The three-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program is studio based and research focused with an emphasis on creative practice, interdisciplinarity, community engagement, and professional development. Each MFA candidate is provided with private studio space with 24-hour access and approved access to department studio labs. Throughout the program students conduct practice and text-based research, presenting their work in studio visits, exhibitions, MFA Open Studios, and group critique with faculty, peers, visiting artists, curators, scholars, and community members. The full cohort consists of 10 to 12 candidates, with the department admitting three to four new students each year.

By the end of the three-year program, each MFA candidate will have developed a significant body of creative work and possess a critical awareness of their art within a broad and diverse context of contemporary culture, art, design, history, and theory. The program culminates in a public solo thesis project at the Donna Beam Gallery their final semester. Our MFA Art alumni go on to exhibit, curate, write, teach, and work as cultural producers.

All applicants are encouraged to apply for graduate assistantships during the application process. Graduate assistantship packages include $21,000 stipends, tuition waivers, and healthcare insurance. Offers for graduate assistantships are contingent on the submitted application and portfolio.