May 01, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Art, M.F.A.


The Master of Fine Arts is the terminal degree in studio art. Students who earn the M.F.A. will be able to show a substantial body of work of uniformly high quality and distinct originality. The student will also have an intellectual grasp of the broad context, historical and current, within which the artist functions. The degree program is designed to comprise a two-year focused period of study, terminating with the M.F.A. qualifying exhibition and oral exam.

Graduate-level study is offered in painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, digital/hybrid media, robotics, video and photography. These are not so narrowly defined as to preclude development between media or diverse experimentation within disciplines. A goal of the graduate program of the Division of Art is to encourage a wide range of thought in its students, primarily through open, studio-based investigation. It is expected that the student will clearly state the course of study he or she intends to pursue. Admission is based on the selection committee’s estimation of the applicant’s ability to succeed in the stated field of specialty. This plan may be altered should the work evolve in a manner that necessitates a change.

Degree Requirements


A minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework is required. All courses taken in the division must be numbered 5000 or above. Forty eight (48) credit hours are to be clearly related to the major field of study. Nine (9) hours of graduate-level art history, theory, criticism and the humanities are required. Approval for courses outside of art history must be obtained from the graduate adviser. All students participate in the Studio Graduate Seminar (ASAG 6300 ) each semester.

Only grades of B- and above may apply toward the degree. Meadows School of the Arts ordinarily will approve no more than six credit hours of transferred credit. Petitions for exceptions may be filed with the dean after the student is enrolled at SMU.

Upon entering the graduate program, candidates will be given, by the graduate adviser, a thorough outline of the expectations a graduate student will meet.

Total: 60 Credit Hours


Notes:

  • Courses at or above the 5000 level in individual disciplines may count toward the graduate studio course (ASAG) requirement.
  • Study in other academic departments may be substituted. Approval for courses outside of art history must be obtained from the graduate adviser.