Program Overview

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Introduction to the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in art and design. The school is committed to fostering critical thinking and dynamic artistic production in an interdisciplinary environment.

Undergraduate Programs

The school offers the following undergraduate programs:

• Bachelor of Arts in Art, Concentration in Art History
• Bachelor of Arts in Art, Concentration in Studio
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio, with concentrations in:
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing & Painting
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Textiles

Graduate Programs

The school offers the following graduate programs:

• Master of Art Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching, Art Education
• Master of Fine Arts in Studio, with concentrations in:
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing & Painting
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Textiles

Program Details: Drawing and Painting, M.F.A.

The Master of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting is a 72-semester-hour program that supports artists who explore unique approaches to the creative endeavor and who transcend boundaries. The faculty encourages innovative and original ideas.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the M.F.A. degree must submit:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Portfolio
• Unofficial transcript from all other schools attended
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• The online portion of the application

Curriculum

The curriculum ensures a comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various faculty approaches to media, content, imagery, and teaching styles. Students are encouraged to explore the traditions of printmaking as well as drawing and painting, and to work in pursuit of new forms and with contemporary issues.

Funding Opportunities

The school offers a range of funding opportunities, including scholarships and full funding for M.F.A. candidates. The majority of students receive scholarships or full funding for their master's degree journey.

Goals and Outcomes

Goals and outcomes upon completion of the M.F.A. program include:

• Ensuring comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives
• Encouraging multidisciplinary approaches with other studio areas
• Developing pedagogical skills and strategies with teaching assistantships
• Preparing students for a professional arts career through development workshops

Careers

The graduate programs at the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design prepare students for competitive careers in contemporary art, art education, design, and art entrepreneurship. Career paths include graphic, interior, and Web designers, multimedia artists, curators, gallery directors, museum and non-profit arts managers, art administrators, K-12 art teachers, art educators, art historians, and writers.

Research and Creative Activity Support

The school offers support for research and creative activity, including:

• URSA (Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity)
• Human Subjects (IRB)
• Individual Award Routing Form
• Internal Grants
• Provost's Faculty Fellowships

Faculty Resources

The school provides resources for faculty, including:

• Financial Forms, Waivers, Access, and Contracts
• Studio & Lab Safety Manuals
• COTA Faculty Grant Data

Campus and Facilities

The school is located on the Atlanta Campus of Georgia State University. Facilities include:

• Creative Media Center
• Student Resources
• Advising
• Creative Media Industries Institute
• EX LAB
• Library Visual Arts Collection
• Art Librarian
• University Library

Conclusion

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in art and design. The school is committed to fostering critical thinking and dynamic artistic production in an interdisciplinary environment, and provides support for research and creative activity, as well as resources for faculty and students.