The MFA Studio Art is a 36-credit curriculum. You have an option of completing your studies on a 2-year or 3-year track. Candidates move through the program as a cohort; students are enrolled in a Thesis course each semester. During the first year, students take Thesis, Research Practicum, and 20th century theory, and contemporary theory and criticism. Students have opportunities to take graduate level courses throughout the university in support of their studio practice.

Our Visiting Artist Program brings artists from across the country and world to work with MFA candidates. Each artist gives a lecture and engages with students through individual studio visits and group discussions.

Course Descriptions

ARTS-600: Twentieth Century Art Theory (3)

Studio practice as research and its context. Students explore the process of developing, proposing, and planning visual works in various media. The emphasis of this practicum, which can operate as an extension of students’ studio practice, is on creating a series of related work. Usually Offered: spring. Repeatable for credit. Restriction: Studio Art (MFA)

ARTS-601: Contemporary Art Theory (3)

A theoretical and philosophical consideration of art practices. A detailed analysis of contemporary and cultural studies including post-colonialism, gender, globalization, positioning painting, the state of art and emerging trends in contemporary art. Students evaluate the relationship between artists and the writer/critic. The course introduces students to a broad range of critical thinking and to develop their skills in verbal and textual analysis. Students consider the relationship of their art to contemporary rhetoric. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: admission to MFA program or permission of instructor.

ARTS-620: Advanced Printmaking (3)

May be repeated for credit. Individual projects in printmaking with emphasis on the investigation of contemporary art issues. Students develop a suite of prints or other related investigations in tandem with their advanced studio work—or based on a theme of their choosing in consultation with the instructor. Usually offered every other term. Prerequisite: ARTS-463 or ARTS-464, admission to MFA program, or permission of the instructor.

ARTS-660: Research Practicum (3)

May be repeated for credit. Individual projects in sculpture. Students explore formal and critical issues concerning two- or three-dimensional work. Students are encouraged to manifest ideas three-dimensionally with respect to the environment or installation of their work. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: ARTS-440, admission to MFA program, or permission of the instructor. ARTS-660: Research Practicum I (3)Studio practice as research and its context. Students explore the process of developing, proposing, and planning visual works in various media. The emphasis of this practicum, which can operate as an extension of students' studio practice, is on creating a series of related work. Usually Offered every term.

ARTS-661: Professional Practices (3)

This course introduces and examines a wide range of strategies for developing a professional practice as a working visual artist. Topics covered include documenting and archiving artwork, preparing submission materials, writing artist statements, grant writing and research, understanding the culture and structure of non-profit and commercial exhibition venues, exploring collaborative exhibition opportunities and strategies, social networking in the field, and online presentation of artwork. Course work includes conception and preparation of curatorial proposals, collective conception and design of the MFA thesis exhibition catalog. Course sessions held off-campus give students the opportunity to meet a diverse group of professionals in the field, including artists, writers, curators, and administrators.

ARTS-696: Tutorial/Directed Studies (3)

This course focuses on studio practice with tutorial guidance from faculty. Students establish independent syllabi, and structured goals for each week, producing reading lists and bibliography, as necessary. Tutorial study allows prolonged access to professional artists who work in the field, providing institutionalized mentorship and bringing students more directly into their field and work process. Restriction: Studio Art (MFA).

ARTS-797: Master's Thesis Seminar (3)

Independent work toward students' thesis exhibition and written thesis statements. Consult the department for registration and participation requirements. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: MFA candidate with permission of department chair. Usually offered every term.