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.