Program Overview

Introduction to the M.F.A. in Art Program

The M.F.A. in Art program at Penn State School of Visual Arts is designed for mature individuals who have sufficiently prepared for professional study in the field of art. The program emphasizes excellence in the study and production of visual art and cultural engagement, with a focus on preparing students to navigate the changing art world.

Program Overview

The M.F.A. in Art program requires a minimum of 60 credits to earn the degree. Of the 60 credits required for graduation, candidates are expected to complete:

• 30 credits in a major area of concentration
• 12 credits in art history and critical studies
• 10 credits in related areas
• 8 credits in graduate seminar

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the M.F.A. in Art program, applicants must:

• Have a minimum of 12 credits of art history at the undergraduate level
• Have a minimum 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale)
• Submit a portfolio of their work to illustrate their preparation for graduate study
• Submit a statement of professional aims
• Provide three letters of reference attesting to their scholarship and ability to work independently

Degree Requirements

The M.F.A. in Art program requires completion of a minimum of 60 credits at the 400, 500, or 800 level, with a minimum of 24 credits at the 500 level. Students must also pass a candidacy review, submit an artist's statement, pass the M.F.A. comprehensive oral examination, and produce an M.F.A. exhibition.

Concentrations

The M.F.A. in Art program offers concentrations in:

• Ceramics
• Drawing and Painting
• Graphic Design
• Digital Arts and New Media
• Photography
• Sculpture

Ceramics

The Ceramics concentration provides students with the tools needed to find and pursue their artistic vision in a professional manner. The program teaches traditional ceramics techniques, including clay mixing, hand-building, wheel throwing, mold making, slip casting, glazing, and kiln firing.

Drawing and Painting

The Drawing and Painting area is dedicated to an inter-disciplinary, pluralistic, and multimedia approach to art making. The program encourages theoretical and personal inquiry into all forms of art, while maintaining the practice of painting as a cultural site from which critical thinking about art can commence.

Graphic Design

The M.F.A. in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design is jointly supported by the Department of Graphic Design in the Stuckeman School and the School of Visual Arts. The program prepares students to shape and lead the world in which we live through thoughtful, collaborative, and innovative solutions to complex design problems.

Digital Arts and New Media

The M.F.A. in Art with a concentration in Digital Arts and New Media focuses on the creation, authoring, and exhibition of animated, interactive, and time-based media along with computationally driven work. The program provides students with space for intensive self-initiated investigations, artistic production, critical analysis, reflection, and evaluation.

Photography

The Photography concentration has a fine arts focus and offers an articulated introduction to the breadth and depth of photography as a medium of creative and critical cultural production. The program is designed to equip students with a range of conceptual and technical skills and knowledge that will enable them to create photographic works of art that contribute to contemporary issues in cultural production.

Sculpture

The Sculpture concentration is dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach to building and thinking, one that celebrates Sculpture's traditional heritage and forward-thinking position. The program provides diverse conceptual and technical experiences to prepare individuals for professional careers in sculpture.

Conclusion

The M.F.A. in Art program at Penn State School of Visual Arts is a world-class program that provides students with the tools and support needed to grow as artists and prepare for a career in the field. With a range of concentrations and a focus on excellence in the study and production of visual art and cultural engagement, the program is ideal for mature individuals who are prepared to undertake professional study in the field of art.