Program Overview

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Studio Arts M.F.A.

The master of fine arts (M.F.A.) degree program in studio arts emphasizes experimentation in the creation of innovative modes of artistic production.

Degree Programs

• Studio Arts M.F.A.
• Illustration B.F.A.
• Studio Arts B.F.A.
• Studio Arts B.S.
• Illustration M.F.A.

Program Overview

Our M.F.A. brings together faculty and students to take part in the creation and discussion of contemporary art through seminars, studio visits with national and international visiting artists, distinguished faculty, cross-disciplinary critiques, and diverse academic courses Syracuse University has to offer.

As an art school within a research university, our emphasis is on the creation of innovative modes of artistic production. Offering both a two-year and three-year program, our curriculum affords the opportunity to work within one of our nationally recognized areas or across disciplines, enabling graduate candidates to develop a course of study specific to their research goals.

We offer merit-based tuition scholarships. Students with exceptional academic standing maintain scholarship during the two or three-year degree candidacy.

Program Highlights

Curriculum

The 60-credit curriculum includes seminar courses, graduate critique, and studio intensives/electives. Length of residency is two to three years.

Semester Residency Program

Focused on the development of studio/creative practices and the essential professional skills required of today’s contemporary artist, the semester residency program immerses students in internationally recognized arts centers.

Facilities

Graduates are provided a studio as well as access to over 70,000 square feet of shared facilities and shops within studio intensive areas.

Exhibition Opportunities

With a dedicated graduate-run gallery, Random Access, M.F.A. candidates have opportunities to exhibit and take part in the curation of work as well as reach beyond the campus into the community. An M.F.A. thesis exhibition is held each year in the New York City area and in Syracuse at VPA’s Warehouse Gallery.

Teaching and Research Grants

The studio arts program offers over 20 teaching opportunities a year for graduate students. We offer instructional associate and area jobs working alongside faculty and staff managing School of Art facilities.

Our program’s Creative Opportunity Grants support graduate research and professional development.

Program Faculty

• Peter Beasecker
• Sharif Bey
• Adrienne Dagg
• Susan D’Amato
• Deborah Dohne
• Meris Drew
• Dusty Herbig
• Margie Hughto
• Joanna Spitzner
• Sam Van Aken
• Ekaterina Vanovskaya
• Chris Wildrick
• Errol Willett
• Robert Wysocki

Areas of Research

In developing individual practices, students draw upon areas of focus and faculty expertise.

Ceramics

In ceramics, artists pursue study in pottery, sculpture, tile mosaics, and other areas of interest. Our faculty, facilities, and resources encourage and accommodate experimentation with a variety of traditional and non-traditional approaches.

Drawing

Drawing practices in the School of Art seek to redefine the materiality of drawing at a time when digital technologies dominate visual communication.

Painting

The painting intensive’s long history at Syracuse University demonstrates a steady and deep commitment to the practice of painting, a discipline that is as relevant now as ever.

Print Media and Graphic Art

The print media and graphic art area is a leader in the field of academic printmaking.

Sculpture

Diversity and interaction are the cornerstones of our internationally recognized sculpture intensive in our studio arts program.

Interdisciplinary Practice

As stated above, our studio arts M.F.A. curriculum gives students the opportunity to work within one of our nationally recognized areas or across disciplines, enabling graduate candidates to develop a course of study specific to their research goals.