Program Overview
Through studio practice, art history research, and faculty mentorship, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in the arts. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for exhibition, teaching, and other roles in the arts community.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) program at Colorado State University (CSU) is designed to foster excellence in artistic inquiry and achievement. The program offers concentrations in Drawing, Fibers, Graphic Design, Metalsmithing and Jewelry, Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture. It is the most comprehensive visual arts program in the Rocky Mountain West and one of the largest academic departments at CSU. The program emphasizes a close working relationship between students and nationally recognized faculty, who guide a wide range of research and experimentation in studio media. The curriculum integrates studio practice with research in art history and contemporary discourse surrounding art, craft, and design. Graduate students gain experience exhibiting their work and giving presentations at regional and national venues, preparing them for successful careers in the arts.
Outline:
The M.F.A. program requires a minimum of 60 credits and is structured as follows:
Required Courses:
- Area of Study: Students must select one course from each of the following categories:
- Studio Problems: ART 575A-G (19 credits)
- Studio Problems: ART 675A-G (29 credits)
- Independent Study: ART 695A-H (33 credits)
- Thesis: ART 699A-G (49 credits)
- Studio Seminar: ART 696I Group Study: Multiple Media (56 credits)
- Art History:
- ART 510Q Advanced Study in Art History: Contemporary Art and Art Critics (3 credits)
- ART 592 Art History Seminar (3 credits)
- Select 6 credits from ART 510A-P (Advanced Study in Art History)
Department List Electives:
- Students must select a minimum of 12 credits from the following, with at least 9 credits in studio courses:
- Studio Elective Options: ART 435-471 (12 credits)
- Other Elective Options in the Department of Art and Art History: ART 495A-K, ART 496A-K, ART 510A-P, ART 684, ART 695A-H, ART 696I (0-6 credits)
Elective Options Outside the Department of Art and Art History:
- Students must select a minimum of 3 credits from courses at the 300-level or higher from any department other than Art and Art History, with advisor approval.
Course Schedule:
- First Year:
- Select a minimum of 9 credits in studio courses over two semesters.
- Take ART 696I Group Study: Multiple Media.
- Select a minimum of 9 credits in the student's area of study.
- Second Year:
- Select a minimum of 9 credits in studio courses over two semesters.
- Take ART 696I Group Study: Multiple Media.
Teaching:
The program emphasizes a close working relationship between students and nationally recognized faculty. Students engage in a wide range of research and experimentation in studio media, guided by faculty expertise.
Careers:
Alumni of the program exhibit their work nationally and internationally, teach at schools and universities, and are active in the arts community. They also work as designers, contribute to conferences and arts publications, and work with arts organizations.
Other:
The program encourages students to view the M.F.A.
