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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Art Studies | Arts Administration | Fine Arts
Area of study
Arts
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Master of Arts in Studio Art

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Studio Art program at the University at Albany is designed to help students develop their visual art practice within an engaged community of peers. The program uses intensive and intellectually challenging discourses, encouraging students to create new, ground-breaking work.


Program of Study

The program is a 30-credit MA studio art program that can be completed in one year. Students will work to develop an impressive portfolio that can be used to apply for an MFA or other competitive residency program or to seek teaching credentials to become a K-12 educator.


The program offers a variety of seminars and practical studio work assignments across a range of styles, including:


  • Painting and Drawing
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture and Installation
  • Photography and Related Media

Students will have access to 24-hour private and semi-private studios, well-equipped common work areas, and state-of-the-art production facilities. At the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to share their thesis in the Boor Sculpture Studio with a reception that is open to the public.


Program Requirements

  • Area of specialization (12 credits): painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, photography, or combined media
  • Art 500 MA Seminar (3 credits)
  • Art 645 Thesis Exhibition (3 credits)
  • Drawing and Related Media (6 credits: Art 505A and 505B)
  • Art History Electives (3 credits of any 500 level course or above)
  • General electives (3 credits)

Career Outcomes

A master's degree in studio art prepares students for a career as a creator, critic, or curator. Alumni job titles include:


  • Photographer
  • Designer
  • Exhibiting artist
  • Commercial art director
  • Gallery director
  • Critic
  • Curator
  • Museum professional
  • K-12 educator

Admissions Requirements

  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals
  • Portfolio (please submit slides via: [removed])

Deadlines

  • Fall: February 15

Student Learning Objectives

  • Creating:
    • Students will have working knowledge of a variety of media, with an emphasis on drawing, that will help them succeed as elementary or secondary school teachers.
    • Students will produce a small body of work that begins to exhibit some overlapping thematic and conceptual concerns.
    • Students will demonstrate their proficiency with specific materials and techniques within a defined medium.
  • Interpreting:
    • Students will become familiar with the terms and goals of oral critique.
    • Students will have an introductory level ability to analyze their work and the work of others.
    • Students will demonstrate that they are able to utilize critical thinking skills in critique, to comprehend and apply basic visual and conceptual principles and to articulate a clear verbal presentation of aesthetic ideas.
  • Evaluating:
    • Students will possess an introductory level knowledge of contemporary art and a firm foundation of familiarity with art from the past.
    • Students will demonstrate their ability to judge relative merits and quality of artwork particularly within the context of historical art.
  • Presenting:
    • Students will demonstrate skills in preparing and installing works of art for the purposes of presenting in group critique.
    • Students will understand how to show their work to best advantage in a group exhibition.

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.


Supplemental programs available with this degree:


  • Africana Studies CGS
  • Community College Leadership CGS
  • Demography CGS
  • International Education Management CGS

Program Outline

It equips students with the knowledge and skills to create new, groundbreaking work through rigorous coursework and hands-on studio experience. The program emphasizes critical thinking within the context of contemporary art, enabling students to expand the complexity of their artistic practice.


Objectives:

  • Creating: Students will gain working knowledge of various media, particularly drawing, for success as K-12 art educators.
  • They will produce a cohesive body of work with overlapping thematic and conceptual concerns, demonstrating proficiency with specific materials and techniques within a chosen medium.
  • Interpreting: Students will be introduced to the terms and goals of oral critique, enabling them to analyze their own work and the work of others.
  • They will develop critical thinking skills for comprehending and applying basic visual and conceptual principles, and for articulating aesthetic ideas.
  • Evaluating: Students will gain an introductory level knowledge of contemporary art and a firm foundation in art history.
  • They will learn to judge the relative merits and quality of artwork, particularly within a historical context.
  • Presenting: Students will develop skills in preparing and installing artwork for group critique and exhibitions, showcasing their work to best advantage.

Outline:


Program Structure:

  • Areas of Specialization: Students choose a specific area of concentration – painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, photography, or combined media – where they will complete 12 credits of coursework.
  • Core Courses:
  • Art 500 MA Seminar (3 credits): This course delves into contemporary art discourse and critical theory.
  • Art 645 Thesis Exhibition (3 credits): Culminating experience where students develop and exhibit their thesis project.
  • Drawing and Related Media (6 credits): Intensive explorations in drawing techniques and concepts, split into two semesters (Art 505A and 505B).
  • Art History Electives: Students choose 3 credits of any 500 level or higher art history course.
  • General Electives: Students can choose an additional 3 credits of electives from any graduate-level course offered at the university.

Course Schedule:

  • The program offers a flexible schedule with courses available throughout the day and evening.
  • Specific course schedules are published each semester.

Individual Modules:

  • The specific modules within each area of specialization vary depending on faculty expertise and student interest.
  • Examples of potential modules include:
  • Painting: Advanced Painting Techniques, Figure Painting, Landscape Painting, Painting and Theory
  • Sculpture: Advanced Sculpture Techniques, Installation Art, Time-Based Media, Performance Art
  • Printmaking: Intaglio, Lithography, Screenprinting, Digital Printmaking
  • Drawing: Experimental Drawing, Narrative Drawing, Drawing and the Body, Drawing and the Urban Environment
  • Photography: Documentary Photography, Conceptual Photography, Alternative Photographic Processes, Digital Photography

Assessment:


Assessment Methods:

  • Ongoing assessment through studio critiques, individual meetings with faculty, and written assignments.
  • Final assessment of thesis project through a public exhibition and oral defense.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Evaluation of technical proficiency, conceptual depth, originality, and critical engagement with contemporary art discourse.

Teaching:


Teaching Methods:

  • A combination of lectures, seminars, studio practice, and individual tutorials.
  • Emphasis on critical discussion and individual mentorship.
  • Access to state-of-the-art studios and facilities.

Faculty:

  • Renowned faculty with expertise in diverse areas of contemporary art practice.
  • Dedicated to providing individualized attention and guidance to students.

Unique Approaches:

  • Emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
  • Strong focus on developing professional skills and career preparation.

Careers:


Career Paths:

  • Artist
  • Photographer
  • Designer
  • Exhibiting artist
  • Commercial art director
  • Gallery director
  • Critic
  • Curator
  • Museum professional
  • K-12 educator

Career Opportunities:

  • The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the arts, including studio practice, education, curating, criticism, and arts administration.
  • Graduates have gone on to exhibit their work nationally and internationally, secure positions in prestigious institutions, and pursue further academic studies.

Other:

  • The program offers a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for students to develop their artistic practice.
  • Students have access to a range of resources, including well-equipped studios, galleries, and a dedicated library.
  • The program is located in Albany, New York, a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene.
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Overview:

University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.


Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Advising:

    Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.

    Libraries:

    Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.

    Career Services:

    Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.

    Student Life:

    Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.

    Residential Life:

    Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.

    Dining:

    Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.

    Athletics:

    Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Diverse Academic Programs:

    The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.

    Strong Research Focus:

    The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.

    Commitment to Public Engagement:

    The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.

    Faculty Access:

    The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.

Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Undergraduate Programs:

    Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.

    Graduate Programs:

    A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.

    Online Learning:

    Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.

Other:

The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.

Total programs
265
Average ranking globally
#425
Average ranking in the country
#129
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


EU Home Students:


Academic record:

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art or closely related field, from an accredited college or university.


Grade Point Average (GPA):

A minimum 3.0 GPA from the last 60 semester hours/90 quarter hours of course work.


Statement of Goals:

Submit a well-written statement outlining career aspirations and goals, detailing how this program can help achieve them.


Portfolio:

Submission of a portfolio showcasing artistic works and creative talent relevant to the program (up to 20 images with descriptions on a single digital image file in JPEG or PNG format).


Letters of Recommendation:

Three strong letters of recommendation highlighting academic and creative abilities are necessary.


International Overseas Students:

All of the above requirements apply except for the following :


English Language Proficiency:

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores. Minimum TOEFL IBT score of 80 (including a score of 20 each in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking); or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS test, with no subscore below 6.0.


Language Proficiency Requirements:

International overseas students whose native language is not English must meet the below requirements:

  • Minimum TOEFL IBT score of 80 (including a score of 20 each in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) is required.
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