Program Overview

Program Overview

The MFA in Studio Art program, offered through the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts, emphasizes intensive studio practice, creative collaboration, formal and informal mentorships, and rigorous academic discourse through an interdisciplinary studio art curriculum. During this two-year program, students join a vibrant and supportive community committed to making art that shapes our global society and collective future.

Program Details

• School/Department: School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts
• Program Director: Laurel Nakadate
• Location: Boston SMFA Campus
• Format: On-campus
• Commitment Options: Full-time
• Average Duration: 2 years
• Credits: 68
• Tuition per Credit: $1565
• Eligible for Aid/Scholarship: Yes

Program Outcomes

As an MFA student, you'll develop your studio practice with the support of faculty and fellow students with deep engagements and expertise across disciplines and mediums. You'll work closely with faculty and staff to develop a personalized studio curriculum, and will have access to resources across Tufts. MFA students take part in seminars that explore a variety of subjects within contemporary art, and critiques and Review Boards serve as a crucial driving force in the growth and transformation of your practice.

Optional Concentration in Museum Studies

You may choose to apply to the Master of Fine Arts program with an optional concentration in Museum Studies. With this option, the Museum Studies certificate program's five courses (two required, three electives) will count toward a student's non-studio course requirements for the MFA program.

Application Requirements

In addition to the general application requirements, the program requires the following supplemental information:

• Portfolio: All applicants are required to submit a visual art portfolio consisting 10-20 images of recent work and/or up to 10 minutes of time-based work.
• Resume/CV: This should include exhibitions and awards, as well as professional experiences and related activities, such as research.
• Personal Statement: The essay should not exceed three pages and should address the following questions:
  • Tell us about your most recent/current art work.
  • What would you identify as important artistic and intellectual influences on your art work? In addition to artists, this might also include writers, scientists, theorists, and other cultural producers.
  • In what ways do you hope to expand and further your art practice at SMFA at Tufts?
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores, if applicable. A minimum TOEFL score of 90 (iBT), IELTS score of 6.5, or Duolingo score of 100 is required for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Jan 15 Priority Deadline. Reviewed on a rolling basis through April 15 (international) and August 1 (domestic) on a space available basis.
• Spring: n/a
• Summer: n/a

Faculty

The faculty at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts includes:

• Laurel Nakadate
• Qais Assali
• Claudia Valladao de Mattos Avolese
• Silvia Bottinelli
• Cristobal Cea
• Kate Conlon
• Bonnie Donohue
• Joel Frenzer
• Emily Gephart
• Riccardo Giacconi
• Charles Goss
• Angelina Gualdoni
• Eulogio Guzman
• Nate Harrison
• Patte Loper
• Megan Mcmillan
• Rick Moody
• Neda Moridpour
• Rachelle Mozman
• Ng'endo Mukii
• Ethan Murrow
• Lauren O'connor Korb
• Jieun Lee
• Pamela Pecchio
• Kurt Ralske
• Kendall Reiss
• Leslie Rogers
• Jennifer Schmidt
• Jean Simms
• Michael Smoot
• Mary Ellen Strom
• Tina Wasserman
• Chantal Zakari

Career Outcomes

• Average Salary: $80K+
• Average Age: 28

Related Programs

• Art - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Studio Art
• Museum Studies
• Art Education