MFA in Fine Art

MFA in Fine Art

The proposed master’s program is unique insofar as it combines thorough instruction in painting techniques with a deep investigation into the field of aesthetics. In this sense, we wish to help students communicate through their artworks by helping them excel in their ability to unite form and content. This program provides a continuation of advanced topics for students who earn a BFA in Fine Arts and hope to seek a career as a professional artist and/or art instructor.

  • Overview
  • Learning Outcomes
  • Requirements
  • Curriculum Details

Program Purpose

The proposed master’s program is unique insofar as it combines thorough instruction in painting techniques with a deep investigation into the field of aesthetics. In this sense, we wish to help students communicate through their artworks by helping them excel in their ability to unite form and content. This program provides a continuation of advanced topics for students who earn a BFA in Fine Arts and hope to seek a career as a professional artist and/or art instructor.

Educational Objectives

The Master’s of Fine Arts in Fine Art program aims to:

  1. To provide a comprehensive knowledge of oil painting techniques to equip future artists with the skills to express themselves effectively.
  2. To provide future artists with a deep understanding and appreciation of aesthetics so they can think critically about the moral and ethical implications and consequences of their creations not only for themselves but for society at large.
  3. To provide future artists with business practices and systems suited for artists and artistic creation including how to keep records, how to express oneself and one’s artistic intentions, and how to conduct business openly and honestly.

Faculty

Program Learning Outcomes

  • To provide a comprehensive knowledge of oil painting techniques to equip future artists with the skills to express themselves effectively.
  • To provide future artists with a deep understanding and appreciation of aesthetics so they can think critically about the moral and ethical implications and consequences of their creations not only for themselves but for society at large.
  • To provide future artists with business practices and systems suited for artists and artistic creation including how to keep records, how to express oneself and one’s artistic intentions, and how to conduct business openly and honestly.

Admissions Requirement

Institutional-wide Admission Criteria

  • Completion of high school or equivalent.
  • Official Transcript: allow for evaluation of academic performance, relevant coursework, and overall readiness for college-level study.
  • Personal Statement: helps reviewers understand the applicant’s motivations and aspirations to pursue the program of study.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or professionals familiar with the applicant’s abilities and potential, and additional insights into the applicant’s character, work ethic, and potential for success in the program.

Program-specific Criteria

  • Submission of portfolio a representative selection of their best artwork, demonstrating technical skill, artistic vision, creativity, and conceptual depth.
  • Entrance exam / Interview: applicants who pass the first round of preliminary review will be invited to participate in an entrance exam to portray their skills with a live drawing and painting demonstration.

Graduation Requirement

  • Students must complete all the required credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to graduate.

Curriculum Overview

The MFA in Fine Art is a 65-credit program that includes instruction in painting techniques with a deep investigation into the field of aesthetics.

Area Credits
Studio Core Requirements 55
Electives 10
Total Required Credits for Graduation 65

Curriculum Details

The table below presents the curriculum breakdown for the MFA in Fine Art program.

Code Course Title Credits Prerequisite(s)
Studio Core Requirements (55 cr)
ARH501A Aesthetics I: Ancient to Neoclassicism 3 None
ARH501B Aesthetics I: Ancient to Neoclassicism 3 ARH501A
ARH611A Aesthetics II: Modern to Postmodernism 3 ARH501B
ARH611B Aesthetics II: Modern to Postmodernism 3 ARH611A
ADR531 Advanced Figure Drawing I 3 None
ADR532 Advanced Figure Drawing II 3 ADR531
ADR535 Advanced Figure Painting I 4 ADR532
ADR536 Advanced Figure Painting II 4 ADR535
ADR633R Advanced Figure Painting III 6 ADR536
FOC751R Self-Directed Study I: Research 6 None
ADR521 Painting Material and Techniques 3 None
ADR641R Composition and Design 6 None
FOR781R Self-Directed Study II: Presentation 8 FOC751R
Electives (10 cr)
ART535 Color and Landscape 3 None
ART532 Structural Anatomy & Ecorche 3 None
ART572 Illustration 3 None
ART661 Professional Development 2 None
ARH673 Chinese Painting Culture 3 None
Total Required Credits for Graduation 65

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