Master of Fine Arts in Art
Program Overview
Master of Fine Arts in Art
The Master of Fine Arts program in Art provides a dynamic interdisciplinary environment within which students are encouraged to develop their creative practice as professional artists. The School of Art has facilities for printmaking, painting and drawing, sculpture, photography, textiles, digital media, and emerging technology, and ceramics. MFA students have access to all of the School of Art facilities as well as individual and communal MFA studio workspaces.
Admission to Program
Applications for the master of fine arts in art program are accepted October 1 through February 1 for admission the following fall semester. Late applications will not be accepted.
Application Procedures
- Apply online through Cal State Apply for a Graduate Program.
- Pay the $55 USD application fee online by credit card at the moment you submit your application.
- Upload copies of transcripts from every college or university attended, including study abroad coursework, community college coursework even if transfer credit appears on your degree transcript.
- If an International Applicant, TOEFL Scores of 550 or better or Internet-Based Test TOEFL Scores of 80 or better are required, taken within two (2) years of the semester you wish to attend.
Program Application Requirements
- An undergraduate art degree or equivalent preparatory degree, with three units of contemporary art history taken within the last five years.
- A 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 units completed in an undergraduate degree.
- M.F.A. admissions application.
M.F.A. Admissions Application Requirements
- Current Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Creative Work Portfolio
- Written statement
- Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
Transfer of Credit for Previous Graduate Work
All transfer of credit must be approved on a course-by-course basis by a graduate advisor, the graduate coordinator and the Office of Graduate Studies. A maximum of 12 units total may be transferred towards credit for the master of fine arts in art degree.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Able to produce professional creative work generate a cohesive body of work.
- Sophisticated understanding of a range of visual art practices.
- Able to discuss historic, cultural, and contemporary theory related to their own creative work.
- Must demonstrate commitment to a career in art and potential to grow artistically.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
All students in graduate programs at SF State must demonstrate Level One (entry) and Level Two (exit) writing proficiency in accordance with university, departmental, and or programmatic guidelines.
Completion of the Degree
To complete the M.F.A., students must satisfy all University and Department requirements. Department requirements are described in detail in the M.F.A. General Information Brochure.
Art (M.F.A.) 60 units
Studio Requirements (30 units)
- ART 704: Interdisciplinary Critique Seminar (repeated for a total of 12 units)
- ART 709: Studio Research and Practice Seminar
- ART 780: Art Processes and Practices: Visiting Artists and Scholars (repeated once per semester for a total of 6 units)
- ART 882: Tutorial in Studio (repeated for a total of 6 units)
- ART 894: Creative Work Project
Studio Electives (9 units)
Nine units by advisement. Suggested courses:
- ART 704: Interdisciplinary Critique Seminar
- ART 709: Studio Research and Practice Seminar
- ART 780: Art Processes and Practices: Visiting Artists and Scholars
- ART 882: Tutorial in Studio
- Any undergraduate studio art course(s)
Academic Requirements (12 units)
- ARTH 700: Seminar in Art History: Theory, Criticism, and Practice
- ARTH 701: Special Topics in Art History
- ART 706: MFA Writing and Research Seminar
- ART 789: Professional Practices for Visual Artists
Academic Electives (9 units)
Nine units by advisement may be taken in any department and may include additional academic art history courses/seminars in theory, criticism, history, and directed experience.