Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Students majoring in a studio area work with the Graduate Coordinator to choose the student's major professor. The Major Professor will work with the Graduate Coordinator to oversee the student's matriculation process and will serve as the chair of the student's Graduate Review Committee. The Graduate Review Committee is composed of three graduate faculty members, including the Major Professor.
Students entering the MFA degree program have probationary status during the first 15 semester hours of work. In the semester immediately following the completion of this 15-hour requirement (summer excepted), the student must pass the initial review for permission to continue in the program.
Candidates for the MFA degree must complete a minimum of 60 semester credit hours at the graduate level (only grades of "C" or better will count as hours toward graduation).
- 21 semester hours within studio specialization
- 12 semester hours of studio elective courses (may come from the specialization)
- 9 semester hours of studio critique
- 6 semester hours of art history class (one 500 level and one 600 level)
- 3 semester hours of academic elective (must be graduate level)
- 3 semester hours of general elective (must be graduate level, can be studio art or academic elective)
- 3 semester hours of pedagogy
- 3 semester hours of exhibition research
Awarding of the degree is contingent upon recommendation for graduation by the Graduate Review Committee after a final review of work submitted by each candidate.
Total hour requirements may be reduced for students who can apply credit from previous graduate work. Students are required to complete a minimum of two full-time semesters in residence.
The MFA exhibition, required of each student, is the culmination of the candidate's work in his/her studio discipline. The exhibition is a major show including an in-lieu-of-thesis statement and documentation of the work, which must be accompanied by an exhibition brochure. MFA exhibitions are usually held spring semester in the Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery in the Fine Arts Center, though exceptions can be made. The MFA exhibition must be approved by the Graduate Review Committee.