Program Overview
MFA in Art Program Overview
The University of Oregon's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for serious and engaged art practice. Challenged by new methods of experimentation and a critical understanding of historical and contemporary context, students will pursue an informed, independent practice, specific to their intentions and sensibilities.
Program Structure
The MFA program is a three-year period of rigorous studio investigation, critical discourse, and conceptual development. Emphasis is given to developing a course of study tailored to the student's needs, while encouraging exploration and risk-taking. The program supports a thorough engagement with the processes and principles that are fundamental to the discipline, as well as an informed awareness of issues and practices within the larger art community.
Faculty and Mentorship
Students will have contact with faculty members from other media areas and disciplines through graduate reviews, independent mentorship, and interdisciplinary coursework. The faculty members are practicing, professional artists who are nationally and internationally recognized, frequently featured in exhibits and publications, and committed to both practice and teaching.
Curriculum
The Master of Fine Arts curriculum is designed to provide both interdisciplinary discourse and disciplinary depth. Across the program, graduate students have coursework in common through classes such as graduate critique, issues and practices, theory and history seminars, and special topics courses. The diverse faculty has a broad range of research interests, and students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty towards particular areas of specialization.
Disciplinary Depth and Interdisciplinary Thinking
The curriculum provides a balance between disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary thinking, allowing students to develop a thorough understanding of their chosen medium while also exploring connections with other disciplines.
Studios, Fabrication, and Technology
Each MFA candidate receives a studio space and access to a broad scope of facilities and fabrication and technology resources. MFA candidates have access to many specialized tools and equipment across the department, school, and university, including all media area labs and shops, large-format inkjet printers, a CNC milling machine, laser cutters, video and photographic equipment, 3D printers, RISO digital duplicators, and more.
Degree Requirements
The MFA program requires a minimum of 90 credits (54 must be graduate level) over three years. The minimum residence requirement is nine consecutive terms of full-time enrollment, not including summer session.
- Graduate Critique (ART 612) twice/year (5 terms): 15 Credits
- Two graduate-level History of Art and Architecture (ARH) courses; one course must be in contemporary art: 8 Credits
- One art theory and criticism seminar: 4 Credits
- Issues & Practices (ART 590; one course each year): 9 Credits
- Terminal Creative Project MFA (ART 609): 18 Credits
- Graduate Studio, six courses in first two years: 24 Credits
- One writing course: 3 Credits
- Additional art credits: 9 Credits
A minimum of 24 credits must be graded with a grade of B or better, including:
- Participation in at least two graduate reviews
- Public exhibition of the MFA terminal projects and final review with the terminal project committee
- Terminal creative project report
Grad Review and Open Studios
Twice each academic year, MFA candidates open their studios to faculty, invited guests, and the University community at-large. This event brings MFA candidates outside perspectives and the opportunity to have a cross-disciplinary review of their work. The process focuses on a critique of finished work, works-in-progress, and new ideas. Each student review panel includes Department of Art faculty members and outside reviewers.