quarter. Every student will sign up for 1 hour of graduate seminar each quarter. The grade will encompass seminar participation, written paper, gallery participation, and participation in committee meetings.
Committee Meetings
The Program Coordinator and Graduate Coordinator will appoint a graduate committee to each student prior to the student’s arrival on campus. The committee will review the qualifications of each student and set forth the courses required for the degree. A schedule will be set for each student and committee once a month to discuss the student’s current portfolio. This on-going, lively dialog is beneficial to the growth of the students, as they progress throughout the program.
18-Hour Review
This review takes place in the spring quarter, when the graduate student has earned at least 18 hours of graduate credit in their discipline. The graduate faculty review the overall progress of the student at this junction and any recommendations or modifications necessary are discussed with the student. These recommendations or modifications can range from minor adjustments in the plan-of-study to considerations of whether or not the student is allowed to continue in the program.
Exhibition & Capstone Research Requirements
• All students must have an oral defense of their work in the gallery during the MFA exhibition during the 1st week of the show.
• Research paper: a written paper of at least 25 pages discussing personal artwork, the meaning behind it (explaining aesthetics, theories, and metaphors), influences, and where the artist/designer sees him/herself in the contemporary art world; must include at least 10 sources in bibliography.
• Draft of research paper due: first week of March
• Final research paper and approximately twenty images on CD/DVD due: first week of May
Gallery Requirements
All graduate students in every area are required to assist with the function of the art galleries. Students will be assigned specific duties and installation of exhibitions taking place throughout the year in the School of Design.